A Simple BRAT Diet For Toddlers:
Taking care of a sick child can be very frustrating. Not only are children unable to tell you what is wrong with them but they can become very ill in a short time. Infants and toddlers are more prone to sudden illness than older children. For this reason it is imperative that small children that become ill with the flu or stomach bug receive the right treatment. High temperatures and frequent vomiting will cause dehydration in a small child within hours. When the stomach is involved it is hard for toddlers to eat or drink. Depending on the age of the child, offering fluids and use of the Brat diet is often suggested by the pediatrician.
The BRAT diet has been recommended as the number one home treatment for small children suffering with stomach issues. BRAT (B.R.A.T.) diet stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Used for years to help those recovering with an upset stomach, it has proven to be well tolerated. This bland, low-fiber diet seems to help infants and toddlers reintroduce solid foods into their ailing digestive system.
Following the BRAT diet can help stomach problems for some medically sound reasons. Low fiber foods that have binding properties, help the stools to firm up. This is important when diarrhea has been an issue for days. Nutrients are lost during vomiting and bouts of diarrhea. Potassium is just one of those frequently lost nutrients. The bananas in the BRAT diet help to replace the potassium in the body.
Older children and toddlers alike can be fussy eaters even in the best of times. A sick child can bring this out causing great frustration to moms or caregivers. It is best to remember that keeping what is offered to the child on the bland side. Some extensions to the BRAT diet are the BRATY diet. This is thus named because of the addition of yogurt to the list of BRAT diet foods. The BRATY diet would suggest bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and yogurt. Another one is called the BRATT diet. It consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and tea. That would be the addition of sugarless tea as sugary foods eaten too soon after the symptoms have stopped, can cause the upset to return.
Transition back to a normal diet slowly after the stomach symptoms have stopped. Continue on a bland diet for the next couple of days. During this time, try to avoid dairy products, fried or greasy foods, rich desserts, raw foods, citrus and caffeinated drinks. The addition of these foods too early in recovery can renew the symptoms.
During the time of illness, remember to frequently offer water or ice chips to avoid dehydration. Pedialyte can help replace the lost electrolytes. It comes in a variety of flavors to entice the child to drink. Stomach viruses can get out of hand quickly in small children. Remember to contact your pediatrician if the diarrhea last for more than 3 days, the temperature reaches 102 or above, urine output stops or the child cries with no tears. Follow these few rules when dealing with infant, toddler stomach issues and your child will recover in haste.