Small sips more often
If your child is vomiting, try very small amounts every few minutes rather than a full cup at once. This can be easier to keep down and may help prevent dehydration.
How to Care for a Child With Vomiting and Diarrhea
Get clear, parent-friendly guidance on what to give at home, the best fluids to help prevent dehydration, what foods to offer as your child improves, and when it may be time to call the doctor.
About 3–5 minutesPrivate assessmentNo long answers
About this assessment
Answer a few questions for personalized guidance
Tell us what is happening with your child’s vomiting and diarrhea right now, and we’ll help you focus on home care steps, hydration support, and signs that need medical attention.
01
What to do first at home
When a child has vomiting and diarrhea, the main goal is to keep up with fluids and watch for dehydration. Offer small, frequent sips instead of large amounts at once, especially if your child is vomiting. If your child is interested in eating, start with simple foods and avoid forcing meals. Home care depends on your child’s age, how often they are vomiting or having diarrhea, and whether they are still able to drink.
02
Best fluids for child with vomiting and diarrhea
Use age-appropriate fluids
For babies, continue breast milk or formula unless your clinician has told you otherwise. For older infants and children, oral rehydration solutions are often the best choice when vomiting and diarrhea are both happening.
Know what to avoid
Sugary drinks, soda, and large amounts of juice can sometimes make diarrhea worse. If you are unsure what to give your child, personalized guidance can help you choose the safest option for their age and symptoms.
03
What foods to give child after vomiting and diarrhea
Restart food slowly
Once vomiting eases and your child is interested in eating, offer small portions of familiar foods. A gradual return to normal eating is often better than waiting too long to reintroduce food.
Choose simple, easy foods
Plain foods such as crackers, toast, rice, applesauce, bananas, pasta, or other mild foods may be easier for some children to tolerate while recovering.
Follow your child’s cues
If a food seems to worsen nausea or your child refuses it, pause and try again later. The priority is fluids first, then gentle foods as they feel better.
04
When to call doctor for child vomiting and diarrhea
Signs of dehydration
Call your child’s doctor if you notice very dry mouth, no tears when crying, much less urine, unusual sleepiness, or your child is unable to keep fluids down.
Symptoms that are frequent or worsening
Medical advice is important if vomiting is repeated, diarrhea is severe, symptoms are getting worse, or your child seems weaker instead of improving.
Age matters
Babies and young infants can become dehydrated more quickly. If you need help deciding whether home care is enough for a baby or toddler, a guided assessment can help you sort through the next steps.
05
How long does vomiting and diarrhea last in children?
Many stomach illnesses improve over a few days, but the exact timeline depends on the cause, your child’s age, and how well they are able to drink and recover. Vomiting often improves before diarrhea does. If symptoms are lasting longer than expected, becoming more intense, or making it hard for your child to stay hydrated, it is a good time to get more specific guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I give my child with vomiting and diarrhea?
Start with small, frequent sips of appropriate fluids. For babies, breast milk or formula may still be appropriate. For older children, oral rehydration solutions are often the best option. Once vomiting improves, you can slowly add simple foods.
How can I prevent dehydration with vomiting and diarrhea in kids?
Offer fluids in small amounts often, watch urine output, and look for signs such as dry mouth, no tears, or unusual tiredness. Children who vomit after larger drinks may do better with tiny sips every few minutes.
When should I call the doctor for child vomiting and diarrhea?
Call if your child shows signs of dehydration, cannot keep fluids down, seems unusually sleepy, has worsening symptoms, or if you are concerned about a baby or very young child.
How long does vomiting and diarrhea last in children?
Vomiting often improves within a shorter time than diarrhea, but both can last several days depending on the cause. If symptoms are not improving, are getting worse, or your child is struggling to drink, seek medical guidance.
What foods should I give my child after vomiting and diarrhea?
When your child is ready to eat again, offer small amounts of mild, familiar foods such as toast, rice, crackers, bananas, applesauce, or pasta. Focus on fluids first and let appetite return gradually.
Personalized assessment
Get personalized guidance for your child’s symptoms
Answer a few questions about your child’s vomiting, diarrhea, fluids, and energy level to get guidance that fits what is happening right now.