Seeing your child sick with Bali Belly is one of a parent’s biggest travel fears. Their small bodies can become dehydrated much faster than an adult’s, so knowing the right steps to take is crucial. This guide provides clear, safe instructions on how to care for your child and when you must seek immediate medical help.
The #1 Danger for Children: Recognizing Dehydration
For Bali Belly in children, the illness itself is usually self-limiting; the real danger is dehydration.
Why Children Dehydrate So Quickly
A child’s small body size means they have lower fluid reserves. Combined with a higher metabolism, they can lose a critical amount of fluid and electrolytes from just a few episodes of vomiting or toddler diarrhea in Bali, much faster than an adult would.
Dehydration Signs in Children and Babies
Look for these warning signs of dehydration in toddlers in Bali:
- Fewer than 6 wet diapers in 24 hours (for babies).
- No tears when crying.
- Sunken eyes or a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on a baby’s head.
- Unusual drowsiness, listlessness, or extreme irritability (lethargy).
- A dry, sticky mouth and tongue.
Your Immediate At-Home Action Plan
We know how scary it is when your little one is sick, especially on holiday. Stay calm, you are in the right place to get safe guidance.
Focus on Rehydration with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)
This is more important than food. Use a children’s formulation of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), known locally as Oralit. The key is to give small amounts frequently. Use a spoon or a small syringe to give them a few sips every 5-10 minutes. Giving a large amount at once can overwhelm their stomach and trigger more vomiting. Learn more about this essential tool in our guide to Oralit for Bali Belly.
What About Food?
When your child is sick, hydration is always more important than food. For the first 12-24 hours, it’s completely normal for them to have no appetite, so do not force them to eat. Once their appetite begins to return, offer small amounts of bland ‘BRAT’ diet foods (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) to see how they tolerate it.
What NOT to Give Your Child
It’s critical to know what not to give your child, as some things can make their symptoms worse. Avoid sugary drinks like fruit juice or sodas, as the sugar can worsen diarrhea. You must also never give your child any over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine meant for adults (like Loperamide) unless you are explicitly instructed to do so by a doctor, as this can be dangerous.
Keeping Your Child Comfortable
Beyond the essential steps of hydration and diet, these simple comfort measures can make a big difference to a miserable little one.
- Prioritize Rest: A sick child’s body needs to direct all its energy toward fighting the infection. Encourage quiet activities. This is the time to let them rest and watch their favorite movie or show without feeling guilty about screen time.
- Soothe Their Tummy: A warm compress (like a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel) placed gently on their tummy can help soothe cramps.
- Care for Sore Skin: Frequent diarrhea can cause a sore, red bottom. Clean the area gently with water (instead of just wipes) after each bowel movement and apply a thick layer of a diaper rash or barrier cream for protection.
- Offer Cuddles & Reassurance: Never underestimate the power of comfort. Your calm and reassuring presence is incredibly soothing for a child who feels unwell and scared.
Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Without Delay
Trust your parental instinct. Seek professional medical help immediately if you notice any of the following:
- The Golden Rule: If your child is under 1 year old, or if your parental instinct tells you something is wrong, always see a doctor.
- Any of the signs of moderate to severe dehydration listed in the checklist above.
- A high fever.
- Any blood or pus in the stool.
- Persistent vomiting that prevents them from keeping any fluids down.
- The child seems unusually sleepy, weak, or difficult to wake up (lethargy).
As a parent, you know your child best. If you are worried, seeking a professional medical opinion is always the right decision.
This guide focuses on managing your child’s symptoms. To learn how to prevent them in the first place, read our Parent’s Guide to Food Safety in Bali. To understand the general causes of the illness, read our Ultimate Guide to Bali Belly.
When Your Little One Needs Care, We’re Here to Help.
Our General Practitioners are highly experienced in managing common childhood illnesses for traveling families. We provide gentle, compassionate care for our youngest patients. Don’t hesitate to seek a professional opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Parents
What is a safe dose of Oralit for my toddler?
The dosage is based on age and weight, and the instructions are usually on the packaging. However, for children, it is always safest to get the precise dosage recommendation from a doctor or pharmacist.
Can I give my child Paracetamol for their fever?
Yes, Paracetamol (often known by brand names like Calpol or Panadol) is generally safe for children if you follow the age/weight dosage instructions very carefully. Avoid Ibuprofen, especially in Bali, due to the risk of Dengue Fever.
My baby is breastfed. Should I continue breastfeeding if they have diarrhea?
Yes, absolutely. Breast milk is hydrating and contains antibodies. Continue to breastfeed on demand, and you may need to offer more frequent, shorter feeds.
What are the best bland foods for a toddler who is recovering?
Plain white rice, bananas, plain toast or crackers, and simple clear soups are all excellent choices.
My child keeps vomiting. How can I get fluids into them?
Try giving very small amounts (just a teaspoon or one sip) every 5 minutes. If they still cannot keep even small sips down for a period of 2-4 hours, this is a red flag, and they may need medical help like an IV drip to rehydrate.
How do I know if my child needs antibiotics?
Only a doctor can determine this, usually after an examination and sometimes a stool test. Never give your child antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.
Is it safe to fly with a child who has just had Bali Belly?
It is very risky to fly with a child who has active diarrhea or vomiting due to the risk of dehydration. It is highly recommended to get a “fit-to-fly” certificate from a doctor before you travel.
Are there child-friendly probiotics that can help?
Yes, certain probiotic strains (like children’s probiotics with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) are well-studied in children and may help shorten the duration of diarrhea. Consult with a doctor or pharmacist for a suitable product and dosage for your child’s age.
How can I prevent my other children from getting sick?
Strict hand hygiene is key. Ensure everyone washes their hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating. Do not share towels, cutlery, or drinking glasses with the sick child.
Does Unicare have doctors who are experienced with children?
Yes. Our General Practitioners are highly experienced in pediatric and family medicine, and are trained to provide gentle, compassionate care for our youngest patients.
