I have read that the b.r.a.t.t. diet is no longer recommened. what would you suggest as an alternative for a 3 year old?

Many possibilities: I'm not sure what you've read but not all of it is valid.Kids routinely benefit from bananas, rice (cereal or steamed), apple sauce, pasta (without sauce) and dry toast.A good oral rehydration solution includes half strength gateraid, pedialyte or similar products.Avoid all juices (apple, prune, peach, pear) and use smaller but frequent feeds to sustain energy and hydration.

Bland diet: Brat diet is still often utilized for a short term, not more than 48 hours because of low nutritional value. Crackers, cereal, yogurt, mashed potato, and milk can be introduced. In contrast to old belief, ingestion of milk does not prolong the period of diarrhea.