Gastro in Babies: Vomiting, Diarrhoea & Hydration | Parenting Hub
Gastro is common, usually viral and clears in a few days. The big risk in babies is dehydration — here's how to manage it at home and when to seek help.
Gastro is one of the most common reasons babies and toddlers end up in ED — almost always because of dehydration. Here's how to manage at home and when to call.
What to expect
Most gastro is viral (norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus). Vomiting usually settles in 1–2 days; diarrhoea can last up to a week. Mild fever is common.
Hydration first
- Breastfed: keep feeding, shorter and more often
- Formula: continue normal formula — don't dilute
- From 6 months: small frequent sips of oral rehydration solution (Hydralyte, Gastrolyte) — 5 ml every 5 min if vomiting, build up
- Avoid juice, cordial, sports drinks and flat lemonade — sugar makes diarrhoea worse
Food
Offer normal food when hungry — bland is fine but no special 'BRAT' diet needed. Don't withhold food beyond 24 hours.
Stop the spread
- Strict hand washing with soap and water (alcohol gel doesn't kill noro/rotavirus)
- Keep home from daycare 48 hours after the last episode
- Bleach surfaces, hot-wash bedding and towels
When to seek help
- Under 6 months — see GP at any signs of gastro
- Fewer than 4 wet nappies in 24 hours
- Sunken fontanelle, no tears, very dry mouth
- Blood in vomit or poo, green (bile) vomit
- Drowsy, hard to wake, floppy — 000
- Severe tummy pain or swollen tummy
Common questions
Can I give anti-diarrhoea medicine?
No — they're not safe in babies and toddlers. They trap the infection in the gut. Hydration is the treatment.