Kids experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea for a variety of reasons, such as infection by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or eating undercooked food or food that is difficult to digest, according to FamilyDoctor.org. If your child has an upset stomach, help him feel better by providing lots of clear liquids and bland, easy-to-digest food.
Fluids
Vomiting and diarrhea often cause dehydration, so kids need to drink fluids to replace water and electrolytes. Clear soups, clear soda or juice diluted with water are ideal options to fight dehydration, according to FamilyDoctor.org. If kids have been vomiting or feel nauseous, give them small amounts of liquids at a time. You can also give kids a commercial oral rehydration solution, which comes in different forms, such as powder, liquid, or frozen popsicles.
Bland Food
Wait six hours after vomiting to offer food to a child, according to Medline Plus. Offer small amounts of bland food, such as bananas, saltine crackers, toast, rice, applesauce or unsweetened cereal. Gradually add other bland foods if your child continues to feel better. If kids aren't hungry, don't force them to eat; having an upset stomach may affect their appetite for several days.
What to Avoid
Don't offer dairy products or spicy, fried or fatty food to a child with an upset stomach, as these foods may irritate the digestive tract. Don't give kids plain water or dark soda, either; plain water doesn't contain the salt and nutrients children need to fight dehydration, and dark sodas often have large amounts of sugar that can irritate the stomach. In addition, don't give kids medicine to stop diarrhea without first consulting to your doctor. Diarrhea is one way the body eliminates infection, so medicines that stop diarrhea may reduce your child's ability to heal, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Finally, make sure kids rest; being active can make an upset stomach worse.
When to See a Doctor
You can often treat an upset stomach at home. However, seek medical attention if your child exhibits signs of dehydration, such as dark urine or lack of urine, weight loss, dry mouth, not producing tears when crying, or sunken, less springy skin. In addition, call your doctor if your child has blood in his vomit or stools, may have swallowed something poisonous, has a severe headache or stiff neck, is younger than six months old, or has a fever higher than 101.4 F.
