Diarrhea is a common problem in infants and children.
It is often of viral origin and resolves in a few days. Diarrhea refers to the consistency of the bowel movement rather than the actual number of bowel movements. Two or three soft mushy stools a day is not diarrhea. Usually at least five stools per day are needed before someone has significant diarrhea. If your child generally appears alert, happy and not particularly ill, you can safely manage the initial treatment at home.