Gastroenteritis in kids

Gastroenteritis is a sickness that upsets the stomach and bowels. It is usually caused by a virus. Sometimes it can come from dirty food, water, or not washing hands properly. Children, especially babies, can get sick quickly. If they vomit or have lots of watery poo, they can lose too much water and become dehydrated.

Learn more about triggers, signs and symptoms of gastro in children.

First aid for gastroenteritis

Looking after your child while they are unwell

• Try to keep your child hydrated with either water, 50/50 diluted apple juice or rehydration solution (on advice of pharmacist GP)
• If your child continues vomiting, give small sips often (every 10-15 minutes) to replace lost fluid
• Babies should keep drinking their normal milk
• Do not give very sugary drinks as this may make symptoms worse
• Allow your child to eat what they want but try to avoid sweet foods as they can make diarrhoea worse

Medicine to stop diarrhoea is NOT recommended

As long as your child has diarrhoea and vomiting, keep them away from other children as much as possible, and keep them home from school or childcare. It may take several days (even weeks) for their diarrhoea to settle.

• Wash your hands after you have been changing nappies or playing with your child.
• Teach your child to always wash their hands after going to the toilet.
• Change your baby’s nappies frequently, and use a zinc based nappy cream – to stop the diarrhoea from irritating your baby’s skin.

Visit the GP or Urgent Care clinic (or emergency department after hours)

• If your baby is less than 3 months old (as young babies can become ill very quickly)
• If your child is continually vomiting
• If you are concerned about the number of watery stools being passed, or if they have blood in them
• If your child is refusing to drink
• If your child has bad tummy pain
• If your child has signs and symptoms of dehydration (drowsy, irritable, dry mouth, decreased wee)