What to Feed a Toddler With Rotavirus

Rotavirus, a common and contagious infection, typically affects most children before age five. One infection does not confer immunity, but subsequent infections will be less severe. The incubation period is two days. The incidence is lower in breastfed children and higher in those attending daycare. Rotavirus infection can be accompanied by low-grade fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Parents should monitor children and seek medical help for severe dehydration.

Onset

• Toddlers might vomit every five to 30 minutes for the first 12 hours of rotavirus infection. During this intense period, keeping the stomach empty is advisable, however if children are thirsty they may breastfeed, be given a few sips of pediatric electrolyte solution, or eat ice chips from a teaspoon. Excessive sugar will trigger the body to increase the amount of fluid in the digestive tract, and could make diarrhea worse. Cow's milk or formula should not be given, because rotavirus kills the enzymes needed to digest lactose, increasing stomach cramps and diarrhea. Notify a physician if frequent vomiting persists longer than 12 hours.

The Next Phase

• Vomiting should slow down to every one or two hours in the second stage of rotavirus infection. Toddlers can take in more fluids now, but still no milk or fatty foods. If breastfeeding is an option, do that exclusively. Otherwise, clear liquids are best. Mint tea is soothing and the scent of mint relieves nausea. Ginger tea is good for cramps and abdominal pain. Diluted sports drinks, electrolyte pediatric popsicles, and rice water are all good choices. Make rice water by boiling 1/2 cup of brown rice in three cups of water for 45 minutes; strain liquid off and cool before serving. Do not give solid foods until vomiting slows to once or twice a day.

The End Phase

• When a child is only vomiting once or twice a day, easily digestible foods can be given as tolerated. Try rice milk instead of cow's milk. Vegetable juices, broths, and soups can be added. Canned green beans, frozen peas and carrots, or steamed and mashed potatoes will provide fiber, vitamins, and potassium and other minerals. Fresh fruits will be welcomed, along with fresh celery and carrot sticks. It is important to increase plant fiber and add probiotic supplements or cultured foods such as yogurt to replace colonies of "friendly" bacteria in the bowel. Most rotavirus infections run their course within one week.

Warnings

• While frequent vomiting and diarrhea can be exhausting, a child who can't be roused easily might be suffering from severe dehydration. Sunken eyes, the absence of tears, more than eight hours without urine, and skin that "tents" or does not snap back when pinched are signs of serious dehydration. Some children with rotavirus need rehydration by intravenous fluids in a hospital setting.
  Do not give pink over-the-counter stomach remedies. Most of these contain aspirin, which is not appropriate to treat viral infections in children because of its association with Reye's Syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition.