How can I Help my Baby with the stomach flu?
Several home remedies can help make your baby or child (and you!) more comfortable while dealing with the 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.
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.
What should I do if my child has diarrhea and vomiting?
When a child is sick with gastroenteritis (stomach flu or bug), and is vomiting and/or has diarrhea, the only thing that really matters in the short term is hydration. 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 should I Feed my child when they’re sick?
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.
What can a toddler eat after 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 long does it take for a toddler to recover from a stomach bug?
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.
What can you give a toddler after a sickness bug?
They may recommend: oral rehydration sachets you mix with water to make a drink. medicine to stop diarrhoea for a few hours (like loperamide) – not suitable for children under 12.
How do you reintroduce food after a stomach bug?
The goal is to reintroduce bland foods that are easy for your stomach to digest. The most recommended foods to eat after the stomach flu, food poisoning or a regular stomach ache are part of what's known as the BRAT diet. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
How contagious is a stomach bug from a toddler?
All of the viruses that cause the stomach bug are highly contagious. Once one person in a daycare, school or office catches it, it's not unusual to see many others also get sick. If your child is healthy and not sick, the most important thing to do is to keep him/her that way.
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.
What to feed toddlers after vomiting?
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 I give my 2 year old milk after vomiting?
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 can I tell if my toddler 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...•
Is pasta good for an upset stomach?
Bland carbs “White rice, pasta, crackers, and oat brans don't need a lot of work to breakdown so they're really easy to digest,” Ganjhu explains. Plus, these foods are inoffensive in taste and smell which makes them easy and soothing to eat, even when it's hard to stomach much else.
Can I give milk to toddler with stomach flu?
You Allow a Cup of Juice or Milk Milk may be okay, but start with small amounts and see if his diarrhea gets worse after he drinks it. About 20 percent of the time, a stomach virus causes temporary lactose intolerance, which leads to abdominal pain, bloating, and cramping, according to Dr. Singla.
How long are you contagious after stomach bug?
Although you typically feel better after a day or two, you're contagious for a few days after you recover. The virus can remain in your stool for up to two weeks or more after recovery. Children should stay home from school or child care for at least 48 hours after the last time they vomit or have diarrhea.
How long does a vomiting bug last in toddlers?
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 do you get rid of a stomach virus in a toddler?
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.
How do I settle my toddler's stomach after vomiting?
How is vomiting treated at home?Stomach rest. Keep your child from eating or drinking for 30 to 60 minutes after vomiting. ... Replacing fluids. Dehydration can be a problem when your child is vomiting. ... Solid food. If your child is hungry and asking for food, try giving small amounts of a bland food. ... Medicines.
Can a stomach bug last a week?
Some people also have other symptoms, such as a loss of appetite, an upset stomach, aching limbs and headaches. The symptoms usually appear up to a day after becoming infected. They typically last less than a week, but can sometimes last longer.
How long after vomiting can you give a baby something to drink?
Be Patient: A virus needs to take its course, so wait about 2 hours after the last episode of vomiting before offering your little patient anything to drink.
What is the stomach flu?
A viral gastroenteritis, or "stomach flu", occurs when a virus infects the lining of the stomach and/or small intestine, causing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue. After prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, the lining of the stomach and intestines become irritated, and change the ability of ...
What is the name of the virus that causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea?
A viral gastroenteritis, or "stomach flu", occurs when a virus infects the lining of the stomach and/or small intestine, causing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue. After prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, the lining of the stomach and intestines become irritated, and change the ability of the body to digest and absorb food and beverages.
Why do kids get stomach flu?
It is just a common problem of parents these days. It can be because of the weather or it can be because of viruses and germs in the environment. When your child gets sick, you’re most likely to blame it on the weather and something else. Stomach flu isn’t alike as the ordinary flu; it’s about gastrointestinal problem where one may experience stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and others. This isn’t a serious problem because you can be fine after a few days.
Why does my child get sick?
It can be because of the weather or it can be because of viruses and germs in the environment. When your child gets sick, you’re most likely to blame it on the weather and something else. Stomach flu isn’t alike as the ordinary flu; it’s about gastrointestinal problem where one may experience stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and others. ...
Can kids drink rehydration salts?
There are lots of rehydration salts for kids ; they come in different attractive flavors they will surely love. These drinks are full of electrolytes which are needed by the body during this time. Since there’s no immediate cure for this particular situation, oral rehydration supplements will serve as your first aid to replace the electrolytes lost during vomiting and diarrhea.
Can you get the stomach flu shot?
Although it’s sad to say that there is no vaccine or treatment for stomach flu. Those who experienced it most likely recover after a few days. If you suffer from vomiting, just don’t eat solid foods, it will make you feel better to take liquids for awhile until you get better. Oral rehydration salts are needed during this time.
Is the intestinal flu contagious?
You should keep in mind that intestinal flu can be a contagious disease. It can be spread from person to person, so whoever in family had it, it can still be transferred to another person. You should always wash your hands when handling foods or when you went to the toilet. You might spread more germs and viruses than you expect. There are lots of myths and facts about intestinal flu which you need to know to avoid some of them and follow the facts. Here are few of myths and facts you should know:
Best foods for toddlers recovering from a stomach bug
Once your child’s symptoms resolve, you may be eager to get them back to a balanced diet. It may be a good idea to start slow to make sure your child’s diarrhea and vomiting don’t come back. Start with half of what they would normally eat to test their tummy.
Common causes of diarrhea and vomiting in kids
Like adults, sometimes kids just get sick. It’s often caused by viral infections or eating something that irritated their digestive tract. If your older child complains of frequent stomach aches, it could be childhood anxiety. Talk with your pediatrician if you think that could be the case.
Drinks for toddler with upset stomach
The most Important thing that helps a sick kid is to keep them hydrated! Try to push fluids in any way possible – most illness cause fluid to be released from the body ( think diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating from a fever) and dehydration can take your kid from bad to worse quickly.
What to give a toddler with a fever
If your child has a high temperature, your child’s pediatrician may advise you to give them a fever reducer, like acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Home Remedies To Treat Stomach Flu In Children
Stomach flu is very common among children. Children do tend to skip personal hygiene. They put things in their mouth, which they are not supposed to. They also put their unwashed hands in their mouth. These habits allow many bacteria and virus to enter your childs digestive system.
What To Give 2 Year Old For Stomach Flu
What to give 2 year old for 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. Children can also have crackers, or grilled or boiled chicken.
What Can My Child Eat To Help With Diarrhea
What about the diarrhea? It doesn’t matter what you give your child to eat for the diarrhea. If they’ve stopped vomiting your child can have their normal foods. Now the only exception is babies.
What To Feed A Toddler With Stomach Flu
You can safely feed the following food items to your toddler with stomach flu:
Children With Gastroenteritis Must Keep Drinking
If your child has gastroenteritis, make sure they drink clear fluids . Babies under 6 months old can become ill quickly with gastro they need extra fluids to replace fluids lost by diarrhoea and vomiting.
Are Stomach Bugs Contagious
Gastroenteritis is quite contagious. It is spread through contact with body fluids that contain viral particles, bacteria, or parasites.
Medication Is Not Usually Needed
You should not give medicines to stop diarrhoea to children under 12 years old. They sound attractive remedies but are unsafe to give to children, due to possible serious complications. However, you can give paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease a high temperature or headache.
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).
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.
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.
