Diarrhoea and vomiting caused by gastroenteritis in under 5s: diagnosis and management

Caring for your child after rehydration

Once your child is rehydrated, it's important that they eat well to help with their recovery. They can start to eat solid food straight away, and they should be encouraged to drink plenty of their usual fluids. This should include breast or other milk feeds, but you should avoid giving your child fruit juice or fizzy drinks until the diarrhoea has stopped. Your healthcare professional may also recommend that your child drinks oral rehydration salt solution after each bout of diarrhoea.