Stomach bugs in little ones rarely come with a warning. One minute everything is normal, the next you have a leaked diaper, a child who is throwing up and a laundry basket that keeps growing. It's rough, but it passes. Here are our best tips for getting through loose stools, frequent diaper changes and a bottom that turns red fast.
What is a stomach bug in children?
A stomach bug is an infection in the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a virus. It spreads easily at preschool and within the family, and in winter many people talk about the winter vomiting bug. Common symptoms in children are vomiting, diarrhea, tummy ache, tiredness and sometimes a mild fever. Loose stools tend to last longer than the vomiting, so expect a few days of extra diaper changes.
Fluids matter most
When your child is vomiting and has diarrhea, the body loses fluid fast. That's why fluids come before food. Think small amounts, often, instead of one big glass at a time.
- Breastfeeding? Keep going, ideally more often and for shorter stretches.
- Oral rehydration solution is available at the pharmacy and is a good complement during a stomach bug. Ask the staff what suits your child's age.
- Small sips from a spoon, sippy cup or syringe often work better than a whole bottle when the tummy is sensitive.
- Food when your child wants it. Don't force it. The appetite comes back once the tummy has settled.
An easy way to keep track of fluid balance is the diaper. If your child is peeing as usual, that's a good sign. If wet diapers become unusually rare, or your child seems listless and hard to get a response from, call 1177 for advice. The same goes if your child is very small, isn't getting any fluids in at all or if there is blood in the poo. Trust your gut. You know your child best.
Loose stools and the diaper: how to reduce leaks
Diarrhea is thin, comes suddenly and rarely stays in the middle of the diaper. Here, fit is what counts.
- Fold out the leak guards around the legs properly so the elastic sits fluffed out against the thigh, not folded inward.
- Pull the diaper up high at the back. That's where things usually go wrong with loose stools.
- Two fingers at the waist. Snug enough without gaping.
- Change right away. Thin stools irritate the skin quickly, so don't wait for the diaper to fill up.
For little ones on the move, pant diapers can make changes easier: pull off, pull on, done. If your child is between two sizes, we recommend the smaller size in pant diapers and the larger in open diapers. During a stomach bug, a whole monthly box gets used up faster than usual, so feel free to log in to your account and move your next delivery forward if the box is running low.
Red bottom during a stomach bug: protect the skin
Loose stools and frequent changes are a classic route to diaper rash. Poo sitting against the skin, washing several times an hour and a diaper that doesn't breathe can turn a bottom red in a couple of days. Here's how to keep the skin intact.
- Wash gently. Lukewarm water or unscented wipes, and pat dry instead of rubbing. Our bamboo wipes are gentle on a bottom that's already irritated.
- Air on the bottom. A little diaper-free time on a towel works wonders, even if it's a bit of a gamble during diarrhea.
- Change often and keep a small pile of clean diapers within reach. When a stomach bug hits, there's no point in going far.
- Choose a diaper that breathes. In Bammies, 100% bamboo fiber sits against the skin, with no perfume, lotion or chlorine. The diaper is tested by Dermatest® with the rating Excellent, and if it still causes a rash, you get your money back.
If the skin becomes sore, weepy or doesn't improve despite changes and fresh air, get in touch with your child health centre (BVC). Sometimes an ointment is needed, and sometimes a fungal infection is hiding behind the redness.
Stop the bug spreading through the family
Stomach bugs spread easily, especially through diaper changes. A few simple habits reduce the risk of the whole family being laid up the same week.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after every change. Hand sanitizer isn't always enough against stomach viruses.
- Put dirty diapers straight into a bag and tie it shut.
- Wash clothes, sheets and changing mat covers on a hot cycle.
- Give your child their own towels in the meantime.
Daycare usually has its own rules for how long your child needs to be symptom-free before coming back. Check with your daycare so you don't have to guess.
When is it over?
The vomiting usually settles first, the tummy takes a little longer. Your child may be grumpy and tired for a few days afterwards, and appetite is often the last thing to return. As long as your child is peeing, drinking and perking up a little each day, you're on the right track. Take it easy, let the laundry wait and keep extra diapers at home. Dry baby. Happy skin. A little more sleep for everyone.
Need to stock up before the next round? Our open diapers and pant diapers are delivered to your door, and you can change size and delivery frequency whenever you like.
