Your child has been treated for Diarrhoea and Vomiting. They have been thoroughly examined and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following will aid their recovery.
Please speak to a healthcare professional before following the advice below
Your child has been diagnosed with diarrhoea (frequent watery poo) which can lead to dehydration (too much water loss from the body).
What should I do?
It is important that you encourage your child to drink. The oral replacement solution (ORS) you have been given by the hospital, is best given in small, regular amounts (for example 10 ml every 10 minutes).
Your child needs a lot of fluids over 24 hours. A teaspoon is 5 ml, a typical beaker holds 200 ml.
What kind of fluids can I give my child?
Any drink your child usually has, including milk. However, try to avoid very concentrated drinks like real fruit juice, sugary squash, or fizzy drinks unless they are diluted with at least four times as much water. Avoid sweetened tea, coffee, or herbal teas.
What about feeds?
- Breast fed babies should continue feeding as normal.
- For bottle fed babies just give ORS or clear fluids for the first four hours, then restart full strength feeds little and often, for example 30ml every 20 minutes. Do not offer a full bottle all in one go or your child is likely to vomit again. As vomiting settles you can start to offer gradually larger amounts less often.
- For weaned children just give ORS or clear fluids for the first four hours, then encourage them to drink normal fluids and eat foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes, toast, and plain biscuits. Do not worry if they are not hungry. Avoid fatty and sugary foods.
What about diarrhoea?
This may continue for up to six or seven days. As long as your child is drinking and improving in themselves this does not matter. However, if you are worried then please call NHS 111 for advice.
What about tummy pains and temperature?
If your child has tummy pain or a high temperature give them junior paracetamol, following the instructions on the bottle.
What is oral replacement solution (ORS)?
ORS is a salt and sugar replacement solution that is made up with water to replace the fluids being lost. You will have been given one of these if your child is dehydrated or is at risk of becoming dehydrated. Try to give it each time your child has a large loose poo or vomits. Give small amounts often. If your child does not like the taste try adding a small amount of sugar free squash.
What if my child does not appear to be getting better?
Contact your GP, NHS 111, or take your child to your nearest A&E immediately if:
- they repeatedly refuse fluids.
- they become drowsy or irritable.
- they vomit five or more times in 24 hours.
- they have nine or more loose poos in 24 hours.
- they have blood in their poo.
- their pain or fever is not settled by junior paracetamol.
What about my babies sore bottom?
- Change their nappy as soon as it is dirty.
- Clean your baby’s bottom carefully with cotton wool and water (do not use alcohol based wipes as they may sting).
- Once clean, apply a barrier cream such as Vaseline, to your baby’s bottom.
When can my child return to nursery?
When the diarrhoea has settled to two to three formed poos each day.
How can I stop it happening again?
- Always wash your hands before preparing food or bottles.
- Always wash your hands after changing nappies or going to the toilet.
- Wash and sterilise all babies’ teats, bottles, and feeding equipment.
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