Norovirus in babies and toddlers: how to keep them hydrated

Quick answer: Keep breast or bottle feeding, and if your baby is being sick, offer smaller feeds more often. Babies on formula or solids can also have small sips of water between feeds, boiled and cooled if your baby is under 6 months. Norovirus usually clears in 2 to 3 days. Call 111 if feeding stops or wet nappies drop.

What parents need to know

Vomiting from a stomach bug usually stops within 1 or 2 days. Diarrhoea can carry on for 5 to 7 days, so the fluid your baby loses keeps adding up after the sickness has settled. The NHS notes that babies, young children and older adults are more at risk of dehydration, and children under 5 need plenty of fluids.

Norovirus spreads very easily through poo, close contact and contaminated surfaces, and alcohol hand gel doesn't kill it. Wash your hands with soap and water after every nappy change. This protects the rest of the household, and it protects you while you're the one doing the caring.

Keeping milk feeds and fluids going

Fluids matter more than food while your baby or toddler is ill. The NHS advice for norovirus is to keep milk feeds going and, if your baby is being sick, give smaller feeds more often than usual.

Breastfed and formula-fed babies

Carry on breastfeeding or giving formula as usual. If your baby is being sick, offer smaller feeds more often than you normally would.

Make formula up at its usual strength. The NHS advises against making it weaker. Babies on formula can have small sips of extra water between feeds. If your baby is under 6 months, boil the water first and let it cool.

Babies on solids and toddlers

Offer small sips of water between milk feeds or meals, and keep offering them through the day. If your child has been sick, start with small sips and then gradually give more.

The NHS suggests asking a pharmacist to recommend an oral rehydration solution, given in regular small sips, to replace the salts and sugar lost through sickness and diarrhoea. If your child is under 5 and showing signs of dehydration, call 111 instead of going straight to the pharmacy.

What to avoid

• Fruit juice and fizzy drinks, which can make diarrhoea worse
• Medicine to stop diarrhoea, which isn't suitable for children under 12
• Aspirin, which shouldn't be given to children under 16
• Paracetamol without checking the leaflet first for the right dose for your child's age

Signs of dehydration to watch for

Counting wet nappies is the simplest check. Keep a rough tally on your phone so you can compare it with a normal day and tell 111 exactly what's changed.

The NHS lists these signs of dehydration in babies and young children:

The 48-hour rule before going back to nursery

Keep your child home until they've gone 2 full days without being sick or having diarrhoea. This comes from UKHSA guidance for nurseries, childminders and schools, and the NHS gives the same advice. The clock starts again if there's another bout. Swimming pools should wait until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.

You can cut the spread at home with a few habits.

• Wash your hands with soap and water after nappy changes and before preparing food
• Wash clothes and bedding with poo or vomit on them separately, on a 60°C wash
• Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and door handles every day
• Don't share towels, flannels or cutlery, and let someone else cook for the family if you can

Frequently asked questions

Is norovirus only a winter illness?

No. It's known as the winter vomiting bug, but the NHS says you can catch it at any time of year. UKHSA publishes its norovirus surveillance reports weekly through the winter and monthly in summer.

Should my toddler keep eating while they're ill?

Offer their usual food once they feel like eating. The NHS suggests giving small children their usual diet. Fatty or spicy food may be harder to keep down. Fluids come first, so keep offering sips of water and milk feeds. If your baby stops breast or bottle feeding while they're ill, call 111.