What to feed a child with diarrhea?- That’s the first thing many mums have asked in our community. Most of the time they are panicked, exhausted, clutching a half-eaten banana and frantically typing, praying for a response.
Infact one time a mum said “I haven’t given him anything today except pap water. Someone said I should let his stomach rest. But now he’s weak and crying. Please help!”
If you have ever been in her shoes, just know you are not alone. One of the most common feeding mistakes during diarrhea is withholding food out of fear.
It feels logical, If food is going in and coming out quickly, shouldn’t we stop feeding?
But here is the truth. The gut does not need rest. It needs repair. And food is part of that healing.
What to Feed a Child with Diarrhea: 5 Safe and Soothing Tips
1. Do Not Stop Food. Just Change the Type.
Your child’s gut is irritated, not broken. So instead of skipping meals, serve simple, soft, easy-to-digest foods like pap, egusi soup, ewedu or even rice cereal. These still provide energy and nutrients, without irritating your child’s gut more.
Now this is not the time for pepper stew, fried plantain, or flavored yoghurt!. Keep it simple and bland.
2. Try the BRAM Rule.
Forget the BRAT diet. In our kitchen, we go with BRAM (Banana. Rice. Acha. Millet (like in tom brown without milk). These are gentle, starchy foods that help firm up stool, soothe the gut, and keep your child going.
You can also serve: boiled white yam or soft ripe plantain (boiled or steamed). These low-fiber carbs are easy on the stomach and keep energy levels up.
3. Add Small Proteins, Healthy Fats in Moderation.
Diarrhea causes loss of nutrients, not just water. The body needs protein and fat to rebuild. Include a little boiled egg yolk, plain lightly seasoned chicken/biscuit bone, mashed soft fish or chicken, cooked liver, a small spoon of unsalted butter or oil in pap or rice.
This ensures that whatever your child might have lost during the traumatic loose stool phase is quickly replenished.
4. What About Fruits?
Fruits are fine, but choose the right ones. Your best picks are: banana, pawpaw, soursop, golden melon or apples (lightly steamed).
They are soft, hydrating, and help with digestion. Avoid juices and acidic fruits like citrus, pineapple, or raw mango. These can make things worse.
5. Hydration is Not Optional.
Water alone is not enough. Your child needs to replace lost salts and sugars (electrolytes) too. So make sure to offer: Oral rehydration salts (ORS), oat milk (soak, blend and sieve), coconut water/milk, Blended cucumbers + baobab fruit powder.
Offer small sips often, even if your child is not asking for it. Dehydration can happen quickly and quietly and it’s EXTREMELY dangerous.
The Bottom Line is you do not starve a sick gut. You feed it back to strength with gentle, consistent, and smart choices. Because the goal is not just to stop the diarrhea, it is to nourish the child back to good health.
