Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Children: symptoms, self-care and when to get help
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
Diarrhoea and vomiting in children is usually caused by a stomach bug and gets better within a few days. The most important thing is to keep your child drinking to avoid dehydration. Keep them off school or nursery until 2 days after the last episode, and get help if you see signs of dehydration.
Overview
Vomiting usually stops within 1 or 2 days, and diarrhoea within 5 to 7 days. Stomach bugs spread easily, so good hand washing matters for the whole household.
Babies and young children can become dehydrated more quickly than adults, so watch for the signs.
What may help
- Keep giving fluids in small, frequent sips, and carry on breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- Ask a pharmacist about oral rehydration solutions
- Offer food once your child feels like eating
- Do not give anti-diarrhoea medicine to children under 12
- Keep your child off school or nursery until 2 days after their last episode
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies, peeing less, dark urine, a dry mouth, or being irritable or drowsy
- Vomiting for more than 2 days, or diarrhoea for more than 7 days
- Your child cannot keep fluids down
- Your baby is under 6 months, or your child has a long-term condition
When it could be an emergency
- Green or bloody vomit, or vomit that looks like ground coffee
- Blood in their poo
- A stiff neck, or a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it
- Your child is very drowsy, floppy, confused or hard to wake
- Sudden, severe tummy pain
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Children" in the appCommon questions
How long should a child stay off school after diarrhoea or vomiting?
Until 2 days after their last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting, to avoid spreading the infection.
What are signs of dehydration in a baby?
Fewer wet nappies, a dry mouth, no tears when crying, a sunken soft spot on the head, and being drowsy or irritable.
Can I give my child anti-diarrhoea medicine?
Not if they are under 12. Anti-diarrhoea medicines are not recommended for young children.
Should I stop feeding my baby if they are vomiting?
No. Keep breastfeeding or bottle feeding, offering smaller amounts more often.
Official sources
Related topics
Norovirus (Vomiting Bug)
Symptoms, staying hydrated and how long to stay off.
Fever in Children
Safe self-care and warning signs to watch for.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
A common mild illness in young children.
Dehydration in Older People
Signs to watch for and simple ways to help.
General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.