- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (watery stools or poop that happen more often than usual)
- Fever
- Signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or very dry lips, low energy, fatigue and paleness.
Diarrhea and Vomiting
Vomiting (throwing up) and diarrhea (watery stools or poop) are often caused by a virus (a kind of germ). Although there is no medicine to cure these infections, your child’s body should get rid of the virus in 7–10 days without having to go to a doctor or emergency room. During this time, it is important to make sure your child does not lose too much body fluid. Babies and young children can lose a lot of water and important salts, which can lead to dehydration and may be serious.
What you need to know
- Vomiting and diarrhea are most often caused by a virus
- Most children recover on their own within 7–10 days
- Babies and young children can lose fluids quickly and are at higher risk of dehydration
- Do not give over‑the‑counter medicines to stop vomiting or diarrhea — these do not help with hydration and may slow the body’s ability to get rid of the infection. Please note anti-diarrhea's can increase the risk of toxic megacolon.
Vomiting and diarrhea caused by a virus are usually diagnosed based on your child’s symptoms. In most cases, no tests are needed.
- If your child or youth has a fever, give acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Tempra®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
- Do not give ibuprofen to babies under six months of age
Watch for dehydration
- Babies under age 2 should have at least four wet diapers a day
- Children older than age 2 should pee 3–4 times per day
- Signs of dehydration include peeing less than 50% of their normal amount, being very sleepy, or having very dry lips
Feed your child
- Your child may not want to eat solid foods for a few days — this is OK
- The most important thing is to keep them well hydrated
- If your child is eating, you can continue to offer food
- Most children return to their normal diet within a day or two
✓ My child has diarrhea (without vomiting)
Diarrhea means watery stools (poop) that happen more often than usual. It takes time for the bowel to heal, so stools may stay soft for up to ten days after the diarrhea. These guidelines apply to children of any age.
Replace fluids using breast milk or clear fluids
If you are breastfeeding:
- Breastfeed often to replace fluids lost through diarrhea
- If your child eats solid foods, slowly return to their normal diet
If you are not breastfeeding:
- Slowly return to their normal diet, such as formula or milk
- Staying hydrated Staying hydrated is very important when your child is sick.
- Children with mild dehydration can be hydrated with clear fluids (such as diluted apple juice or diluted ginger ale), or oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) such as Gastrolyte® or Pedialyte®
- Are made with the right balance of sugars, salts, and water
- Are available in most drug stores
- Come in different flavours and taste better cold or frozen into popsicles
* Speak to a nurse if the cost of ORS will be difficult for your family.
Call 8-1-1 to speak with a 24/7 nurse, or your family doctor or go to the Emergency Department if your child:
- Is three months old or younger and has a fever (temperature higher than 38°C)
- Is less than three months old and has had diarrhea for more than two days (48 hours)
- Has a fever for more than five days (temperature higher than 38°C)
- Has bloody or black stools (poop)
- Vomits blood or green bile
- Has diarrhea for more than ten days
- Has abdominal pain that is getting worse
- Shows signs of dehydration (less than four wet diapers in 24 hours, dry mouth, sunken eyes or a sunken soft spot on the head, no tears when crying, very sleepy and hard to wake up)
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Disclaimer
These resources are for educational purposes only. If you have questions, speak with your health care provider. Last updated: June 2026
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