This information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition. Exención de responsabilidad en Español | Complete disclaimer
The BRAT diet is used to treat diarrhea in children who eat solid foods. Diarrhea in children and babies has many causes, including illness, infection, and food sensitivity. Diarrhea may be caused or worsened by what the child eats or drinks. Changing the diet for a few days may help.
BRAT stands for:
These foods are low in fiber. Other foods like this are crackers, cooked cereals, and pasta. Other easily digested foods include yogurt or eggs. Avoid giving your child foods or liquids with high sugar content. Do not give your child carbonated soft drinks, some juices, like apple or pear juice, gelatin desserts or presweetened cereals. High sugar content can make your child's diarrhea worse.
In addition to these foods, give babies and children lots of clear fluids for the first 24 to 72 hours. Give babies under 1 year of age Kao Lectrolyte or Pedialyte. For children older than 1 year, give water, diluted Kool-Aid or diluted Gatorade as the main fluids. Fluid is very important because it is easy for a child with diarrhea to become dehydrated. Dehydration is very serious in babies and young children.
A BRAT diet is usually not used for more than 1 to 3 days. As stools become more formed, your child can return to a normal diet. Slowly begin adding other types of food. Foods high in fiber such as raw fruits and vegetables, should be added last.
Contact your child's provider if diarrhea starts within 1 week of a trip outside of the US or after a camping trip. The diarrhea may be due to bacteria or parasites and may need to be treated with medicine.
