Most babies and toddlers recover from diarrhoea without needing to see a doctor.
You should take your child to your GP immediately if they:
- have had diarrhoea more than 6 times in 24 hours
- have blood or mucus in their poo
- have vomited more than 3 times in 24 hours
- show any symptoms of dehydration
- still have diarrhoea after 7 days
- have recently returned from travelling abroad
Take your child to the hospital immediately if they:
- have any symptoms of severe dehydration
- have a high temperature that will not go down
- are getting worse fast
- have bad tummy pain - older children will be able to tell you if they have a bad tummy pain. Younger children and babies will not be able to. Inconsolable crying in a baby or small child could be a sign that they are in pain
A high temperature for babies under 3 months means 38°C and over. A high temperature for babies over 3 months means 39°C and over.