How long does diarrhea last in a child?

Most viral diarrhea runs three to seven days, and it is normal for stools to stay soft for another week. Diarrhea beyond seven days, or any blood in the stool, should be checked.

What should a child with diarrhea eat?

Normal food, as soon as they want it. Starchy foods, yogurt, fruit, and vegetables are all fine and help the gut recover faster than a restricted diet.

When can my child go back to school after diarrhea?

Once stools are formed and there have been no accidents for 24 hours, and they are eating and drinking normally. Daycares often require a longer wait.

Is diarrhea in kids contagious?

Yes, when it comes from a virus like norovirus or rotavirus, and it spreads easily on hands and surfaces. Wash with soap and water, since alcohol gel does not kill norovirus.

How do I know if my child is dehydrated?

Watch urine, tears, and energy. Fewer than four wet diapers a day or no urine for eight hours, no tears, a dry mouth, or unusual sleepiness all mean call your pediatrician.

Child diarrhea: causes, hydration, and school rules

Diarrhea in children is nearly always a viral stomach bug and settles within three to seven days. Keep fluids going with an oral rehydration solution and normal food. Call a doctor for blood in the stool, no urine for eight hours, a fever over 102°F, severe belly pain, or diarrhea lasting more than a week.

How long it lasts

Three to seven days for most viral cases. Some children have looser stools for two weeks as the gut recovers, which is normal if they are eating and drinking well.

School and daycare

Home until stools are formed and there have been no accidents for 24 hours. Daycares are usually stricter, since diarrhea spreads readily among children still in diapers.

What usually causes diarrhea in kids

Viral gastroenteritis
The usual cause: watery stools for a few days, sometimes after a day of vomiting.
Norovirus
Explosive and short, sweeping through a class in days.
Rotavirus
Watery diarrhea in younger children, much less common where kids are vaccinated.
Antibiotics
Loose stools during or after a course of antibiotics are common and usually settle on their own.
Food or diet
Large amounts of juice or sugar-free products loosen stools in toddlers without any infection.

When to call a doctor

Blood or black, tarry stool
No urine for eight hours, no tears, or a dry mouth
Fever over 102°F alongside diarrhea
Severe or constant belly pain rather than cramps that come and go
Diarrhea lasting more than seven days
Diarrhea in a baby under three months

What helps at home

Oral rehydration solution in steady small amounts through the day.
Keep eating normally. Starches, yogurt, fruit, and vegetables all help; there is no need for the old BRAT diet.
Avoid juice, soda, and sports drinks, which pull water into the gut and prolong things.
Barrier cream at every change to protect skin from repeated wiping.
Never give anti-diarrhea medicine to a child unless your pediatrician says to.

Frequently asked questions

How long does diarrhea last in a child?: Most viral diarrhea runs three to seven days, and it is normal for stools to stay soft for another week. Diarrhea beyond seven days, or any blood in the stool, should be checked.
What should a child with diarrhea eat?: Normal food, as soon as they want it. Starchy foods, yogurt, fruit, and vegetables are all fine and help the gut recover faster than a restricted diet.
When can my child go back to school after diarrhea?: Once stools are formed and there have been no accidents for 24 hours, and they are eating and drinking normally. Daycares often require a longer wait.
Is diarrhea in kids contagious?: Yes, when it comes from a virus like norovirus or rotavirus, and it spreads easily on hands and surfaces. Wash with soap and water, since alcohol gel does not kill norovirus.
How do I know if my child is dehydrated?: Watch urine, tears, and energy. Fewer than four wet diapers a day or no urine for eight hours, no tears, a dry mouth, or unusual sleepiness all mean call your pediatrician.

Is it going around right now?

Parents log sick days at their own schools and daycares on Ickly, so you can see whether diarrhea is part of something moving through your child's classroom this week.

See what's going around near you

Other symptom guides

🌡️ Fever 😷 Cough 🔴 Rash 🗣️ Sore throat 🤮 Vomiting 🤕 Headache

General information for parents, not medical advice. Always contact your pediatrician or emergency services if you are worried about your child.