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Published on: 7/14/2026

What home remedies are safe for treating diarrhea in a 1-year-old?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

If your 1-year-old has diarrhea, safe home remedies can help ease symptoms and prevent dehydration. Two effective options are:

  • Cooked green bananas: Rich in resistant starch, they help firm stools and restore gut balance.
  • Homemade oral rehydration solution (ORS): Mix 1 liter of clean water with 6 teaspoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

Offer small, frequent sips of ORS and continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as usual. Avoid sugary drinks, juice, and soda, which can worsen diarrhea.

When to seek help: Contact a pediatrician if diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, includes blood, or comes with fever, vomiting, or signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, fewer wet diapers).

Because diarrhea in toddlers can have many causes—from mild viruses to food sensitivities or infections needing treatment—it's important to identify what's driving your child's symptoms before deciding on next steps. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand possible causes in minutes and guide you on whether home care is enough or a doctor's visit is needed. It's a fast, private way to feel confident about your child's care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Important Next Steps

Learn if toddler diarrhea needs care todayDiscover likely causes of your child's diarrheaFind out if diarrhea could be seriousSee OTC options for childhood diarrhea symptomsFind a doctor for toddler diarrhea careUnderstand medically valid home remedies for diarrheaCheck what’s causing diarrhea in a 1-year-old

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Explanation

When treating diarrhea in a 1-year-old at home, there are some remedies that can help. Cooked green bananas have been shown to be helpful. They can help reduce diarrhea and are easy to prepare. You can boil the bananas and mash them into a soft consistency that your child can eat.

Another option is an oral rehydration solution. These help keep your child hydrated and can be bought over-the-counter. It is important to be cautious with homemade options because the mixture of salt/sugar to fluids is important.

It's important to keep the child hydrated and comfortable. If the diarrhea persists or if there are signs of dehydration, like a dry mouth or no tears when crying, you can check your child's symptoms to help determine if immediate medical attention is needed.

(References)

  • Chandra KA, & Wanda D. (2017). Traditional Method of Initial Diarrhea Treatment in Children. Comprehensive child and adolescent nursing, 29166193.

  • Islam K, Konar MC, Roy A, Biswas B, Nayek K, & Middya S. (2022). Role of cooked green banana in home management .... Journal of tropical pediatrics, 36692306.

  • Teferedegn B, Larson CP, & Carlson D. (1993). A community-based randomized trial of home-made oral .... International journal of epidemiology, 8282473.

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