Home remedies for loose motions in kids: ORS, continued feeding and simple foods
Diarrhoea in children is common and usually settles in a few days, but the real danger is losing too much water. These home remedies for loose motions in kids put fluids first with ORS after every loose stool, continue breastfeeding or normal milk, and offer simple foods such as khichdi, curd rice and banana.
Important: this remedy is only a supportive home measure. Keep taking any medicine your doctor has prescribed, monitor your readings, and consult your doctor before adding anything new.
Fluids first
Most loose motions in children are caused by viral infections or contaminated food and water. The most important treatment is oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replace water and salts. Zinc supplements for 10–14 days are often advised by doctors for children with diarrhoea in India. Antibiotics are needed only in some cases.
Traditional Indian recovery foods such as thin khichdi, curd rice and rice kanji are gentle, easy to digest and fit well with modern advice to keep feeding.
Ingredients
- WHO-standard ORS packets (from a pharmacy) and clean drinking water
- Thin moong dal khichdi, curd rice, rice kanji, mashed banana, boiled potato
- Coconut water or dal water as extra fluids (not instead of ORS)
How to prepare
- Mix one ORS packet in exactly the amount of boiled and cooled water written on the pack; make fresh every 24 hours.
- Cook khichdi soft and thin with a pinch of salt and a little ghee.
How to use
- Give ORS after every loose stool: about ¼–½ cup for children under 2 years and ½–1 cup for older children, in small sips or spoonfuls.
- Continue breastfeeding and normal feeds; offer small, frequent portions of simple foods.
- If the child vomits, wait 10 minutes and restart ORS slowly, a spoonful every 1–2 minutes.
Helpful habits
- Wash hands with soap after changing nappies and before preparing food.
- Avoid fruit juices, soft drinks and glucose drinks; they can worsen diarrhoea.
- Ask your doctor about zinc tablets or syrup.
Precautions
- Never make ORS with more or less water than instructed, and do not give anti-diarrhoea medicines to children unless prescribed.
- See a doctor urgently for signs of dehydration (very little urine, dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, unusual sleepiness), blood in stool, high fever, repeated vomiting, a baby under 6 months with diarrhoea, or loose motions lasting more than 2 days.
- Babies under 6 months should see a doctor early.
Frequently asked questions
What should I give my child during loose motions?
- ORS after every loose stool, plus breastfeeding or normal milk and simple foods like khichdi, curd rice and banana.
Can I make ORS at home?
- Packet ORS is best. If it's truly unavailable, a doctor-approved home recipe (6 level teaspoons sugar and ½ level teaspoon salt in 1 litre clean water) can be used until you get packets.
When are loose motions in kids dangerous?
- When there are signs of dehydration, blood in stool, high fever, repeated vomiting, or in young babies. Seek care quickly.
