When dealing with stomach bug symptoms in children, it is important to monitor for signs of dehydration, understand the virus’s progression, and know when to seek medical attention. Ensure proper hydration, offer recovery foods, and consult with a pediatrician or visit the ER if necessary.
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Understanding the Stomach Bug in Children
Recognize when it is appropriate to keep your child home due to a stomach bug. While not the flu, various viruses can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, increasing the risk of dehydration in children.
When Vomiting Warrants Medical Attention
Understand the importance of seeking medical attention for children experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. Immediate medical evaluation is necessary for persistent vomiting, presence of blood, or unusual symptoms, as proper hydration is critical.
It is also important to monitor for signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry mouth, decreased urine output, and lethargy. If these symptoms develop, seek medical attention promptly.
In some cases, vomiting may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as appendicitis or a gut obstruction. If vomiting is accompanied by severe abdominal pain or fever, seek immediate medical help.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to vomiting in children. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the cause of the vomiting and ensure proper treatment is provided.
Managing Dehydration and Warning Signs
Expect diarrhea to follow within 24 hours of vomiting and prioritize hydration to prevent dehydration in children exhibiting these symptoms.
Some warning signs of dehydration in children include dry mouth, crying without tears, sunken eyes, decreased urination, and lethargy. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to seek medical attention immediately.
How and When to Reintroduce Food
Avoid feeding children who are vomiting and focus on maintaining hydration until symptoms improve. Begin with clear fluids and gradually introduce bland foods once vomiting subsides.
Safe Fluids and What to Avoid
Encourage the consumption of clear fluids to support hydration, avoiding milk during episodes of vomiting. Offer small amounts to prevent further vomiting and promote adequate hydration.
Medications and Probiotics for Vomiting
It is not recommended to use medications to stop vomiting in children. In severe cases, anti-nausea medication may be administered in the emergency room. Transition to bland foods once vomiting has ceased.
Probiotics can be helpful in restoring the balance of good bacteria in the gut after a bout of vomiting. They can be taken in supplement form or consumed through probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before giving probiotics to children, especially those with weakened immune systems or other health conditions.
Managing Diarrhea During Recovery
When dealing with diarrhea during recovery, there are several tips that can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Incorporating probiotics into your diet can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut, which is essential for digestive health. Additionally, sticking to the BRAT diet – which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast – can be beneficial in easing diarrhea symptoms and providing easily digestible nutrients.
In more severe cases of diarrhea, such as those accompanied by dehydration or prolonged symptoms, switching to a soy formula may be necessary to provide relief and prevent further complications. It’s important to monitor your symptoms closely and consult with a healthcare provider if you experience lingering diarrhea or other concerning symptoms.
When It’s Time to Call or Visit the Doctor
last updated: June 17, 2025
initially published: August 22, 2014
Get insights into vomiting and the factors behind it. Stay up to date on the signs and appropriate care.
What Is Vomiting?
- For older children, offering water or clear liquids like lemonade and various fruit juices can help prevent dehydration.
- Consider providing your child with an oral rehydration solution (ORS) such as Pedialyte to restore essential electrolytes and fluids.
- Avoid diluting or mixing the ORS with formula and provide other beverages alongside the ORS.
Children Under 1 Year of Age:
- ORS
- Regularly prepared breast milk or formula
- Avoid high-sugar fruit juices or beverages like Hawaiian Punch, Hi-C, and sodas
Children Over 1 Year of Age:
Follow the above recommendations and also introduce water, clear liquids, ORS ice popsicles, milk, and flavored gelatin cubes into their diet.
How to Give Liquids
When your child is vomiting:
- Introduce clear liquids after a 30-60 minute period without vomiting to give the stomach a break.
- Continue breastfeeding, while formula intake can resume as soon as possible.
- Gradually increase fluid intake once vomiting stops and avoid forcing the child to drink.
Amount of Liquid to Give to Prevent Dehydration
Child’s Weight
Minimum Goal to Provide Every Hour*
At least 2 ounces (4 tablespoons or ¼ cup) per hour
At least 2 ½ ounces (5 tablespoons) per hour
At least 3 ½ ounces (½ cup) per hour
At least 6 ½ ounces (¾ cup) per hour
At least 10 ounces of liquid every hour (1 ¼ cups per hour)
* Minimum fluid goals per hour may increase if vomiting, diarrhea, or fever are present.
It is important to ensure that your child is getting enough fluids to prevent dehydration, especially during times of illness. If your child is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, their fluid needs may increase, so it’s important to monitor their intake closely and adjust as needed. Remember, water, oral rehydration solutions, and clear broths are great options for keeping your child hydrated.
Solid Foods
- Avoid solid foods when children are vomiting; focus on fluid intake.
- After consuming clear liquids for 6-8 hours without vomiting, reintroduce starchy, bland foods.
Other Things to Know
Medication: Only administer medications approved by a healthcare professional; refrain from self-medicating young children.
Sleep: Ensure your child gets enough rest to aid digestion and relieve vomiting.
Preventing the Spread of Infection
Prevent the spread of viruses by promoting handwashing, sanitization, and isolating contaminated items.
Additional tips to prevent the spread of infection include:
- Regularly disinfecting commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and counters.
- Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick, and staying home if you are feeling unwell.
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Wearing a mask in crowded or public places to reduce the risk of inhaling airborne particles.
- Practicing good respiratory hygiene by properly disposing of tissues and washing your hands frequently.
When To Call the Doctor
Contact a healthcare professional if your child’s condition worsens, lasts more than 24 hours, or displays specific worrisome symptoms.
- Seek medical attention if vomiting worsens or changes in color, or if signs of dehydration are present.
- Noteworthy symptoms include fever, irritability, rash, neck stiffness, or underlying immune system conditions.
Helping Hands Patient Education Materials
Developed by medical, nursing, and allied health professionals at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Helping Hand instructions serve as a complement to verbal guidance provided by a healthcare professional.
Vomiting is a common occurrence and typically not a cause for concern in infants and children, usually lasting 1-2 days.
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
If your child is vomiting and displays sudden abdominal pain or other troubling symptoms, seek medical guidance.
Speak to your GP if:
- Medical attention is recommended if your child is repeatedly vomiting without retaining fluids or shows signs of dehydration.
- Additional worries include green or bloody vomit, vomiting for more than a day, or signs of infection.
If uncertain, seek medical advice or contact a healthcare provider.
Looking after your child at home
Most cases of vomiting in children can be managed at home; ensure proper fluid intake and consider oral rehydration solutions if necessary.
Encourage breastfeeding or milk feeds for babies and maintain a balanced diet if the child can tolerate solid foods.
Consult a healthcare professional if dehydration is a concern or if the child struggles to retain fluids.
Stomach bugs are common and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and fever in children. These issues typically resolve within a week but may require medical attention in severe instances.
What causes stomach bugs?
Viruses like rotavirus and norovirus often cause stomach bugs and can be prevented by practicing good hand hygiene.
How to prevent stomach bugs
Thorough handwashing is essential in preventing stomach bugs in the household, along with proper diaper handling for infants.
How to care for a child with a stomach bug at home
To manage stomach bugs at home, ensure your child stays hydrated with an electrolyte-containing solution like Pedialyte ®, providing small sips throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks and opt for water to prevent dehydration. Breast milk or formula is ideal for breastfeeding infants. Encourage fluid intake even if the child is resistant, as it aids in recovery. Start with small amounts of solid food if tolerated, gradually increasing. Adjust as needed if vomiting occurs.
If signs of dehydration such as lethargy, irritability, thirst, paleness, sunken eyes, or reduced urination arise, seek medical attention. Contact a doctor if your child experiences prolonged fever, severe abdominal pain, or bloody diarrhea. Disinfect surfaces in the home if someone is ill with a stomach bug. Practice proper handwashing to prevent the spread of viruses like rotavirus and norovirus. Stay vigilant, and your family will overcome the illness.
Stomach bugs, or gastroenteritis, are common in children and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes fever. Most cases can be managed at home with rest and hydration. Remember to follow proper hygiene practices to prevent illness spread.