Is diarrhea normal when babies take antibiotics?

Yes, diarrhea is normal for some children taking antibiotics. The most common side effects of antibiotics in children are diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. 'In addition to targeting bad bacteria, antibiotics kill off healthy bacteria in the gut^[1]. This can lead to stomach upset or diarrhea^[1],' says Dr. Munjal. You could talk to your doctor about^[1] ways to help restore the bacteria in your child^[1]'s stomach, such as giving probiotics, which are 'good' bacteria.