Gastroenteritis (also called the "stomach flu") is an infection that causes vomiting (throwing up) and diarrhea (loose or watery poop). Many babies also have a fever with this infection.

Babies who have gastroenteritis lose a lot of fluid in their poop or vomit. This can lead to dehydration (not having enough water in the body).

Your baby stayed in the hospital for treatment and testing. The healthcare team gave your baby fluids (either by mouth or through an intravenous line, or IV) to replace the losses from vomiting and diarrhea. They also checked your baby for different causes of vomiting and diarrhea, and no serious cause was found. Your baby is doing better and is drinking well. You can now care for your baby at home.

• Continue to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby as usual. If they want to feed more often or take more breast milk or formula, that's OK. It will help keep them hydrated.
• If your healthcare provider recommends giving your baby an oral electrolyte solution in addition to their regular feeding, give as directed. Oral electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte®, Enfalyte®, or a store brand) are available at drugstores or supermarkets without a prescription.
• You will know your baby is getting enough liquids if:
  • They have a wet diaper every 4–6 hours.
  • Their mouth is moist.
  • They have tears when they cry.
• Do NOT give your baby:
  • Plain water, sports drinks, soda, or full-strength (undiluted) juice
  • Diluted (watered-down) formula
• If your baby already eats solids, you can continue to give them their usual diet. They may not eat as much as before they got sick, so you may need to give smaller amounts at first.
• Give any medicines your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not give your baby medicines for nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting, unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.
• If your baby is uncomfortable from fever, and your healthcare provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.
• Don't give your child aspirin. It can cause Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
• Make any changes to your baby's diet that your healthcare provider recommends.
• Keep your baby out of childcare until they have no vomiting, diarrhea, or fever for at least 24 hours.
• Wash your hands well and often. Viruses that cause gastroenteritis are contagious (spread from person to person).

Your baby:

• Starts vomiting again.
• Has diarrhea that gets worse or that lasts more than two days after leaving the hospital.
• Isn't back to their regular diet of breast milk, formula, or solid foods within 3–4 days after leaving the hospital.
• Is over 3 months old and gets a new or higher fever. If your baby is 3 months or younger and has a rectal (taken in the bottom) temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, take them to the ER.
• Has black poop or poop with streaks of blood or mucus in it.
• Is crying a lot and can't be calmed down.
• Seems to have belly pain or other pain.
• Seems to be getting sicker.

Your baby:

• Isn't drinking at all or has signs of dehydration, such as a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, less pee or darker pee than usual, little or no tears when crying, or unusual sleepiness
• Is 3 months or younger and has a rectal (taken in the bottom) temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Is vomiting again and again, has vomit that's bright green, red, or brown, or has forceful vomiting
• Is crying a lot and can't be calmed down
• Seems to have belly pain or other pain

You know your baby best. If your baby seems very sick or has symptoms that worry you, call your healthcare provider or take your baby to the ER.

What causes gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis happens when a germ (virus, bacterium, or parasite) infects the stomach or intestines. Viruses are the most common cause of gastroenteritis in kids.

Does my baby need an antibiotic? Since viruses are the usual cause of gastroenteritis in babies, an antibiotic won't help your baby. Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria, not viruses.

How can we prevent gastroenteritis from spreading? To help prevent the spread of gastroenteritis:

• Have everyone in your family wash their hands well and often. They should wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available. This is especially important after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, and before preparing or eating food.
• Clean tabletops, doorknobs, and other hard surfaces with a cleaner that kills viruses.
• Keep your baby out of childcare until 24 hours have passed with no vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Also keep your baby out of swimming pools until 1 week after the diarrhea stops.