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If you came here looking for a scientific explanation of viral gastroenteritis, you’re in the wrong spot. But if you came here for actual real life mom-tested tips & tricks for how to survive norovirus or rotavirus with kids without losing your mind, you’ve found the post for you!
I’ve got practical, real life tips for surviving a stomach bug with toddlers & older kids. We just got over a fast & furious stomach bug in my house so I wanted to share a few of the things that made it a little less painful for us + a few things my friends on Instagram shared with me!
Of course I have to mention that I’m not a doctor or medical professional and if you’re worried about your child, please call their pediatrician.
Here are 10 hacks on how to survive norovirus and make a stomach bug a little less painful!
1 // Limit the party to one bathroom if you can…
Less spaces to decontaminate/sanitize. Easier said than done with small kids but worth the effort if you can pull it off!
2 // Bleach is your friend…
I love a more “natural” cleaner when I can but when you’re dealing with norovirus, bleach is the only thing that will kill it – Lysol doesn’t even work! (source). I really like these wipes because they make it easy + list out alllll the stuff they kill! // shop my favorite bleach wipes here
3 // Wash hands often with soap & water…
Unfortunately, norovirus resists alcohol-based disinfectants (aka hand sanitizers) so you’ve gotta go with old fashioned soap & water. Rinse and repeat approximately a million times.
4 // Use easily recognizable water bottles for each child…
This, of course, only applies if there are multiple kids in a house but make sure everyone knows whose water is whose and encourage frequent, small drinks. The last thing you want is to be inadvertently swapping spit with someone who’s been barfing.
5 // Feed to hunger…
Apparently the old BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet we used to follow as kids isn’t the thing anymore, and you’re supposed to give your child whatever they have an appetite for. I personally try to offer crackers, toast, PBJ, and especially yogurt because of the added benefit of probiotics. Hard candy for bigger kids and Ginger Ale can also help curb nausea.
6 // Bust out the Pull Ups…
Shit’s getting real but I promised you real-life practical tips & this is a lifesaver! If there’s a diarrhea situation, especially for young kids who are potty trained but may not understand the whole ‘shart’ concept, Pull-Ups can be a great way to avoid having to do 10,000 loads of laundry slash ruining clothing. If your child is too big for toddler Pull-Ups, Depends or another adult diapers are also an option.
7 // Use a waterproof sheet…
On literally every upholstered surface your child will come into contact with. The couch, the bed, etc. These are my fave // shop them here
8 // Buy barf bags…
Trust me, these are way better than using a bowl or a Target bag with a tiny hole ripped in the bottom that you didn’t realize was there until there was vomit leaking out of it… you know, hypothetically, of course. Keep a few in the car + at home to put next to your child on the couch, when you put them down for a nap, etc. // shop them here
9 // Ample screentime…
Don’t feel like a failure if your child watched 23 hours of Netflix or Disney+ or the iPad died like 4 times because they were on it all day. Just wipe that remote or device down with bleach and move on with your life. We’re in survival mode, here!
10 // Avoid dehydration…
Another thing that’s easier said than done… If your child is having a hard time keeping anything down, Pedialyte in SMALL doses can help, but another thing to try is giving them a popsicle… preferably in the shower. Which leads me to…
11 // Shower party…
Get their butts in the shower & let them hang out there for a bit. If someone does get sick, at least it’s contained & easy to clean up.
You’ll get through this – promise – with a cringe-worthy story or two. Good luck & Godspeed!
Lydia Armand says
This is a really awesome and helpful article for me. I really appreciate your work for providing such useful information, thank you so much!