gastro

[lucyp]

Has anyone's little one had a bout of the recent gastro that appears to be going around? How long does it last ? What do you do when they can't keep anything down from either end?

[aardvark]

Breastfeed small amounts frequently if breastfeeding. I remember DD#1 having gastro, and I didn't do my shirt up all day.

Electrolyte replacement drinks offered freely - again, small amounts frequently if they are vomiting.

If it lasts too long, you have not choice but to see a doctor or attend the hospital.

[cobysmummy]

my son was in hospital last month with gastro...

every 10 minutes he would have to poo... really sloopy and they leaked out of the nappy... it is very important to keep them hydrated... if ur bub shows signs of dehydration such as dry lips, tongue umm... i forget what else... its important to get them to the hospital because they dehydrate very very quickly...

he was on the gastro lyte drinks but they made him vomit so he had to be in hospital on a drip...

we stayed in hospital 2 nights and the whole thing lasted almost 2 weeks...

and be warned.. it is very contagious... every one who touched coby got it... he infected almost 20 people!! but if and adult gets it it will only last around 2 days..

if you have any other questions feel free to pm me...

[Ojoj]

My DD18 mths has been ill for going on 5 days now, started with vommitting last Sat 3 am.
Could not keep any fluids down till about midday Sat.
No fever until Sunday pm when the runny nappies started.
Went to Dr. Sun am it's a virus.
Tolerated fluids thankfully.
Mon pm still got runny nappies.
No more lossTues until 11pm then the vommitting started again poor thing. Seemed to be getting better till the vomitting started again last night.

My question is what can l feed her she is hungry we have done all the usual ie:
-VEGEMITE TOAST
-DRY TOAST
-VARIOUS DRY BISCUITS

She has had enough of these

Her tummy is too delicate for her usual diet yet as l dicovered last night any
suggestions would be appreciated:confused:

[Snugglepot]

Kyle got it last Thursday (7 months) he vomitted a couple of times, would not drink much and had the runs for 3 days. Just keep trying to get the fluids in, we found it really hard as he will still only drink milk. We feed often (formula) and gave him paracetamol for 2 days. If bub gets lethargic or floppy he is dehydrated and go straight to the hospital.

Kyle then got a viral rash all over as a side effect from the gastro, he looks like a spotty mess now, but it does not bother him!

Apparently it went right around the childcare centre and we got it too. Take care.:)

[addictedtobabe]

DS (7 months) had it last week, thankfully no runny nappies! The doc took him off milk and food and said just water and juice (clear only - apple) or electrolyte - 2 days later reintroduce formula at half strength. I though he would be hungry but he still slept through. When reintroduce foods was told no avo, no raw fruit and veg and no dairy until settled...made fruit jelly with water and juice to get more fluids in.

He also now is covered in rash.

[Chickadee]

Suggested foods for recovering from gastro (out of Breast Bottle Bowl by Anne Hillis and Penelope Stone): potato, pasta, rice, noodles, vegetables, plain biscuits, bread, toast, meat, eggs, fish and soup. Personally I'd probably avoid the meat fish and eggs initially.
Foods to avoid: Milk products, sugary foods (jelly, honey, jam), dried fruits and fruit.

Kaz Cooke (Kid wrangling) has the following list of what to feed a kid with gastro, and emphasises not to force feed but let them decide when they're ready:
- plain cooked rice and pasta
- rice pudding (? I'd have thought the milk in it was a no-no?)
- dry toast and bread
- plain biscuits with reduced salt
- porridge made with water
- mashed potatoes
- plain soy milk
- grated or paper thin apple slices
- stewed pear
- banana
- mashed carrot or zucchini
- jelly
- finely chopped steamed chicken breast
- plain homemade chicken soup.

Her list of stuff not to feed kids with Gastro:
- only plain water for more than 24 hours. The body needs more nutrients.
- full strength juice or lemonade. Dilute at least 1:1.
- flat lemonade or sugar in water. Get a rehydration drink from the chemist instead
- bottled electrolyte and sports drinks. Those are for adults, use a kids rehydration drink from the chemist
- spicy, acidic, rich foods (chocolate, junk foods, sweets)
- salty things
- milk and other dairy foods