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quizzes experts
If you've chosen to bottlefeed, you'll want to choose
the best formula for your child--a regular formula or perhaps soy
or a hydrolysate variety. Learn what to look for and how to prepare
and use it safely.
experts
What
can I feed her when she has diarrhea or thick stools?
Q:
My 7-month-old had diarrhea for a week, so the doctor changed her
formula from Similac to Isomil. Now her stools are too thick and she
is having trouble passing them. I'm afraid she will get hemorrhoids.
A: In general, soy formulas tend to produce firmer stools than other
formulas, so they can be a great choice during a bout with diarrhea.
In fact, there is a soy formula called Isomil DF that I think is a
particularly nice formula during diarrhea because of the extra fiber.
There are many
things that can cause diarrhea. For short-term problems, the most
common causes are GI viruses. All kids get them from time to time
and the diarrhea lasts for an average of seven days or so. After the
diarrhea, you usually switch back to the regular formula. If the stools
remain too firm, then giving your child 4 to 6 ounces of juice a day
(especially apple or prune) will sometimes loosen the stools.
You can also
adjust the foods she eats, such as decreasing rice and bananas and
increasing peas, pears, peaches, plums, or prunes. Sometimes kids
need something even stronger, such as a half a teaspoon of unprocessed
bran in their food.
If the stools
don't return to normal soon, you may want to have your daughter checked
to be sure there isn't something else going on, such as a food allergy.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
