Rotavirus is the primary cause of intestinal inflammation, or gastroenteritis, in children and infants 3 to 15 months of age, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Children and infants should be given food and drink to prevent dehydration and provide energy. Some foods and liquids might be more suitable than others.
The Infection
Rotavirus is just one strain of virus that causes intestinal infection. It can be contracted when a child or infant consumes water or food that has been contaminated with the virus. Symptoms develop one to three days after consumption and last between three and seven days. Rotavirus causes a fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Fluids
At the peak of the infection, a child might not feel like eating or drinking much due to the abdominal discomfort, but caregivers still should offer sips of plain water. Clear broths also are suitable. Drugs.com discourages high-sugar fluids like fruit juices or soda during and directly following the infection. Apple juice and gelatin are other poor choices. Milk might cause more discomfort in some children, but if it is the primary source of fluid or nutrition, it should be offered. Dehydration is a serious complication of rotavirus but can be prevented. If a child has not been drinking much during the infection, caregivers should consult a physician and consider a rehydration fluid with electrolytes. Signs of dehydration include dry tongue, crying without tears, sunken eyes and a sunken soft spot in babies under 1 year of age.
Foods
It is not uncommon for a child to refuse food during a rotavirus infection, but it is important that regular foods be given to the child as soon as she feels up to eating again. High-fat or sugary foods can increase abdominal discomfort and should be avoided. Smaller, more frequent meals are best for maintaining the child's energy. For infants, formula or breast milk should be given at regular feeding times or more frequently if the baby isn't taking in as many ounces as she normally would.
Meat, fruits and vegetables are all suitable foods during the infection. Some foods might not be pleasing to the child, such as citrus and spicy foods. Bland foods like crackers and cheese or well-cooked meat might be more enticing. Soup with vegetables, pasta or rice and meat can offer nutrients, rehydration and even comfort to a child with rotavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests rice, potatoes, noodles, bananas, cereals that have not been pre-sweetened or yogurt.
BRAT Diet
A post-diarrhea diet, called the BRAT diet, is commonly suggested by friends, family members and even pediatricians. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that the concept of this diet is reasonable but prolonged use can be hazardous. The BRAT diet is essentially high starch and bland foods including bananas, applesauce, rice and toast.
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