Few things clear a household’s schedule like a stomach bug. The vomiting and diarrhea are miserable, but most stomach bugs are short-lived and pass on their own. The main thing to watch is hydration, and knowing the signs makes the days more manageable.
This guide covers what to expect, how to keep your child hydrated, and when a visit is needed. It is part of our guide to common childhood illnesses and offers general health information, not a substitute for care from your child’s provider.
What causes stomach bugs?
Most stomach bugs, which doctors call gastroenteritis, are caused by viruses that spread easily among children. They usually bring some mix of vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes a fever, and symptoms often ease within a few days. Because the body loses fluids quickly, the goal is to keep your child hydrated while the bug runs its course.
Keeping your child hydrated
Small and steady wins over large amounts. Offer frequent, small sips rather than big drinks, which can trigger more vomiting.
- Start slow after vomiting. Wait a little while, then offer a teaspoon or two of fluid every few minutes, building up as it stays down.
- Choose the right fluids. Water and oral rehydration drinks work well. For babies, continue breastmilk or formula. Go easy on sugary drinks and juice, which can worsen diarrhea.
- Ease back into food. When your child is ready, offer simple, bland foods. There is no need to force eating.
Keeping fluids in is more important than eating for the first day or two.
Signs of dehydration to watch for
Dehydration is the main reason a stomach bug needs a visit. Call your pediatrician or seek care if you notice any of these.
Signs your child may be getting dehydrated:
- Far fewer wet diapers, or no urine in many hours
- No tears when crying, or a dry mouth and tongue
- Sunken eyes, or a sunken soft spot in a baby
- Unusual sleepiness, or being hard to wake or comfort
- Refusing to drink, or unable to keep any fluids down
When to call the doctor
- Signs of dehydration, as listed above
- A fever in a baby younger than three months
- Blood in the vomit or stool
- Severe or constant stomach pain
- Vomiting that lasts more than a day, or diarrhea that lasts several days
- A stomach bug in a very young baby
When something feels wrong, trust that instinct and call.
When to be seen at White's Pediatrics
If your child cannot keep fluids down or shows signs of dehydration, a same-day visit lets the team check hydration and guide next steps. White’s Pediatrics offers same-day sick visits and welcomes walk-ins at all three clinic locations.
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Open when your child actually gets sick, not just during the workday Dalton daytime clinic: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm Dalton Urgent Care: Monday to Friday, 5pm to 9pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 12 noon |
Spanish-speaking staff are available at every location, and all major insurances are accepted, including Georgia Medicaid and PeachCare.
To have your child seen in Dalton, Chatsworth, or Calhoun, call 706-876-2130 or visit whitespediatrics.com.
Frequently asked questions
What should my child drink with a stomach bug?
Offer small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. For babies, continue breastmilk or formula. Go easy on sugary drinks and juice, which can make diarrhea worse.
When should I worry about dehydration?
Call your pediatrician if you see far fewer wet diapers, no tears when crying, a dry mouth, sunken eyes, unusual sleepiness, or your child cannot keep any fluids down.
Should I give anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea medicine?
Do not give these medicines to children without checking with your pediatrician first. They are not always safe or helpful for young children.
What can my child eat?
When your child is ready, ease back into simple, bland foods. There is no need to force eating, since keeping fluids in matters more in the first day or two.
When can my child go back to school?
As a general guide, once there has been no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours, your child is keeping food and fluids down, and is fever-free. Your pediatrician can advise for specific situations.
Can I get a same-day visit?
Yes. White’s Pediatrics offers same-day visits and walk-ins at all three locations in Dalton, Chatsworth, and Calhoun, with evening and weekend coverage at the Dalton Urgent Care. Call 706-876-2130.
A stomach bug does not have to become an emergency. White’s Pediatrics is here for your family in Dalton, Chatsworth, and Calhoun. Call 706-876-2130 or visit whitespediatrics.com to be seen.
For an overview of the other illnesses families see most often, visit our guide to common childhood illnesses.
