First off , let me say that I am a “Better Safe than Sorry” kind of parent. The advice I give in this post is based solely on my experiences, and as a parent you should always use your better judgement. You know your kids and can tell when something isn’t right and when they are getting worse. When in doubt it is always best to seek medical attention.
So we’ve got a bug in the house; the nasty type that goes rampant and leaves you crying on the floor in exhaustion. Nobody is safe from it and there is little chance of escape. It walked right into our front door, hiding on one of the kids, and before we knew it, it was wreaking havoc in our household. It’s a stomach virus, and it’s one of the worse sicknesses to have to suffer through, especially when you have young kids.
This guide is meant for new parents who haven’t yet experienced their first stomach virus outbreak, experienced parents who could do with a few helpful tips, and for the dads who have watched on from a distance while mum handled the stomach virus situation on her own, (my finger is pointing at you J.)
Tip 1. Ready a puke bucket
Puke buckets will save your day. Get a garbage bin, a small one like the ones you can get at the dollar store, and put in a leakproof small kitchen garbage bag. Do not use old shopping bags because most of them have tears or holes in the bottom and you don’t want any leakage. This bucket has to be taken everywhere by your sick child. When they are watching TV, the bucket is beside them. When they are going to the toilet, the bucket is in front of them. When they are in bed, the bucket is in bed too. DO NOT listen to your child when they say they feel better and don’t need the bucket. The moment your child leaves the bucket behind they will wretch all over your carpet, your wonderful fabric couch, or the dog, while the bucket sits 5 feet out of reach.
Tip 2. Spread a blanket or towel
Spread a blanket or large towel down onto their pillow and surrounding area when they are sleeping. This is just in case they have an episode and aren’t able to get their head to the puke bucket in time; usually the case for the little ones who wake up groggy, or who throw up while they are still sleeping. Changing the towel / blanket is easier than having to change the whole sheet , especially if they are throwing up throughout the night. I usually sleep close by to my little ones. Because I am a light sleeper, I wake up as soon as they start coughing or gagging and can help them put their heads into the bucket.
Tip 3. Hold on to a few diapers
If you have 3-5 year olds who are potty trained, hold on to a few of their leftover pull-ups or diapers. When our little ones get a runny tummy, and it starts coming from both ends, pull ups or diapers are a lifesaver because they often can’t run to the toilets fast enough.
Tip 4. Don’t keep giving them fluids.
So this one is important. Some years back my 4th girl had a bad stomach bug. She was little, and every time she threw up we immediately tried to give her more fluids to keep her from dehydrating. Every time we gave her another small sip, it seemed like she was throwing up twice that. It didn’t take long before she was dehydrated and had to be put on a IV drip for fluids at the hospital. The doctor explained that sometimes its best not to give them anything at all until their stomachs have had a chance to settle.
So what you need to do is watch your child. Are they able to keep small amounts of fluids down without immediately throwing it up? If so, continue to give them small sips throughout the hour. If you find they are throwing the fluids up shortly after drinking it, then give it a while for the vomiting and nausea to subside before trying again. I don’t usually use anti nausea medication because I feel like the vomiting is necessary to help clear out whatever is in their system. If the vomiting doesn’t stop after a day, I take my little one to the doctor
If the child is acting severely lethargic, eyes are sunken, and mouth is overly dry, take them to the hospital as they are likely dehydrated.
In terms of which fluids to give them, I personally like the lightly flavoured Gatorades. I find that the kids will drink it over water and its more hydrating. It’s also relatively cheap compared to other rehydration drinks.
Tip 5. Trying to sanitize to stop the spread may be futile
Again, this is just my opinion. If you have a household with only one or two kids with their own rooms, then quarantine and disinfection might work. When you have a household with 6 kids and one bathroom, it will not be so easy. I tried it once. I followed my sick kid around when they left their bedroom, wiping everything they touched, closing the toilet when they flushed so not to spread any toilet mist, then spraying the seat and surroundings with Lysol, I wiped the faucet, the door handles, gave them a personal hand towel, and the result, everyone still got sick 🤦🏾♀️. Just do the best you can, and don’t stress out if you aren’t able to contain it. It usually runs its course after a few days so just stay strong.
And that what I’ve learned.The stomach flu isn’t a nice one to have around, and I hope these tips can make life just a little easier when it does make its way into your household.
From Sandbabies to Snowbunnies. This is our Life. 