
Is gastro every parent’s worst nightmare? While it definitely isn’t fun for anyone involved, there are things you can do to support your little one to feel more comfortable and be back to normal as soon as possible.
Please note, if vomiting and diarrhoea are really profuse, don’t seem to be resolving, contain blood, are accompanied by severe pain, lethargy or symptoms of dehydration, or if you have any concerns at all please seek immediate medical attention.
Gastro (short for acute gastroenteritis) is typically caused by a virus, but may also be bacterial or parasitic and is characterised by episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhoea (O’Ryan et al. 2022). It is usually self-limiting (meaning it will resolve on its own) and for most children the only treatments required are supportive measures such as fluid repletion, adequate nutrition and lots of comfort (O’Ryan et al. 2022). But when you’re in the depths of it (and trying not to catch it yourself!) it can be hard to remember exactly what to do. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Hydration
Dehydration can develop quickly in a child with vomiting and diarrhoea, so offering frequent sips of fluids must be prioritised.
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For babies under 6 months of age this will be from breastmilk or formula feeds unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider. You could also offer breastmilk or formula ice blocks in a silicon feeder
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For children who have started solids, fluids could include:
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breastmilk or formula
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water
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coconut water
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bone broth or miso soup
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cooled chamomile, ginger or fennel tea
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fresh fruit and veggie juices (small sips, preferably diluted with water)
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Breastmilk or formula ice blocks
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Rehydrate me drink (see recipe below)
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If your child is breastfeeding, breastmilk should be prioritised no matter the age as it will not only aid hydration, but also contains potent immunoglobulins that help to reduce inflammation and support the immune system (Atyeo et al. 2021, Morrow et al. 2005).
Signs of dehydration to look out for that would warrant medical attention include (O’Ryan et al. 2022, RCH, 2018):
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Weight loss
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Dry mucous membranes
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Decreased urinary output or dark/brown urine
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Rapid breathing
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Elevated pulse
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Pale skin
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Sunken eyes and absent tears when crying
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Sunken fontanelle (in your children who still have an open fontanelle)
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Lethargy
Rehydrate Me Drink
Ingredients
2 cups coconut water (sugar and flavour free)
⅛ tsp himalayan salt
½ inch ginger sliced
Squeeze lime juice
Method:
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Place all ingredients in a glass jar and shake until combined.
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Serve to your baby in small amounts throughout the day.
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Keep the mixture in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes:
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When serving to baby, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove the pieces of ginger (for choking risk)
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If freezing, make the mixture and allow the ginger to infuse overnight. Remove the ginger pieces the next day then freeze the liquid for up to 6 months.
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If your baby’s hydration is a concern and not improving, please seek medical attention.
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An icy pole/popsicle can be a choking risk for a young baby. We recommend freezing the expressed breastmilk (or formula) and allowing your baby to suck on the frozen mixture through a sterilised silicone feeder.
Nutrition
With a tender belly during and after a bout of gastro, we want to offer foods that are easy to digest and nourishing. While there are certain foods that are preferable, whatever diet your child can tolerate is also ok. Optimal choices include foods such as:
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Vegetable based soups, preferably made with bone broth
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Stewed apples
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Rice with broth or miso and steamed veggies
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Plain crackers
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Banana smoothies
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Roasted root veggies
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Papaya
Research has suggested that complex carbohydrates, lean meats, yoghurt, fruits, and vegetables are better tolerated than foods containing high levels of fats and simple sugars (King et al. 2003). During the days of and following a bout of gastro you may also want to minimise or avoid:
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Dairy foods (some children will develop a transient lactose intolerance after gastro) (Elliot 2007, Alarcon et al. 1991)
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Rich or fatty foods, raw vegetables, sugary and processed foods, cold and icy foods and citrus fruits – these may be aggravating to a sensitive tummy, although complete avoidance or restriction is not necessary in all cases.
At the end of the day, whatever your child has an appetite for is ok!
A beautiful, nourishing and easy to digest option suitable for all ages once solids have commenced is congee. Congee is a thin rice porridge used as a staple therapeutic food in Traditional Chinese Medicine practices. It is believed to harmonise the digestive system as well as having demulcent properties – meaning it can soothe, protect and relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes (Pitchford 2002). The addition of ginger may also help to relieve nausea and vomiting (Nocerino et al. 2021)

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