What and How to Feed Your Child when they Have a Stomach Bug

What and How to Feed Your Child when they Have a Stomach Bug

Forget the "BRAT" Diet.

Tip #1

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This one of those long-standing nutrition myths that just won’t die. The BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) diet can be found in medical books from as far back as the 1920’s and has since been recommended for treating diarrhea. But in reality, your little one needs more than four foods (and the limited nutrition they provide) in order to heal. The BRAT diet is simply too restrictive.

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Focus on hydration.

Tip #2

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Instead of focusing on exactly what your child eats when they’re sick, worry more about keeping them hydrated. When a child is sick with gastroenteritis (stomach flu or bug), and is vomiting and/or has diarrhea, the only thing that really matters in the short term is hydration.

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Set aside the Division of Responsibility in Feeding for now...

Tip #3

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What is the Division of Responsibility? In a nutshell, it means that parents are responsible for what, when and where food is served, and kids are in charge of if and how much food is served.  But, when your child is sick–because nutrition and hydration are so paramount–the Division of Responsibility can take a back seat until they’re well.

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Swipe up to see all the tips mentioned here, plus everything you need to know about what and how to feed your child when they are vomiting or have diarrhea.

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