Whatever you choose to call it - stomach sickness, winter vomiting, or vomiting sickness - it is equally unpleasant for both parents and children. Getting children to eat when they are sick can be difficult. So what is the best thing to give children with stomach flu to eat? In this article, we will go through tips and recommendations on what foods are suitable for children with stomach flu and what to avoid.
What is stomach flu?
Stomach flu is a common illness in children that affects the stomach and intestines. In most cases, it is not dangerous and you do not need to seek medical attention. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, stomach ache and fatigue.
It is common for children not to want to eat or to eat only small portions. The disease is usually spread through direct contact, objects or the air, so it is important to teach children to wash their hands properly. Stomach flu is most contagious in the first few days, so it is important to stay home when you are sick. You should be symptom-free for at least two days before returning to work or school.
Although stomach sickness can be unpleasant, it is usually harmless. You can always seek medical attention from a nurse or doctor, especially in the case of young children who are at greater risk of dehydration from vomiting and diarrhoea.
What can children eat when they are sick?
If your child doesn't want to eat, this can be worrying, but you can try giving them easily digestible food in smaller portions. The most important thing is to make sure they get enough fluids. Vomiting and diarrhoea increase the risk of dehydration, which can be dangerous, especially for young children.
As a parent, you should be vigilant and ensure that your child drinks something regularly to avoid this. It is best to give them formula as it also contains sugar and salt which are important for the intestines to absorb water. If your child vomits a lot, they will need two teaspoons of formula every 5 minutes to make up for the fluid they lose through vomiting.
Tips on what children with gastroenteritis should eat:
- Saftsoppa
- Blueberry soup
- Ice cream
- Juice, stale soft drinks and tea (preferably with sugar)
- Breastfeeding the baby is good to do it in small amounts but often
- Fluid replacement (available from pharmacies and most supermarkets)
Children's own fluid replacement - recipes
- 1 litre of water
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Tips on gentle food for the stomach (after stomach flu)
Once the vomiting has stopped after a few days, the child may gradually regain appetite and start eating smaller portions. It is important to be careful with the choice of food as the stomach is still sensitive and may be irritated. Start with easy-to-digest foods for the stomach.
Tips on gentle food for the stomach after stomach flu:
- Cooked rice
- White bread
- Chicken
- Cooked fish
- Rusks and biscuits
- Broth
- Salty sticks
- Carrot soup
- White fish
After the child has regained appetite after being sick to the stomach, it is important to gradually introduce regular food.
If your child starts vomiting again, it is best to return to fluids and formula for a while longer. If your child still has a stomach ache, you may want to give them probiotics with good bacteria to help their gut flora recover.
Foods to avoid for children with stomach flu
It is important to know what foods and drinks to avoid when a child has stomach flu. Even when recovering, the stomach is still sensitive and some foods can cause irritation and worsen symptoms. Here are some examples of foods that can be too demanding on the stomach.
Tips on foods to avoid for children with stomach upset:
- Fibre-rich food
- Citrus fruits and juices with citrus
- Coffee and caffeine
- High-fat foods
- Overly spicy or strong food
- Milk products
To avoid stomach upset in children, it is best to eat mild and easily digestible foods. Once the symptoms start to disappear, you can gradually start introducing regular food again, but make sure to do so in small portions and monitor the child's reaction.
If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, you should seek medical attention and consult a doctor or nurse.
