Q: My kids had norovirus and are now having normal stools. When can I transition them to a regular diet and introduce foods like fruits and vegetables?
- Myeongchan Kim
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question:
Both of my children were hospitalized for vomiting and diarrhea due to a norovirus infection, and they were finally discharged yesterday. My older child had a normal stool on the 4th day of illness, and my younger one on the 5th day. Can I start feeding them things like vegetable porridge, sweet potatoes, bananas, and apples now? Also, when can I start feeding them regular rice? They are having a really hard time eating only plain white porridge and clear soup.
Answer:
I am sorry to hear that your children had to be hospitalized for norovirus, but it is a great relief to hear they are recovering well and have returned to passing normal stools.
Since they have had normal bowel movements, you can now begin to gradually transition their diet.
Foods you can introduce starting today:
• Vegetable porridge (using finely chopped and easy-to-digest veggies like carrots, zucchini, or spinach)
• Bananas (ensure they are well-ripened)
• Apples (grated, pureed, or boiled)
• Sweet potatoes (mashed, which can also be mixed into their porridge)
Foods you can add in 2 to 3 days:
• Steamed eggs and soft tofu
• Finely shredded chicken breast
• Regular rice (progress gradually in stages: plain thin porridge → thick porridge → soft cooked rice → regular rice)
Important precautions for transitioning:
• Introduce these new foods in small amounts at first, and slowly increase the portion size while monitoring their stomach's reaction.
• Avoid greasy or fatty foods, as well as dairy products, for at least another week.
• If diarrhea recurs at any point, go back to feeding them only plain white porridge.
Generally, children can fully return to a normal diet 3 to 5 days after their stools normalize. Since your children are hungry and tired of plain foods, you can slowly and safely increase their intake and variety!
Please seek immediate medical attention from your pediatrician if:
• Diarrhea or vomiting returns.
• Their abdominal pain becomes severe.
• They have not passed urine for more than 8 hours (a sign of dehydration).
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
