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Diarrhoea is common in babies and children, most often caused by a viral infection like rotavirus or norovirus, though it can also result from bacterial infections, food intolerances, or as a side effect of antibiotics. It usually resolves within a few days to a week without specific treatment.
Evidence checked against current HSE guidance on diarrhoea in babies and children. Acute diarrhoea is usually short-lived, but infants and young children are at particular risk of dehydration; reduced urine, poor intake, lethargy, severe dehydration or rapid deterioration require prompt medical assessment.
Public health education article
Continue normal feeding alongside extra fluids — Contrary to older advice, continuing to offer your child's usual diet (alongside extra fluids) generally supports faster recovery from diarrhoea, rather than withholding food.
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Diarrhoea is common in babies and children, most often caused by a viral infection like rotavirus or norovirus, though it can also result from bacterial infections, food intolerances, or as a side effect of antibiotics. It usually resolves within a few days to a week without specific treatment.
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
Diarrhoea lasts longer than a week without improving
Diarrhoea is common in babies and children, most often caused by a viral infection like rotavirus or norovirus, though it can also result from bacterial infections, food intolerances, or as a side effect of antibiotics. It usually resolves within a few days to a week without specific treatment.
The main concern with diarrhoea in young children is dehydration, since fluid losses can add up quickly, especially if vomiting is also present.
Contrary to older advice, continuing to offer your child's usual diet (alongside extra fluids) generally supports faster recovery from diarrhoea, rather than withholding food.
Diarrhoea-causing infections spread easily between family members and at childcare — thorough handwashing after nappy changes and toilet use is important.
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BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
Diarrhoea in children is common and usually clears up within a week with good fluid intake and continued normal feeding.
Watching for signs of dehydration is the most important thing to monitor throughout the illness.