Common Illness · 5 min read · Updated 28 September 2026
Key points
- ORS (oral rehydration solution) replaces the water and salts lost in diarrhoea.
- Keep breastfeeding and keep feeding — do not starve the child.
- Zinc tablets for 10–14 days, as advised by your doctor, help recovery.
- Avoid sugary drinks, packaged juices and soft drinks.
See a doctor now if you notice
- Very sleepy, floppy or hard to wake
- Sunken eyes or no tears when crying
- Very few wet nappies or no urine for many hours
- Blood in the stool
- Vomiting everything and unable to drink
How to make and give ORS
Mix one packet of ORS with the exact amount of clean drinking water written on the packet. Do not add sugar or salt. Use the solution within 24 hours.
Give small sips with a spoon or cup every few minutes, especially after each loose stool. If your child vomits, wait 10 minutes and start again slowly.
What to feed
Continue breastfeeding. Older children can eat their usual soft home foods — rice, curd, dal, banana. Eating helps the gut recover.
Preventing diarrhoea
Most diarrhoea spreads through unclean hands, water and food.
- Wash hands with soap before feeding and after changing nappies
- Use safe drinking water
- Make sure your child gets the rotavirus vaccine on time
Questions parents ask
Should I stop milk during diarrhoea?
No. Continue breastfeeding. Most children can continue their usual milk and foods.
Can I give medicine to stop the loose stools?
No. Medicines that stop diarrhoea are not recommended for children. ORS and zinc are the treatment.
This guide is general health information for parents. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a visit to your child's doctor. If you are worried, call us — we are open 24 hours for emergencies.
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