what to feed 8 month old with stomach bug

Bland foods can help settle your toddler's stomach. Plain baked potatoes and white rice are safe foods, which are bland enough that they won't irritate her tummy. Applesauce, gelatin

and toast are also safe for your child to eat while she is recovering from an upset stomach.

Full Answer

What to feed a child with a stomach bug?

What to Feed a Child With a Stomach Bug 1 Hydrate. When vomiting and diarrhea hit, the most important thing to remember is to keep your child.... 2 And hydrate. Sometimes, your child may need an over-the-counter oral electrolyte solution like... 3 Let the tummy rest... 4 Monitor. Keep your eyes peeled...

What should I Feed my child when they have diarrhea?

Go easy on foods such as high-sugar treats and sweets, spicy dishes, or fried food as they could could potentially exacerbate diarrhea. Instead of focusing on exactly what your child eats when they’re sick, worry more about keeping them hydrated.

What can I give my Sick Baby for upset stomach?

Feeding a Sick Baby. Babies who are on breast milk or formula alone should eat as often as they like, unless the doctor recommends otherwise. For an older baby who has started solids, offer clear liquids and foods with high water content like juices (diluted to half water and half juice), gelatin, soups and popsicles (if they've been introduced).

What should you eat after a stomach bug?

In the past, experts suggested eating bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce and toast after a stomach bug. Today, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children go back to their normal diets after they're hydrated. Think: slow and steady.

What Can I Give My 8 month old for vomiting?

Formula Fed Babies - Give Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) for 8 Hours:If vomits once, give half the regular amount every 1 to 2 hours.If vomits more than once, offer ORS for 8 hours. ... ORS is a special fluid that can help your child stay hydrated. ... Spoon or syringe feed small amounts.More items...•

How long does stomach bug last in 8 month old?

Stomach flu and rotavirus symptoms in babies and toddlers Vomiting and watery diarrhea, usually lasting three to eight days.

How long does a stomach virus last in babies?

The sickness usually passes in about 10 days without medication. The first few days tend to be the worst, but you can take steps to help your child get through it.

Can you give baby milk with stomach bug?

AVOID: butter, oily, fried foods, NO juice. Eat or drink less milk and milk products for a few days. A common error is to give as much fluid at one time as your child wants rather than gradually increasing the amount. This almost always leads to continued vomiting.

What helps a baby with a stomach virus?

There is no specific treatment for gastroenteritis, and most kids can be treated at home. Keep your child hydrated by offering plenty of liquids. Kids with more severe dehydration may need treatment in the ER or hospital. Mild dehydration is treated with oral (by mouth) rehydration.

What do you feed a baby with a stomach bug?

Your doctor may recommend that you give your child bland foods for the first 24 hours. Bland foods include bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, saltine crackers and unsweetened cereals. If your child does well with these foods, you can add other foods over the next 48 hours.

Can 8 month old have Pedialyte?

For infants up to 10 months old, use Pedialyte® or Enfalyte®, Liquilytes® or generic electrolyte solution.

What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug?

Lifestyle and home remediesLet your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water often. ... Ease back into eating. ... Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. ... Get plenty of rest. ... Try anti-diarrhea medications.

How do I know if my baby is dehydrated?

How can I tell if my child is dehydrated?Dry tongue and dry lips.No tears when crying.Fewer than six wet diapers per day (for infants), and no wet diapers or urination for eight hours (in toddlers).Sunken soft spot on infant's head.Sunken eyes.Dry and wrinkled skin.Deep, rapid breathing.More items...•

Should I feed baby after throwing up?

Offer your baby a feeding after they've stopped throwing up. If your baby is hungry and takes to the bottle or breast after vomiting, go right ahead and feed them. Liquid feeding after vomiting can sometimes even help settle your baby's nausea. Start with small amounts of milk and wait to see if they vomit again.

Why is the BRAT diet no longer recommended?

Experts now say the BRAT diet may not be the best option for children who are ill. Because BRAT diet foods are low in fiber, protein, and fat, the diet lacks enough nutrition to help a child's gastrointestinal tract recover.

How do I know if my baby has norovirus?

Nausea and/or vomiting. Watery diarrhea. Sudden onset of illness. Stomach cramps.

How long does childhood sickness bug last?

About vomiting in children and babies In most cases, it will last no longer than one to two days and isn't a sign of anything serious. The most common cause of vomiting in children and babies is gastroenteritis. This is an infection of the gut usually caused by a virus or bacteria, which also causes diarrhoea.

How long does it take to pass a stomach bug?

Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after you're infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days.

How long do rotavirus symptoms last?

Symptoms usually start about two days after a person is exposed to rotavirus. Vomiting and watery diarrhea can last three to eight days. Additional symptoms may include loss of appetite and dehydration (loss of body fluids), which can be especially dangerous for infants and young children.

What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug?

Lifestyle and home remediesLet your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water often. ... Ease back into eating. ... Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. ... Get plenty of rest. ... Try anti-diarrhea medications.

How to help a toddler with stomach bug?

If your child has a stomach bug, the most important thing is to keep her hydrated with breast milk, formula, or water, depending on her age. She may also need a pediatric electrolyte solution. Once she can keep fluids down, returning to a normal diet will give her the nutrients her body needs to get better.

What to do if a toddler has stomach flu?

It could be the stomach flu (gastroenteritis). If your child has a stomach bug, the most important thing is to keep her hydrated with breast milk, formula, or water, depending on her age. She may also need a pediatric electrolyte solution.

How can I help protect my child against gastroenteritis?

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after every diaper change and bathroom visit, and before preparing food . Hand sanitizer won't kill the germs. It's also a good idea to wash your child's hands often throughout the day.

How do I keep gastroenteritis from spreading to the rest of my family?

Keep in mind that people with gastroenteritis can spread germs to others for days or even weeks after they feel better, so continue to wash hands with warm, soapy water – especially after going to the bathroom.

What is stomach flu?

Stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, is an inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. If your baby, toddler, or young child has gastroenteritis, she may have diarrhea , vomiting , abdominal pain , fever, chills, and achiness. Her symptoms may be mild or severe, and they may last for just a few hours or for days, depending on the cause.

How did my child get stomach flu?

Virus: Viral gastroenteritis is very contagious. Your baby or child may have eaten or touched something contaminated with the virus. Or he may have shared a cup or utensils with someone who has the virus. (It's possible to have the virus without showing symptoms.)

How should I keep my baby or toddler hydrated?

Offer your baby frequent breast or bottle feedings, and your toddler or young child plenty of water.

How often should I give my child fluids?

What I recommend is giving small amounts of fluid every 15-20 minutes or so, which gives the lining of the gut time to absorb it (and doesn’t over-fill your child’s queezy stomach).

Who is the mom of 3 in Mealtimes Solved?

Mealtimes Solved is a comprehensive, on-demand program led by mom-of-3 (and pediatric registered dietitian) Sarah Remmer.

How to keep kids hydrated?

The bottom line is to make sure that your kids stay hydrated and nourished with a variety of foods that they want to eat, don’t rely on the BRAT diet, and make sure that you’re keeping up with hand-washing (to prevent the spread of illness!). If you’re concerned that your child’s illness is prolonged, or they are showing any signs of a more serious health problem (dehydration, blood in their stool, etc.) contact their health care provider right away for further guidance.

Why do you have to let your child have a peanut butter sandwich?

But, when your child is sick–because nutrition and hydration are so paramount–the Division of Responsibility can take a back seat until they’re well. This means, if they would prefer a peanut butter sandwich to the casserole that was served for dinner, let them have the sandwich.

What happens when a child gets sick?

When your child gets sick with a stomach bug, life gets derailed. All of a sudden, schedules get rearranged, work gets missed, laundry piles up, survival mode kicks in, and all of your focus is directed to comforting and taking care of your little one (and making sure that siblings and YOU don’t get sick too).

Can you feed a baby on demand?

For babies under the age of one who are breastfeeding, continue to feed on demand, and for formula-fed babies, continue to feed formula (and prepare as per usual–not diluted). For breastfed babies over the age of one, you can also feed on demand during sickness.

Can kids eat spaghetti?

Great! They feel like soup or spaghetti–let them have it! The truth is, children can eat a variety of foods that they would normally eat when they’re sick. Try offering smaller amounts (so that they don’t get overwhelmed and turned off), and focus on maximizing nutrition when they DO have an appetite.

Why do babies have stomach bugs?

Stomach viruses can be caused by a number of gastrointestinal illnesses, and sometimes they're not viruses at all but food poisoning from a bacterial infection. One of the most common causes of a stomach bug in babies and toddlers is rotavirus disease. This guide to symptoms, causes, treatments and prevention of rotavirus has ...

How can I prevent the stomach flu and rotavirus in children?

Rotavirus disease and other stomach illnesses are extremely contagious, so while there's nothing foolproof you can do to stop your little one from coming down with a general stomach virus, you can help prevent rotavirus specifically by taking the following steps to keep your child from getting sick:

When should I call the doctor about stomach flu in children?

It's a good idea to call your pediatrician at the first onset of stomach flu symptoms . It's especially important to call right away if your child has bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting or a fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher).

How long does the stomach flu last in a toddler?

Here are the most common symptoms of rotavirus and stomach flu in little ones: Vomiting and watery diarrhea, usually lasting three to eight days. Fever.

How to reduce fever in newborn?

Use fever-reducing meds if recommended. Give acetaminophen (to babies 2 months and older) or ibuprofen (to those 6 months or older) to reduce fever.

How to tell if a child is dehydrated?

Also, contact your pediatrician right away or go to the emergency room if you notice any of these signs of severe dehydration — which may need to be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids in the hospital: Your child is very lethargic or difficult to wake up. Unusual fussiness. Crying with few or no tears.

What do you feed a child with the stomach flu?

The best foods after the stomach flu are the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

How to treat stomach flu in kids?

The best ways to treat the stomach flu in kids are hydration and rest. "For hydration, use a rehydration solution that's available in any store and over the counter," says Dr. Rojas. "Start with small sips and increase gradually, so they don't vomit it up.". Water alone may not be enough to rehydrate kids safely, especially younger children.

How long does the stomach flu last in kids?

A stomach flu usually lasts between one and three days. Vomiting typically lasts for less than 24 hours.

What is the stomach flu?

The stomach flu, also called viral gastroenteritis, is not to be confused with the flu caused by the influenza virus. The stomach flu is caused by viruses, such as norovirus and rotavirus, that irritate and infect the digestive system. It can be a common illness among kids, who may not be as good at washing their hands as adults ...

Can you eat spicy food after vomiting?

Children should avoid greasy, heavy or spicy foods for a few days after they experience vomiting. Avoiding dairy could also be beneficial due to a transient lactose intolerance after stomach flu, though infants should still breastfeed or have formula if able to tolerate.

Can antibiotics help with stomach flu?

Because the stomach flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help. "Usually we just need to let the virus run its own course," says Dr. Rojas. "Trying to take medications can prolong symptoms and make them worse.".

What to do for a baby with a stomach bug?

Essential oils are a powerful tool to have on hand and can offer relief, relaxation and healing properties. Digestzen (a DoTerra blend), peppermint, On Guard and frankincense are great options for combatting your child’s stomach bug and also boosting their immune system!

How to help a child with stomach bug?

Heat can really be a great, simple, and easy stomach bug remedy for your child that will actually be quite soothing. While they are resting, giving them a heat pack to place on their belly will offer some relief and provide comfort to them. 5. Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate.

What is the best supplement for stomach bug?

A probiotic is a great daily supplement but also is the perfect stomach bug remedy for kids.

How to reduce a fever in a child?

To begin with, don’t rush to the medicine cupboard and be quick to administer children’s Tylenol or Motrin to bring your child’s fever down. If your child is running a fever, DON’T suppress it.

How long do stomach bugs last?

Thankfully stomach bugs don’t hang around for too long and within 24-48 hours the worst is usually behind them. But with that being said, as a mother, you want to do anything to help your child feel comfortable and get rid of that nasty bug ASAP! When I was a kid, I HATED throwing up!

What to do if your dog vomits every time?

You can also try Ipecacuanha for after every time they vomit or Nux Vomica to help them regain strength after dealing with their stomach bug.

How to help an upset stomach?

There are a few homeopathic children’s remedies you can find for an upset stomach. Check out your local natural grocery store, or order on Amazon.

What to do if your baby has diarrhea?

If your baby or child has had several bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, he or she will need to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. If you are breastfeeding, continue to give your baby breastmilk. Breastmilk has fluids and electrolytes needed to prevent dehydration.

What to do when your child stops vomiting?

When your child stops vomiting, you may increase how much of the ORS you give each time and add clear broths or clear sodas. Remember, small amounts are less likely to upset your child’s stomach. If your child has diarrhea and isn’t vomiting, give him or her an ORS and other liquids.

How to give potassium to a toddler?

You can supply some potassium by adding a cup of orange juice to your homemade ORS or feeding your child some banana. If your child is vomiting, try giving him or her small amounts of an ORS often, such as 1 teaspoonful every minute. When your child is able to keep the drink down, slowly increase how much you give.

Why does my toddler throw up?

Make sure your child eats a healthy diet. Most infections that cause diarrhea are caused by a virus found in feces.

What to eat after diarrhea stops?

Bland foods include bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, saltine crackers and unsweetened cereals. If your child does well with these foods, you can add other foods over the next 48 hours. Most children can return to their usual diet about 3 days after the diarrhea stops.

What to give a toddler to help with dehydration?

For toddlers and young children, use an ORS, which contains the right mix of salt, sugar, potassium and other nutrients to help replace lost body fluids. Children older than 1 year may also have clear soups, clear sodas or juice mixed with water to help prevent dehydration. You should avoid giving your child plain water and dark sodas. Water alone does not contain enough salt and nutrients to help with dehydration. Dark sodas are typically very high in sugar and can irritate your child’s stomach.

How often do babies pee?

Little or lack of urine, or urine that is darker than usual. Urinating less frequently than usual (fewer than 6 wet diapers a day for infants and 8 hours or more without urinating for children) Thirst (babies may show thirst by crying, being irritable and eager to drink when something is offered) Irritability.

How long after tummy trouble can you feed a child?

For about 24 to 48 hours after tummy troubles, don't feed your child any high-sugar, spicy or greasy foods, as it can aggravate her stomach. Skip apple juice because it can also bring back diarrhea. When you reintroduce milk, do so slowly. Acidic drinks such as orange juice, although good for colds, should be avoided, too.

What to do if your toddler's stomach hurts?

If you have a toddler, avoid raisins, but you could pit, skin and puree the other types of fruits to avoid a risk of choking or offer low-sugar prune juice, instead. Increasing fluid intake can help relieve cons tipation, too.

What to do when your child is vomiting?

Bananas also help replenish the potassium your child might have lost through vomiting or diarrhea. Try low-sugar yogurt, too, as the probiotics in it help return the "good" bacteria to the gut.

How to help a toddler with a sore stomach?

Give him 1 to 2 tablespoons of fluid such as water or an oral rehydration solution -- a special electrolyte solution that can prevent dehydration that's available at the supermarket or drugstore. If he is vomiting, wait about 30 minutes and then increase the amount of fluid to 1 to 2 ounces every 10 minutes. Although ginger ale has a reputation for soothing sore stomachs, that’s only the case if it actually contains ginger – and not all commercial brands do.

Why does my child have an upset stomach?

Whether it is due to food poisoning, the flu or simply a case of indigestion, an upset stomach can be a terrible ordeal for a child and parent alike. When your child is uncomfortable, you might struggle to find foods that won't make her stomachache worse. Keep in mind that fluids are more important than food when a child is sick, especially if she is losing water through vomiting or diarrhea. If she can keep food down, choose bland options that won't make things worse.

How to help a sick baby eat?

Don't pressure her to eat. Sometimes, a sick child might better tolerate smaller and more frequent meals. But if she still refuses to eat, don't force it, even though it may go against your maternal instincts. Even if she hasn't taken a bite in 24 hours, know that the fast won't last — though, let your pediatrician know about her eating strike, just to be safe. Babies tend to take what they need when they need it, and once they recover from their illness, their appetites usually recover, too — big time. In fact, once your baby's bug goes bye-bye, don't be surprised to see her become a little power-eater.

What to do when your baby is sick?

Serve up her favorites. When your baby is sick, certain foods look appealing while others don't — just like when you're sick. In this case, bland is often better. Think: crackers and pasta made from refined white flour. However, there's no need to restrict her diet to only bland foods if she can tolerate more. Be especially respectful of your baby's likes and dislikes when illness makes her appetite iffy. If that means nothing but breast milk or formula and pears for three days, so be it.

Why is it important to drink fluids when breastfeeding?

If your baby has a fever, a respiratory infection such as a cold or the flu, or a gastrointestinal illness with diarrhea, it's important that she drinks plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Babies who are on breast milk or formula alone should eat as often as they like, unless the doctor recommends otherwise.

What to do if your baby is refusing milk?

For an older baby who has started solids but is refusing milk, offer clear liquids and foods with high water content like juices that have been half-diluted with water, gelatin, soups and popsicles (if they've been introduced). Offer fluids frequently throughout the day, and remember that any amount — even a few sips at a time — is a good thing. ...

Do babies take what they need?

Babies tend to take what they need when they need it, and once they recover from their illness, their appetites usually recover, too — big time. In fact, once your baby's bug goes bye-bye, don't be surprised to see her become a little power-eater.

Can you give a baby electrolyte fluid?

If your baby has been experiencing a lot of diarrhea or vomiting, your doctor may recommend a rehydration (electrolyte) fluid made especially for kids. Just don't buy the sports drinks at the store; they contain a lot of sugar, which may make diarrhea worse.

Can a baby eat bland food?

However, there's no need to restrict her diet to only bland foods if she can tolerate more. Be especially respectful of your baby's likes and dislikes when illness makes her appetite iffy. If that means nothing but breast milk or formula and pears for three days, so be it. Don't pressure her to eat.

How long does it take for a baby to stop vomiting?

Vomiting alone should stop within about 24 hours. If it lasts over 24 hours, you must think about more serious causes. An example is a kidney infection. A serious cause in young babies is pyloric stenosis.

How long does it take for a child to vomit?

At the start of the illness, it's common for a child to vomit everything. This can last for 3 or 4 hours. Children then often become stable and change to mild vomiting.

What causes a baby to throw up?

Pyloric Stenosis (Serious Cause) The most common cause of true vomiting in young babies. Onset of vomiting is age 2 weeks to 2 months. Vomiting is forceful. It becomes projectile and shoots out. Right after vomiting, the baby is hungry and wants to feed. ("hungry vomiter")

Why does my toddler vomit so much?

Reason: Sleep often empties the stomach and removes the need to vomit. Your child doesn't have to drink anything if his stomach feels upset and he doesn't have any diarrhea. Your child can return to child care after the vomiting and fever are gone. For the first 3 or 4 hours, your child may vomit everything.

Why do babies throw up after eating?

Food Allergy. Vomiting can be the only symptom of a food reaction. The vomiting comes on quickly after eating the food. Uncommon in infants, but main foods are eggs and peanut butter. Coughing. Hard coughing can also cause your child to throw up. This is more common in children with reflux. Serious Causes.

Why do children vomit?

Children then often become stable and change to mild vomiting. The main risk of vomiting is dehydration. Dehydration means the body has lost too much fluid. The younger the child, the greater the risk for dehydration.

How old do you have to be to vomit?

Age less than 12 weeks old with vomiting 2 or more times. Exception: normal spitting up.