Stomach Bug + Natural Pedialyte

Ada woke up from her nap a few days ago and promptly vomited the entire contents of her stomach. Around 15 minutes later, whatever else was left came up. My heart dropped, and I couldn’t remember what to do with the stomach flu. Thankfully she didn’t have a fever and was in generally good spirits.

I ran out to the store immediately to stock Pedialyte for the long night.

WHAT TO DO

Since we haven’t dealt with a stomach bug since, well, infancy, I asked around on Facebook what I should be doing otherwise. My mind tends to blank whenever Ada gets sick. I’m fortunate to have many experienced parent and doctor friends who gave me suggestions just when I needed them. Thanks, friends.

Here’s what they told me:

• Stay away from sugary beverages like juice (exacerbates dehydration by causing diarrhea). 
• Stick with popsicles, Pedialyte, watered down Gatorade (1:1), coconut water, or plain water between episodes.
• Don’t worry so much about pushing food until the worst of the vomitting is over. The main concern is dehydration.
• After sickness has started to wane, try the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), though I’ve also read that not all doctors are promoting a modified diet because getting back to normal nutrition is more important. Take it one hour at a time.
• Call you doctor if you have any questions or see behavior changes or signs of dehydration in your kiddo (not peeing as much, lethargy, etc.). 
• And here is more information about child vomiting.

NATURAL PEDIALYTE

So, Pedialyte. I poured some of the orange viscous drink in a glass hoping to replenish some lost electrolytes, fluids, and zinc. I eagerly handed the glass to Ada feeling relieved that she’d be getting some of the stuff her body needs to feel better. One sip through a straw later, and the stuff was 100 percent shunned FOR LIFE. She wouldn’t touch it. “Ewwwwww!” said Ada, looking like her stomach was about to turn again.

My friend Rachael had suggested a homemade alternative (for some reason the link isn’t working today -- but hopefully that will change), and at that point I was willing to give anything a try. Here are a few great natural + kid-friendly electrolyte drinks I found across the web.

// RECIPE #1
via Mama Natural

1 c. coconut water + 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. sea salt

// RECIPE #2
via The Reluctant Hippie

1 qt. water + fresh lemon juice + 1/3 c. (raw) honey + 1/4 tsp. salt

// RECIPE #3
via Cute and Peculiar 

1 qt. water + 1/2 tsp. baking soda + 2 tbsp. agave + 1/4 tsp. salt + 1 c. OJ

FREEZE

When all else fails, go with what’s working best. This might be a splash of gatorade in a glass of water. For Ada, popsicles worked best by far, and I’m sure you could freeze most of the homemade Pedialyte recipes if you think your child would more likely ingest them frozen.

We’ve been buying Ruby’s Rockets for a while, and Ada’s been eating those as she gets her appetite back. They’re made with fruits and veggies and contain probiotics. Our favorite flavors are Orbit Orange and Galaxy Green. By the way, I’m not affiliated with the company at all -- and if you click onto their website, there’s a $1 off coupon even I didn’t know about until right now.

Cool!

Hopefully you won’t need much of this info very often, but I do help it gives you some confidence when the dreaded stomach bug strikes your home. The best part? You can use these recipes and tips to replenish yourself if YOU are the one who’s sick. I haven’t caught the bug (yet -- FX), but I’m surely hoping if I do that it will pass as quickly as it did for Ada. She was better the very next day.

What are your tried and true stomach flu remedies?

* Coconut water image from here.

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!