Question
A five-month-old baby has been experiencing vomiting and diarrhea since yesterday, with up to nine episodes of diarrhea in a day. The parents are worried whether they need to give medication and how to choose appropriate foods.
Answer
For infants, maintaining a balanced diet is still important during diarrhea, whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Parents should note that during the recovery period of the baby’s gastrointestinal function, eating should follow the principle of small meals more frequently and gradually from thin to thick. Moreover, since diarrhea may lead to mild dehydration, it is first important to ensure that the baby replenishes the lost fluids.