It’s one of the worst experiences I’ve had as a parent: watching one of my youngsters suffer through a stomach virus. His or her little body, doubled over in pain, and exhibiting symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, chills, fatigue and dehydration. There’s also often a loss of appetite and little interest in sipping any sort of drink.
I’ve seen clients and parents push all sorts of foods and beverages on their sick children because they’re so worried about the lack of appetite. As a mom of three, I can relate. 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.
Before the Bug
When the first signs of a stomach virus come about, your first instinct may be to feed them. Instead, follow these steps:
— Hydrate. When vomiting and diarrhea hit, the most important thing to remember is to keep your child hydrated. 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. The goal is for your child to take in about 1 to 2 fluid ounces every half hour or so.
— And hydrate. Sometimes, your child may need an over-the-counter oral electrolyte solution like Pedialyte in order to replenish electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea. (Always speak with your pediatrician, though, before giving one to your little one.) These oral electrolyte solutions are easiest to tolerate when served cold. Some brands also come as frozen pops. Sports drinks, juice and soda are not the same because they don’t contain the same specially formulated ratio of electrolytes.
— Let the tummy rest. 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. Liquids help prevent dehydration, and are less likely than solid foods to stimulate further vomiting.
— Monitor. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of dehydration such as a moist mouth, lips or tongue. Also, be aware of how often they are urinating or wetting diapers. 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. Keep them home from school and let them spend the day resting on the sofa with some tender loving care.
— Clean and Disinfect. 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. Immediately wash towels, bed sheets, blankets, stuffed animals and clothes. Make sure the bathroom is stocked with soap and a clean towel, and demand that hands be washed regularly.
Once Symptoms Subside
Once the vomiting and diarrhea have stopped, it could take up to a day for your kiddo to regain his or her appetite. 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. Today, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children go back to their normal diets after they’re hydrated.
— 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.
— 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. Good choices include plain cereals (compare labels for added sugar), rice, bread, potatoes, peeled fruit, lean protein such as eggs and chicken, and cooked vegetables such as green beans and carrots.
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What to Feed a Child With a Stomach Bug originally appeared on usnews.com
