Returning to a regular diet too quickly after experiencing diarrhea and vomiting might irritate your child's delicate stomach. Eating overly spicy or heavy foods can lead to a relapse of her symptoms. Although you should let your toddler's appetite determine when she feels like eating solid foods again, sticking to a diet of bland, low-fiber foods can help her recover more quickly from diarrhea and vomiting.
Types
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends following the BRAT diet --- the acronym stands for "Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast" --- after your toddler experiences an upset stomach or diarrhea. This diet, composed of low-fiber "binding" foods, can firm up his stools and help him recover normal bowel functioning. Bananas also contain high levels of potassium, which can help replace nutrients lost due to diarrhea and vomiting. Other foods that work well after a stomach virus include crackers, mashed or baked potatoes, broths, noodles and mild soups.
Time Frame
Avoid feeding your child any type of food during the active vomiting phase of the virus since she will probably not keep anything down. Once the vomiting slows to two to four times a day --- or stops completely -- pediatrician Dr. William Sears, author of "The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Child from Birth to Age 2," recommends starting your child on a bland food diet. Do not force your child to eat. If she cannot keep the foods down, it might be too soon for solids. Sears suggests trying again a bit later. Once vomiting stops for 24 hours, you can slowly resume your toddler's regular diet. Avoid dairy products for 2 to 3 days after the virus since these can be especially hard on your toddler's stomach.
Considerations
Although you should stay away from most dairy products during the recovery phase, Sears suggests incorporating probiotic yogurt containing acidophilus or lactobacillus into your child's recovery diet. According to Sears, they can decrease the severity and duration of your child's diarrhea. If your child doesn't like yogurt, you can also buy these probiotics in capsules that you can break open and empty into your child's food or drink.
Prevention/Solution
Keeping your child well hydrated is more important than ensuring he eats --- especially if he lacks an appetite or an interest in food. The Kids Health website cautions that dehydration is the greatest risk posed by vomiting and diarrhea due to a stomach virus. Guard against dehydration by giving your child clear liquids, such as water, ice chips or oral electrolyte solution, every 15 minutes, during your child's bout with the virus.
Warning
Adults and children should avoid following the BRAT diet for long periods since it lacks the nutrients normally found in a healthy, well-balanced diet. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, eating the diet on a long-term basis can cause your toddler to become malnourished. This can lead to a diagnosis of inadequate growth and it can make it even more difficult for your child to recover from the virus.
