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Advice by Pediatric Conditions: Diarrhea & Vomiting

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Treatment of a child with diarrhea or vomiting from an “intestinal flu” is similar to treatment for adults. An adult with an upset stomach restricts the diet to sips of water, seven-up or light juices. In time, the queasy stomach begins to settle and the diet is gradually advanced to normal.

The same principle applies to infants and children. To help you pick appropriate foods and liquids for your child, we have prepared the following list.

Generally, you’ll want to start with appropriate (for your child’s age) items in category 1 and remember, small amounts or sips are easier to tolerate than larger volumes. If things go well with category 1 items, you may progress to category 2. If these are tolerated, you may continue progressing through the categories until your child is healthy again and tolerating their usual diet.

Most diarrhea and vomiting illnesses will take 24 hours to 72 hours to progress through the categories. Go slowest early in the illness. You’ll usually spend more time in category 1 than in category 2 or 3. (If your baby has never tried some of the foods listed, we suggest you not give them during this illness.)

CATEGORY 1:

Pedialyte, Pedialyte RS, Lytren, Infalyte, 1/2 strength grape juice or Gatorade, flat 7-up, popsicles, Jello

CATEGORY 2:

Bananas, rice or rice cereal, applesauce, toast, soda crackers, potatoes (mashed, boiled or baked), pasta, Cheerios

CATEGORY 3:

Fruits, vegetables

CATEGORY 4:

Dairy products, infant formula, meats

Dairy products (especially milk and formulas like Similac and Enfamil) are difficult to digest during and even after diarrhea and vomiting illnesses, so early use may aggravate and prolong the symptoms. Adult remedies like Pepto Bismol and Kaopectate should not be used.

Remember: This is meant to serve as a guideline. As long as you follow the general principles, you may deviate somewhat from these suggestions. Also, don’t be alarmed if your child’s diarrhea does not resolve within two or three days. Several mushy stools per day during the healing process are typical. In fact, it may take weeks before stools return to normal.

Dehydration

The most worrisome complication of diarrhea and vomiting is dehydration. The signs of dehydration include:

  • an energy level so low the child is too weak to drink,
  • no urination for more than ten hours,
  • eyes that appear dry, sunken or hollow and
  • a dry mouth.

If you note signs of dehydration, please immediately call the office schedule an appointment to have your child checked.