Young or old, the vomiting bug is never a nice thing to catch; spending your evenings in the bathroom head beat over the toilet bowl and feeling like you will never eat again is definitely not on our list of fun things to do.

 

While not nice for anyone, at least older people are more likely to understand what is going on and seeing your tiny infant suffering from a bug you know all too well can be upsetting. While it usually passes after about 24 hours, there are a few things you need to do and be aware of.

 

Keep fluid intake up

Dehydration is a common symptom of the vomiting bug and it is important you keep your little one’s fluid intake up. Offer more breastmilk or formula, feed them small amounts regularly, or for babies who are being weaned offer cooled boiled water.

 

Signs of dehydration

Thankfully, spotting dehydration is fairly easy and there are a number of things you should be vigilant about. Look out for: dry lips, dry mouth, few wet nappies, sunken fontanelle in young babies, rapid breathing, dark urine, sunken eyes and tearless crying. Increase their fluids and take them to the doctor if it doesn't show any signs of improving. 

 

When to call the doctor

Generally, your little one should be able to get over their illness without going to the doctor, but there are certain things that can accompany their sickness that you will need to keep an eye out for: a bulging/ sunken fontanelle, severe irritability, a rash, swollen stomach, fever, dry mouth, floppiness, few wet nappies or blood in bile.

 

What to do to help recovery

While you won’t be able to stop the vomiting, you will be able to aid their recovery both during and after the illness. This type of virus can be very exhausting so make sure your baby is given plenty of opportunities to rest and sleep. This will go a long way to helping them feel better. After they haven’t vomited for about 12 hours, you can start to reintroduce them back to their normal feeding schedule. If they are on solids, you can gradually offer dry cereal, crackers or toast.

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