- Offer your child plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, but be careful how much and when. ...
- 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.
- Serve bland foods (bananas, plain pasta, crackers or plain toast) that won’t irritate your child’s digestive system any more than it already is — and avoid giving apple juice, dairy ...
- Rest and more rest. Do your best to help your baby or toddler get a lot of sleep and rest.
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.".
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 can I give my Child for an upset stomach?
Give toddlers and older kids small sips of water and clear drinks like ginger ale. You can also try clear broths, as well as oral rehydration solutions for babies and small children. You can get these from your local pharmacy without a prescription. Try giving your child light, bland foods that will be easy on the stomach.
Can I give my Child diluted juice for stomach flu?
However, some doctors suggest that giving a child diluted juice can have equal if not more positive results in terms of treating stomach flu. A person should always contact a doctor before giving children OTC medication, as some medications can be unsafe for children or infants.
What can I feed a baby with a stomach virus?
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.
How do you treat a baby with stomach flu?
Most babies and kids won't need treatment for the stomach flu. There's no specific treatment for the viruses that cause it. (Keep in mind that antibiotics only work against bacteria — they can't treat viruses.) Unless your doctor recommends it, don't give your child antidiarrheal and anti-nausea medications.
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.
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.
How do infants get stomach viruses?
Babies and toddlers most often come down with the virus, typically after touching something that's been contaminated and then putting their hands in their mouths or putting unwashed hands with traces of feces in their mouths.
Should I feed baby after vomiting?
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.
What can I give my 6 month old for the stomach flu?
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.
Can 3 month old have Pedialyte?
Pedialyte should not be given to babies under the age of 1 without first talking to your pediatrician. Once opened or prepared, the drink should be refrigerated and consumed or discarded within 48 hours to reduce the risk of contamination with harmful bacteria.
What can I give my baby for upset stomach and 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...•
What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach virus?
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 Pedialyte OK for babies?
For infants less than 1 year old, always use an oral electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte or Kao Lectrolyte).
How do you know if a baby is dehydrated?
Dehydration occurs when an infant or child loses so much body fluid that they are not able to maintain ordinary function. The warning signs can include dry skin, tongue and lips, rapid breathing, fewer wet diapers and tearless crying.
Is milk good in stomach infection?
Avoid foods and drinks that make symptoms worse. Some foods and drinks can make your diarrhea worse. Foods to avoid include those high in dairy, sugar, fat, or caffeine.
Can we give milk to kids during stomach pain?
Here Dr Geetanjali Shah, pediatrician attached to Supraja Foundation and Ashvini IVF Center, Mumbai, and author of the book Garbhasanskar explains why cow s milk should be avoided when your child suffers from stomach flu. Stomach infections cause inflammation and temporary lactose intolerance in children.
Can I feed my baby if I have stomach infection?
If mother has gastroenteritis: If you come down with gastroenteritis you can, and should, continue to breastfeed your baby. Although you are ill your milk is providing baby with protection against the virus. There is no specific treatment for viral gastroenteritis except rest and drinking plenty of fluids.
Can I give my toddler breastmilk when sick?
If you have a cold or the flu, you can breastfeed as normal. Your baby won't catch the illness through your breast milk and may actually gain protection.
How to get rid of stomach flu?
You may also want to: 1 Make a solution of 5 to 25 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water to clean vomit and diarrhea off hard surfaces. 2 Wash soiled bed linens and clothing on the hottest, longest cycle available. Dry them on high heat. 3 Be extra diligent following safe food preparation. 4 If you're sick with the stomach flu, let someone else prepare meals. 5 Don't share food or drinks with each other.
What to do if toddler throws up?
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 many bouts of gastroenteritis do children get a year?
Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the United States (after upper respiratory infections such as colds ). Children average one or two bouts of this stomach bug each year.
How long does stomach flu last?
Her symptoms may be mild or severe, and they may last for just a few hours or for days, depending on the cause.
How to get rid of vomit and diarrhea?
Make a solution of 5 to 25 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water to clean vomit and diarrhea off hard surfaces. Wash soiled bed linens and clothing on the hottest, longest cycle available. Dry them on high heat. Be extra diligent following safe food preparation.
What temperature should a 6-month-old be?
If your child is over 6 months, call when his temperature is 103 degrees F or higher. Shows any of signs of mild to moderate dehydration. Warning. If your child shows signs of serious dehydration, take her to the emergency room right away. Young children can become dangerously dehydrated very quickly.
How to get rid of germs in kids?
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.
What to feed a child with stomach flu?
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.
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.
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 ...
How long does it take for a child to recover from diarrhea?
With the right rest and rehydration, your child should make a full recovery in just a few days. Dr. Rojas says they can even return to school once the diarrhea has stopped and they have not had a fever for 24 hours.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How long does it take for a child to regain appetite?
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. Watch the sugar.
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 to help a baby with stomach flu?
Let the stomach settle. Avoid feeding your baby or child solid food for a few hours. Give older children frozen juice treats (popsicles) or ice chips. This helps to prevent dehydration.
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 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 to hydrate a baby?
Drinking milk may help hydrate your baby; it’s OK if they throw up some or all of it right after. Try using as syringe to give babies small amounts of liquids if they don’t want to nurse or bottle feed. Give toddlers and older kids small sips of water and clear drinks like ginger ale.
How to know if a toddler is dehydrated?
Dehydration is a potential risk in children recovering from stomach viruses. Because infants can develop dehydration more quickly, you must watch them closely for the signs. Call your pediatrician or go to the hospital if your infant is still vomiting every five to 30 minutes after eight hours. Seek medical attention if your toddler is in the acute stage for 12 hours, or 16 hours for older children. Signs of dehydration include concentrated or no urine, dry lips, no tears and fussiness or listlessness. If your child becomes dehydrated, he may need hospitalization to receive intravenous fluids.
Is stomach flu a virus?
This is an inaccurate term, however, because the illness is not caused by the influenza virus. The Norwalk virus, also called norovirus, is a highly contagious bug that produces gastrointestinal symptoms. Illnesses that cause intense vomiting that lasts for 12 to 24 hours usually are not viruses at all but more likely are cases of food poisoning.
How to get better with stomach flu?
Other ways to feel better. To help treat stomach flu, a person should try to concentrate on consuming fluids to avoid dehydration. However, there are some other methods that may help. The sections below will look at these in more detail.
How to rehydrate your body after stomach flu?
Oral rehydration solutions, which contain glucose and electrolytes, are another good way of rehydrating the body if it has lost liquids due to stomach flu. at home, boil 1 liter of water, add half a small spoon of salt and six level small spoons of sugar, and dissolve.
What foods can cause stomach flu?
cream of wheat. tofu. lean meats, such as skinless chicken or fish. bland, cooked vegetables, such as: beets. beans. spinach. carrots. If cooking these foods, a person should be careful when frying them in fats such as butter or oil, as this can worsen stomach flu symptoms.
What is the stomach flu?
Doctors refer to stomach flu as viral gastroenteritis. Norovirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis. Here are 33 foods and drinks that a person can consume to help their recovery if they have stomach flu. Read on to learn more about some other ways to feel better and when to contact a doctor. 1–13.
Can you eat bread with stomach flu?
Summary. Stomach flu can make eating and drinking less appealing. However, it is most important for a person to keep drinking fluids to help prevent dehydration. When ready for food, a person should eat bland foods such as bread, bananas, applesauce, and cooked starches.
Can you eat a bland diet with diarrhea?
According to the Oncology Nursing Society, doctors often recommend the BRAT diet for adults and children with upset stomachs or diarrhea. A person can ease into a bland diet as they feel ready for food. Generally, with the BRAT diet, a person can incorporate additional foods back into their diet as they feel better.
Do you need to see a doctor for stomach flu?
A person often does not need to see a doctor for stomach flu, as it is self-limiting and will typically go away within a few days. The main concern is dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. According to the National Cancer Institute, a person should watch for symptoms of dehydration, such as: dark urine.
What foods can you eat with stomach flu?
14. Plain potatoes. Bland foods like plain potatoes are great options when you have the stomach flu.
How to help nausea from stomach flu?
Instead, try freshly grating ginger root into a soup or brewing it in tea to potentially relieve nausea during the stomach flu. Summary. Many studies support using ginger to reduce nausea, but more research is needed on using this herb to reduce nausea during the stomach flu specifically. 6.
What are the symptoms of stomach flu?
The primary symptoms of the stomach flu include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, and abdominal pain ( 2 ). Fortunately, some foods and beverages may help settle your stomach, prevent further complications, and help you bounce back faster. Here are 17 foods and drinks for when you have the stomach flu. Share on Pinterest. 1.
What foods can you eat to replenish electrolytes?
Until you’re able to tolerate your usual diet, bland options like soups, refined grains, and plain potatoes are safe. Eggs, fruit, and low-fat poultry may also be easier to digest.
What to eat when you have diarrhea?
6. Broth-based soups. When experiencing diarrhea, the American College of Gastroenterology recommends broth and broth-based soups as a first choice when transitioning back to eating ( 24 ). Broth-based soups have a very high water content, which can help with hydration during a bout of stomach flu.
Does peppermint tea help with stomach flu?
Peppermint tea may help relieve stomach flu symptoms . In fact, just the smell of peppermint may reduce nausea ( 15. Trusted Source. ). In one study in 26 people who experienced nausea after surgery, smelling peppermint oil while doing deep breathing exercises relieved nausea in 58% of participants ( 16.
Can you drink too much water with stomach flu?
When the virus strikes you, it can be difficult to keep anything down, including water and other liquids. Though hydration is crucial when faced with this illness, drinking too much at once may worsen nausea and vomiting.
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.
When to call your pediatrician for stomach flu?
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).
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 ...
What is the best medicine for a 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.
What to do if your child has diarrhea?
Serve bland foods (bananas, plain pasta, crackers or plain toast) that won’t irritate your child’s digestive system any more than it already is — and avoid giving apple juice, dairy products and sugary foods, which can make your little one’s diarrhea worse. Rest and more rest.
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.
