This study was conducted to assess the magnitude of the problem of diarrhea and time of initiation of its management in under five children of different socio economic status, in an urban area of West Bengal. Overall prevalence of diarrhea was 31.67%, highest in lower socio economic class (41%). Prevalence was higher in the girls, though not significant. Acute watery dirrhea was most common (58.9%), followed by dysentery (24.2%) and persistent diarrhea (16.9%). Persistent type was inversely proportional to socioeconomic status. Majority of mothers administered fluids or sought treatments within six hours in the middle socioeconomic class but beyond six hours in lower socioeconomic group (P < 0.001). Percentage of children where doctors’ advice