Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Handling the Toddler Stomach Bug

Either you get a call/text/see a Facebook post from a friend who you just visited...and you shudder. Or you don't know the origin, but you see the look on the face. 

Here it comes....gastroenteritsis, the "flu" (which is a terrible name as it's totally unrelated to influenza), a stomach bug. Your toddler is going to turn into the saddest geyser ever.



He's never passed out in front of the TV before. Poor guy.

Side note: My sweet baby boy crying "Please I wanna feel better" like 6 times before he pukes everywhere is so heartbreaking.


So here's my short list on how to hopefully survive your worst nightmare. 

  1. Catch up on laundry. At the first sign of potential stomach bug, make sure you are 100% entirely caught up on as much laundry as possible. Towels, blankets, kids clothes, etc.
  2. Wash your hands. Seriously, wash them. 
  3. Bowls, large cups, buckets, trash cans, etc. Put them everywhere, accessible to everyone. 
  4. Wash your hands again. 
  5. Get some amazing mom skills. In 20 episodes I caught I think 17 of them, his dad caught 2, Gigi 1. I know that if my boy is saying his tummy hurts, and then he starts crying, just pick him up and RUN to the bathroom (or again, whatever closest receptacle. I got so good at predicting them, I knew he was going to before he did. So get some super powers, and stare at the sick kids, especially those too young to get to the bucket themselves.
  6. Layer the beds (and/or couches). Waterproof cover, then sheet, then waterproof cover, then sheet, etc. 3 total layers on each bed and preferably couch or crib applicable.
  7. Wash your hands. Again.
  8. Stock up on pedialyte, gatorade, or breastmilk to make sure you have things to help prevent and/or help solve dehydration
  9. Back to the sink - wash those hands.
  10. Talk to neighbors, friends, and/or family to DELIVER the above fluids and/or ramen/soup, crackers, and laundry detergent.
  11. Do that hand washing thing, again. Lots of soap.
  12. Turn on the TV. Find kid's shows that you don't hate too much, and binge them. Have adult shows on standby just in case the kids pass out.
  13. When it seems they can't keep anything down, wait an hour after the last episode, then offer small amounts of fluids on a strict timetable. I'm not kidding, literally set a 15 minute timer and allow like 15 mL at a time. If after 3 hours of that everything is OK, up to 30 mL. If there are more episodes, start over. 
  14. Those hands? Wash them again.
  15. Now's a good time for a good long cry. 
  16. Then cry some some more, it's good for you.
  17. Wash those hands again.
  18. Then run to the toilet, cuz we all know you aren't going to avoid it. Sorry.



Sick daddy being comforted by Spock


Next morning, starting to feel better


Getting them both clean the next day


Feeling better and getting aired out after a long day of play


Chicken hanging out of her mouth. She was the only one who remained unscathed.


Healthy mom and kiddos


Time playing outside


Kiddos conspiring against us. Also, they're freaking adorable in the stroller


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