With infection, diarrhea often follows vomiting. If the child is having fewer than four bowel movements per day, a regular diet should be continued, with gradual improvement expected. With four or more loose bowel movements per day, dietary changes may be helpful.

First 12 Hours – No solid foods in diet.

Under 1 year: Offer electrolyte solution* such as Pedialyte.

Over 1 year: Clear liquids, such as Gatorade, 7-Up, Sprite, Cola, Popsicles.

Breast-feeding: Continue breast milk without solid foods.

After 12 Hours – Begin solid foods and formula.

Under 1 year: Soy formula with cereal, bananas, crackers, and applesauce.

Over 1 year: Bananas, crackers, applesauce, toast, Jell-o, potatoes, soup.

Breast Feeding: Continue breast milk, plus cereal, bananas, applesauce, crackers.

After 48 hours

The child should return to a regular diet, even if the bowel movements are loose and frequent. Formula fed infants should continue the soy formula until the bowel movements have returned to normal, typically within 5 days. Fruit juices should be avoided until bowel movements have returned to normal.

The stool may be somewhat loose 3-5 days, but their frequency should decrease to 2-3 stools per day. If profuse diarrhea persists or blood is noted in the stools; contact our office for advice.

The major complication of vomiting and diarrhea is the loss of body fluids resulting in dehydration. Signs of this condition include infrequent urination (less than three voids in 24 hours), dry mouth, lack of tears when crying, or excessive drowsiness. Contact our office if your child is displaying any of these signs.

*To improve the taste, ¼ teaspoon of pre-sweetened, sugar-free Kool-Aid powder may be added to 8 ounces of an oral electrolyte solution.