
What foods can my child eat after the stomach flu?
Once your child has stopped vomiting, they can start to eat foods again. The best foods after the stomach flu are the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. "These foods are very easy to digest," says Dr. Rojas. "Children can also have crackers, or grilled or boiled chicken.".
What can I give my toddler for tummy bugs?
These foods are great for tummy bugs since they are easy to digest. If your toddler has been struggling with vomiting or diarrhea, some dry toast, plain rice, apple sauce or stewed apples, or a banana are some good foods to try. Again, encourage your child to drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration.
Should you feed a child with a stomach bug?
But there are better ways to help feed a child who is in the midst of a stomach bug. And once the unpleasant symptoms subside, certain foods can help ease your child back to their pre-stomach bug eating habits. When the first signs of a stomach virus come about, your first instinct may be to feed them.
What are the treatments for toddler stomach flu?
One of the best treatments for toddler stomach flu is to modify the diet 1 ⭐ . . The most common symptoms include an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and fatigue. If your child develops blood or mucus in his stools, call your doctor immediately. This may be a sign of a more serious condition.

What helps toddler with stomach bug?
Try bananas, bread, rice, applesauce, and toast first. Chicken noodle soup and crackers are also good choices. Once you know those are going down OK, you can try lean meat and cooked vegetables. Don't give your sick child foods that are fried, spicy, fatty, or have a lot of acid.
What should I feed my toddler after vomiting bug?
Children who are vomiting should keep taking small sips of clear fluid, such as water or clear broth. Fruit juice and fizzy drinks should be avoided until they're feeling better. If they're not dehydrated and haven't lost their appetite, it's fine for your child to eat solid foods as normal.
What foods soothe a stomach virus?
Foods to eat include clear broths, crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. Avoid certain foods until you feel better. These foods include dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, processed foods, and fatty, spicy or highly seasoned foods. Be cautious with medications.
How long does a stomach virus last in toddlers?
A stomach flu usually lasts between one and three days. Vomiting typically lasts for less than 24 hours. However, if your child's symptoms continue for more than 5 days, you should call your pediatrician.
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.
Is yogurt good for stomach flu?
Yogurt: Since dairy products are less bland than any of the BRAT foods, they might be more tough on your stomach. However, if you can tolerate yogurt, it might be good for your stomach, especially if it contains probiotics, which help with digestion. Plus, yogurt contains fluid, which helps to stay hydrated.
Is it best to starve a stomach bug?
How is it treated? The most important thing to do is to rest the stomach and intestine. You can do this by not eating solid food for a while and drinking only clear liquids. As your symptoms go away, you can start eating soft bland foods that are easy to digest.
Are eggs good for an upset stomach?
Boiled, poached, or scrambled eggs are easy to prepare, eat, and digest. They are often suitable for people who are recovering from a stomach virus or nausea. The white contains less fat and is easier to digest, but many people with digestive problems can also tolerate the yolk.
How long after vomiting can you eat toddler?
After about 6 to 8 hours of giving clear liquids and your child is no longer vomiting, try to get your child to start eating some food. Starchy foods like cereals, crackers or bread are easier to digest.
When to start eating after vomiting?
Do not eat or drink anything for several hours after vomiting. Sip small amounts of water or suck ice chips every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours. Next, sip clear liquids every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours. Examples include water, sports drinks, flat soda, clear broth, gelatin, flavored ice, popsicles or apple juice.
What can I feed my baby after a sickness bug?
Don't give them solid foods for about eight hours once they've started vomiting. Clear liquids only. Give babies Pedialyte and older kids should drink sports drinks and just small amounts at a time. Once they can hold food down, give them things like yogurt, bananas, rice, apple sauce, toast.
Can a toddler drink milk after vomiting?
Toddlers over one year old can have other drinks, such as full-fat cows' milk. Avoid fruit juice and fizzy drinks as these can make diarrhoea worse. If your child is on solid foods, offer them food as usual if they seem to want it (NHS, 2018).
What to feed toddlers during stomach flu?
Liquids are an essential aspect of your toddler’s diet during the stomach flu 1.
How to know if your toddler has the stomach flu?
Symptoms. Most of the treatment for the stomach flu in toddlers is designed to minimize symptoms of the illness, according to Kids Health 1 2. The most common symptoms include an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and fatigue. If your child develops blood or mucus in his stools, call your doctor immediately.
How long does a fever last with the stomach flu?
Symptoms can come on suddenly and last for up to three days, but they might also disappear within a day. A fever is not common with the stomach flu; call the pediatrician if your child runs a fever with a stomach flu 1 2.
Can you introduce bland foods to a toddler?
Kids Health recommends eliminating all solid foods from the toddler's diet while she is vomiting 1. Once the vomiting stops, you can introduce bland foods in small quantities. Introducing foods too early can cause the stomach to become upset and perpetuate vomiting.
Is stomach flu contagious in toddlers?
Gastroenteritis is a viral infection of the intestinal tract. The infection typically causes symptoms in toddlers for one to two days and is highly contagious. One of the best treatments for toddler stomach flu is to modify the diet 1 2.
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 apple juice cause diarrhea?
Certain drinks, like apple juice or carbonated beverages, can make vomiting or diarrhea worse, so it's best to stick to rehydration solution or plain water. If your child has nausea or vomiting again, it's best to stop the food until their stomach can settle.
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.".
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.
How to get rid of stomach bug in toddler?
You don’t want the rest of the family to pick up the stomach bug! Clean vomit and diarrhea immediately with a solution of 5 to 25 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water. In addition, clean and disinfect any areas your child has touched including beds, toys and bathrooms.
What to eat after 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 to drink when a baby is vomiting?
When my poor baby is hurling over the toilet, I always have a fresh, cold glass of water waiting for him or her during every vomiting episode. Other tolerable drinks include ginger ale and tart lemon sodas.
How long does it take for a toddler to regain appetite?
Think: slow and steady. Although your child can enjoy a variety of food from his or her regular repertoire, it’s important to be patient. It may take a day or two to regain a full appetite. Offer small portions and wait five to 10 minutes after your child finishes before asking how his or her tummy feels.
How to help a toddler who is vomiting?
For the first 24 hours your child is actively vomiting, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to focus on hydration and offer clear fluids such as water, ice pops and gelatin. Liquid s help prevent dehydration, and are less likely than solid foods to stimulate further vomiting. Monitor.
What to do if your child is dehydrated?
If you’re concerned your child may be dehydrated, call your pediatrician immediately or visit your local emergency room. Encourage rest and relaxation. Children usually exhibit a lack of energy when they are sick with a stomach bug.
Can you feed a child with stomach bug?
But there are better ways to help feed a child who is in the midst of a stomach bug. And once the unpleasant symptoms subside, certain foods can help ease your child back to their pre-stomach bug eating habits.
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).
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).
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.
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.
Can a child eat a brat diet?
But the point is, it’s not necessary (or recommended) to limit your child to only BRAT diet foods. It’s better to let your child eat whatever nutritious foods they want to or will eat.
What to do if a child is not throwing up?
In most cases, if the child is not throwing up and can keep food down you can continue with regular home cooked food.
What is the stomach flu?
Viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu is an intestinal infection caused by viruses like rotavirus and norovirus. Stomach flu is caused by coming into contact with an infected person or contaminated food or water. Raw or undercooked food can also make one sick.
What is the best way to make ginger water for toddlers?
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties: Boil water with a stalk of ginger in it. Give this water to your toddler to sip on. Add a tiny bit of honey to sweeten this ginger water for your kids.
What is the virus that causes stomach flu?
Viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu is an intestinal infection caused by viruses like rotavirus and norovirus.
What is the best diet for a swollen bowel?
Following a BRAT diet [diet comprising of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast] helps to a large extent. These foods make the stools more firm.
What is the best bread to eat to make your stools firm?
Toast/White Bread – helps make stools firm and is easy on the stomach.
What is the best food to eat for a swollen ear?
Eat a simple and easy to digest diet consisting of bananas, applesauce, white bread, crackers, rice, and potatoes.
How to stop a child from getting the stomach flu?
You can at least prevent it from happening as often. The best way to prevent the stomach flu is wash your hands — and wash them again. Teach your child how to wash their hands properly and to wash them often.
How to help a toddler with a swollen stomach?
Try giving your child light, bland foods that will be easy on the stomach. Try crackers, Jell-O, bananas, toast, or rice. However, don’t insist that your child has to eat if they don’t want to. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Now is the time to pop in a favorite movie or reread beloved books.
How often does the stomach flu happen?
the stomach flu every year. It also leads to about a million visits to the pediatrician every year in the United States. These viruses act fast — your child may get sick only a day or two after catching one. The stomach flu is also very contagious.
What is the stomach flu?
The stomach flu goes straight — and mercilessly — for the intestines. The stomach flu is usually caused by one of three viruses: norovirus. rotavirus. adenovirus. The norovirus is the most common cause of the stomach flu in kids under the age of 5 years. This virus gives up to 21 million people.
What happens if one child has a stomach infection?
Other kinds of gastrointestinal infections are caused by bacteria. This includes food poisoning, which has slightly different symptoms than the stomach flu.
How long does it take for a baby to have diarrhea?
Your baby or child may have cycles of vomiting and diarrhea for about 24 hours. If your child has the stomach flu, they may have hard-to-miss signs and symptoms like: diarrhea (usually watery and sometimes explosive) stomach pain and cramps. fever (usually mild and sometimes nonexistent) chills. nausea. vomiting. poor appetite.
How old should a baby be to take pain medication?
You can give babies over the age of 6 months pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Ask your pediatrician about the exact dosage. Too much pain relief medication can make babies ill.
What to do when your child has a stomach flu?
When your child has a stomach flu or an upset stomach, it’s best to stick to bland foods and plenty of fluids.
How to help a sick kid?
The number one thing to help a sick kid is hydration! Push fluids in any way you can since most illness cause fluid to be released from the body (think diarrhea, vomiting, mucus production, and sweating from a fever).
What is the best way to rehydrate a toddler?
Ice pops. Popsicles are a good way to rehydrate your toddler, plus they feel like a treat! Pedialyte makes freeze pops that have electrolytes as well. You can usually find them by the electrolyte drinks in the pharmacy or grocery store.
How to help a toddler stay healthy?
The best thing you can do to help your toddler stay healthy is frequent hand washing. This is the number one way to stay healthy!
How to help a child with dehydration?
Again, encourage your child to drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration. Offer frequent sips of cold liquids to help their tummies rest. Clear fluids, like plain water, electrolyte drinks, popsicles, and fruit juices can all help prevent dehydration.
What is the best drink for a stomach bug?
Ginger ale. Great for a stomach bug, ginger ale that is made with real ginger can help settle a tummy. If your child does not like the carbonation, stir the bubbles out with a spoon.
How to help a swollen stomach?
Offer plenty of small meals through the day. Avoid fatty foods and foods that are heavily processed as that may upset their stomach again.
