
Here's what to keep in mind:
- Go back to normal. In the past, experts suggested eating bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce and toast after a stomach bug. ...
- 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. ...
- Watch the sugar. Sometimes the child may have bouts of diarrhea after episodes of vomiting. Sugar can make the diarrhea worse and should be kept to a minimum. ...
What to do if your child has a stomach bug?
To help ease your child's symptoms:
- Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids. ...
- Make sure they get plenty of rest.
- Let your child eat if they're eating solids and feel hungry. ...
- Give them paracetamol if they have an uncomfortable fever or aches and pains. ...
- Use special rehydration drinks made from sachets bought from pharmacies if they're dehydrated. ...
Why is my child throwing up with no fever?
- Stomach Flu. This isn’t the same as influenza (the flu). ...
- Food Allergy. Sometimes throwing up is a sign your child is allergic to food they’ve eaten. ...
- Food Poisoning. ...
- Intestinal Obstruction. ...
- Concussion. ...
- Medications. ...
- Motion Sickness. ...
- Migraines. ...
- Stress. ...
What are good foods to eat after a stomach virus?
- Salty crackers: The salt helps replace lost sodium and chloride, plus they're great for nausea.
- Broth-based soups: The salt is good here too and nothing like chicken or chicken noodle soup to settle an upset stomach.
- Rice: Bland foods like rice, toast, dry cereal and pasta deliver carbs for energy but are easy to digest.
What is the best food for stomach bugs?
The letters in the term “BRAT” stand for what a person can eat on this diet, namely:
- bananas
- rice
- applesauce
- toast

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 can I feed my toddler with a sickness 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.
Is it OK to give milk to toddler with stomach bug?
As your child begins to take liquids, gradually increase the amount. If they still vomit, wait 30 to 60 minutes and start again. Do not force your child to drink or wake them up to drink if they are sleeping. Do not give any kind of milk or yogurt drinks until the vomiting has stopped for 8 hours.
How long do stomach bugs 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.
What can I give my toddler for upset stomach and vomiting?
Home remedies for your child's upset stomachpopsicles.broth.ginger ale.nonsugary electrolyte beverages (such as Pedialyte)
What to give a toddler to stop vomiting?
For the first twenty-four hours or so of any illness that causes vomiting, keep your child off solid foods, and encourage her to suck or drink small amounts of electrolyte solution (ask your pediatrician which one), clear fluids such as water, sugar water (1/2 teaspoon [2.5 ml] sugar in 4 ounces [120 ml] of water), ...
What are Covid symptoms in kids?
Fever and cough are common COVID-19 symptoms in both adults and children; shortness of breath is more likely to be seen in adults. Children can have pneumonia, with or without obvious symptoms. They can also experience sore throat, excessive fatigue or diarrhea.
Why do stomach bugs start at night?
Why does stomach flu hit at night? In some people, the stomach flu symptoms may be more pronounced at night due to their circadian rhythm. At night an increase in immune system activity releases infection-fighting chemicals. These can cause inflammation that make you feel worse as you battle your flu.
How can I help my sick toddler feel better?
Whether they're in bed or on the sofa, the following will help them feel more comfortable.Keep the room airy without being draughty. ... Give your child plenty to drink. ... Try to give your child time for quiet games, stories, company and comfort.Sick children get very tired and need plenty of rest.More items...
How do I stop my toddler from vomiting?
Most cases of vomiting respond well to gentle care at home. What's important is that your child stays hydrated and drinks plenty of fluids. Breast milk, formula, oral rehydration solution are all suitable, but avoid offering drinks that contain a lot of sugar.
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 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 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).
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 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 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 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.
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.
What temperature should a baby be if they have gastroenteritis?
Notify the doctor if your child: Has a fever: If your baby is younger than 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, call the doctor immediately. If your baby is 3 to 6 months, call if his temperature ...
What to feed toddlers to fight virus?
Your toddler needs sufficient nutrients in order to fight off the bug or virus. If they are struggling to keep solid foods down, start off by trying mashed bananas, pasta and dry toast. Starchy foods are best as they are least likely to upset your little ones stomach.
Why does my toddler have a fever?
However, the key thing to remember here is that an increased temperature is a sign that your little one’s immune system is working. Therefore, it will naturally fight off the bug and bring the temperature down in due course. It’s always better to let your toddler’s body do its job without interference.
Can a toddler eat solid food?
If your toddler’s bug is a particularly nasty one, they may not be able to eat solid foods for a day or two. This is perfectly normal and a liquid-only diet for a few days won’t typically cause any concern. However, keeping them on a liquid-only diet for a longer period of time isn’t a good idea.
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.
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 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 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!
Can you put chicken soup on your stomach?
Yep, you guessed it, chicken noodle soup! Obviously, you don’t want to fill your child’s tummy with too much food, especially if there are vomiting. If they are not hungry, don’t force it. But usually, once the throwing up is done, chicken noodle soup is something light and easy on the stomach.
Can homeopathy help with stomach pain?
Homeopathic remedies can be powerful and can really aid in the healing and repair of a person’s body. There are a few homeopathic children’s remedies you can find for an upset stomach.
Is bone broth good for kids?
Bone broth offers so many amazing benefits and is a great superfood providing all kinds of nutrients and goodness for your child. Bone broth is a great way to keep your little one hydrated too! You can purchase bone broth at most natural food stores, online or make your own. 8. Try a homeopathic remedy.