Low potassium levels, also called hypokalemia, can affect people of all ages. Sometimes the condition is the result of a temporary condition--for example, if you perspire a lot during sports or intense exercise and you don't replace the water you've lost.
Diarrhea in infants. Children who have diarrhea may have less energy, dry eyes, or a dry, sticky mouth. They may also not wet their diaper as often as usual. Give your child fluids for the first 4 to 6 hours. At first, try 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of fluid every 30 to 60 minutes. If you are nursing, keep breastfeeding your infant. If you are using formula, use it at half strength for 2 to 3 feedings after the diarrhea starts. Then begin regular formula feedings again.
During the one-to-six-week recovery period from an intestinal infection your doctor may advise using a nonlactose soy formula, since the healing intestines may not tolerate lactose. If babyâs diarrhea relapses when resuming solids, back off a bit and start more bland foods, such as rice, rice cereal, and bananas. For a general guide, as your babyâs stools become more solid, so may the diet.