Constipation, Diarrhea, and Vomiting in Babies and Toddlers: What’s Normal and What Helps

Written by Michelle Shiffman, MD, Pediatrician & Advisor at Bébé Foodie

 

If you have ever found yourself googling “Is this normal?” while holding a child with a very upset tummy, you are not alone.

Constipation, diarrhea and vomiting are some of the most common (and stressful) reasons parents reach out to pediatricians.

Here is the reassuring news. Most tummy troubles in babies and toddlers are temporary. Many can be gently supported at home with simple, nourishing strategies.

Let’s walk through what helps, what foods to lean on (and which ones to pause), how to keep hydration up, yes popsicles count, and when it is time to check in with your pediatrician.

Baby and toddler constipation: What it looks like and gentle ways to help

Constipation is one of the most common concerns I see in the clinic. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about one in every twenty pediatric visits is related to constipation. It often shows up during periods of transition such as starting solids, potty training, travel illness or changes in routine.

Constipation is defined more by stool consistency and discomfort than by how often a child poops. A child who poops every day but strains with hard, painful stools may be constipated and a baby who goes several days between poops but has soft stools can be completely normal.

Constipation can be uncomfortable and surprisingly emotional for both children and their caregivers.

Foods that may help relieve constipation in babies and toddlers

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends focusing on fiber-rich foods paired with enough fluids to keep stools soft.

Fiber-rich foods many families find helpful

• “P” fruits: pears, prunes, peaches, plums, papaya
  

• Oatmeal or barley
  

• Ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed into yogurt or oatmeal
  

• Beans and lentils that are soft and well cooked
  

• Smoothies made with fruit and water or milk
  
  

Foods that can sometimes slow things down

No single food caused constipation, but balance matters. Some foods may contribute when eaten in large amounts:

• Large amounts of cheese or milk
  

• Bananas (especially under-ripe)
  

• Excessive refined grains such as white crackers or plain pasta
  
  

These foods do not need to be avoided completely. Adjusting portions and increasing variety is often enough.

Simple at-home support for baby constipation

Many babies naturally space out bowel movements around one to two months of age while still having soft stools. Although this is not technically constipation, it can still cause discomfort and worry.

Gentle techniques you might try

• Tummy time to increase natural abdominal pressure
  

• Bicycling the legs slowly
  

• Gentle clockwise belly massage
  

• Warm baths
  
  

When toddlers hold stool: Why it happens and how to support them

For toddlers and older children, constipation often has a behavioral component. Busy toddlers may hold stool because they do not want to stop playing or because they remember a painful bowel movement.

Helpful strategies include:

• Scheduled toilet sitting once or twice a day, especially after meals when the body’s natural gastrocolic reflex is strongest
  

• No pressure to poop. Sitting is enough
  

• Feet supported with a stool for better positioning
  

• Minimal distractions and skipping screens
  
  

Predictable routines and a calm approach are often more helpful than pressure.

Diarrhea in babies and toddlers: What helps and how to prevent dehydration

Diarrhea is messy, exhausting, and incredibly common. It is most often caused by a virus. It can also occur after diet changes, antibiotics, or mild food intolerances.

Signs of dehydration in babies and toddlers to watch for

First priority: hydration.

Loose stools can lead to fluid loss quickly, especially in babies and toddlers. Preventing dehydration is the most important goal. Some families find it reassuring to explore a bit more on when it’s time to reach out to your pediatrician — especially on those tougher sick days — like in our post on caring for a sick baby and when to call your doctor.

Easy hydration ideas for sick babies and toddlers

Helpful hydration options include:

• Breast milk or formula. Continue if your baby is taking it.
  

• Oral rehydration solutions such as pedialyte
  

• Smoothies with banana, yogurt, and oats, thinned enough to sip
  

• Popsicles made from diluted juice or oral rehydration solution
  
  

Yes, popsicles count. They are cold, soothing and often more appealing than a cup. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports their use as an effective way to get fluids in when kids refuse other liquids.

What to feed a toddler with diarrhea (and what to pause for now)

Once your child shows interest in eating, these foods are often easier on the gut:

• Bananas
  

• Rice, pasta, or toast
  

• Yogurt with live cultures
  
  

You may have heard about the “BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). Current guidance from HealthyChildren.org no longer recommends this as a strict approach. These foods are low in fiber, protein, and fat and do not provide enough nutrition to support gut recovery.

Most children can return to a normal, age appropriate diet within twenty four hours of illness. Continuing gentle nutrition helps children recover faster than restrictive diets.

Foods to avoid during a stomach bug

• Very sugary drinks or juice, which can worsen diarrhea
  

• Fried or greasy foods
  

• Large amounts of dairy if symptoms seem worse afterward
  
  

Vomiting in babies and toddlers: Starting slow and keeping them comfortable

Vomiting is honestly my least favorite symptom and nothing makes me run for my mask, gloves and hand sanitizer more than vomiting. The good news is that most vomiting in children is viral and short lived.

Often, the stomach just needs a little time.

How to keep a vomiting toddler hydrated

Start slow and think small.

For the first several hours, hydration is more important than food. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends focusing on liquids for the first twelve to twenty four hours depending on the child.

Estimated oral fluid & electrolyte needs for children

1 pound = 0.45 kilograms
1 ounce = 30 ml
*NOTE: This is the smallest amount of fluid that a normal child requires. Most children drink more than this.

Helpful hydration strategies include:

• Tiny sips every five to ten minutes
  
• Using a spoon, straw, open cup, or syringe
  
• Ice chips or frozen electrolyte pop
• Smoothies once vomiting settles, starting thin

When to offer food again after vomiting

When your child asks for food, that is a good sign.

Simple first foods many children tolerate well

• Toast or crackers
  

• Rice or pasta
  

• Banana
  

• Soup or bone broth
  
  

Foods to hold off on until tummies settle

• Greasy or spicy foods
  

• Very acidic drinks
  

• Large volumes of food or liquid all at once
  
  

Hydration during tummy troubles: Small sips make a big difference

Parents often ask, “Does this really count as hydration?” If it melts, sips, or blends, yes it does.

Hydration helpers that many parents find useful include:

• Popsicles, store-bought or homemade
  

• Smoothies served in small cups or straw bottles

• Brothy soups
  

• Water rich fruits such as watermelon, oranges and pears
  
  

When to call the pediatrician for tummy troubles in babies and toddlers

Trust your instincts. If you are worried, it is always okay to reach out.

Call or seek care if you notice:

• Signs of dehydration such as very few wet diapers, dry mouth, or no tears
  

• Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours in young children
  

• Blood or mucus in stool
  

• Severe belly pain or a swollen abdomen
  

• Fever plus diarrhea or vomiting in babies under 6 months
  

• Constipation with significant pain, vomiting, or poor growth
  
  

If something feels off, your pediatrician would rather hear from you.

Final thoughts

Tummy troubles are a normal part of childhood and, most of the time, they pass. Your job is not to fix everything perfectly. It is to:

• Keep your child comfortable
  

• Offer fluids and gentle foods
  

• Stay calm and connected
  
  

That calm is a powerful medicine too.

And yes, it is also completely reasonable to stock up on cleaning supplies, gloves, and patience along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Dr. Michelle Shiffman, MD

Pediatrician & Advisor at Bébé Foodie

Dr. Michelle Shiffman is a board-certified pediatrician based in Denver, Colorado. She brings her expertise in early development, food introduction, and culturally-sensitive care to Bébé Foodie, where she supports the creation of our evidence-based content and contributes to our expert panel. Michelle’s favorite part of her work is connecting with families during infant and toddler visits—especially when it comes to discussing developmental milestones and feeding. As a mom herself, she's also experienced the ups and downs of starting solids and managing picky eating.

This blog post is for information purposes only and shouldn’t be used as personal, health, nutritional, or medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child's health or readiness for various foods.