Hmm. Yes. I was given the mighty technical, medical term of “Toddler Diarrhoea” when I took the twins to the doctors yesterday. This is not something Bunny ever had, so it was new to me.
But… But.. But…
They aren’t toddlers yet! To me – a toddler, is a baby that is walking or “toddling” – right? Well my little monkeys, are not there yet. They are crawlers. Tiny can stand for a few seconds, but they aren’t in a hurry to walk, and I’m not going to rush them either! My little cuties were low birth weight, prem babies, so developmental delay is expected anyway – but I know many people whose babies didn’t want til beyond 18 months, so I’m not concerned. But I wouldn’t class them as “Toddlers”. They are still my little babies.
However, they are at that age where they put anything and everything in their mouths and I am HUGELY relieved to find that it’s not my cooking that has made them poorly. They’ve had nasty nappies for a week now. I took them to the doctor on Day 6 as they were both happy as larry in themselves and eating well. If they’d seemed unwell, I’d have gone on day 3.
Toddler Diarrhoea is picked up from other children, or things that other children have touched. There are two possible bugs that cause it. One of these requires no treatment, the other, requires antibiotics, so we had the lovely task of delivering stool samples to the doctor!
So here’s what you need to know if you think your child may have it:
* Toddler Diarrhoea lasts for approximately 2 weeks.
* The baby or toddler would usually be well in themselves with no other symptoms.
* It is important to see a doctor and give samples, in case it is the type that needs treatment.
Tips on coping with Toddler Diarrhoea and shortening recovery time
* Sterilise all baby bottles that are used for milk (cows, breast or formula) before every use – even beyond 1 year, as milk bacteria breeds in the silicone teats.
* Sterilise your baby’s water bottles/cups every day whilst they are poorly and once a week normally.
* Avoid giving them dairy products where possible, whilst they are poorly. These take longer to digest and can slow recovery time.
* Go nuts with the Dettol. Make sure you are more thorough than usual with using antibacterial sprays on high chairs and changing mats.
* Wash your hands before and after touching your baby, whilst they are poorly and especially at meal times and nappy changes.
* Make sure your baby is eating properly and drinking plenty. Diarrhoea can cause dehydration. Fluids are important.
* As long as your baby is well in themselves and has no fever, continue your normal routine, with meals, sleep, fresh air etc.
* Wash baby’s bedding more frequently whilst they are poorly as the bugs will be lurking there.
* If you have twins – give them separate juice bottles, spoons etc and try not to let them share them (easier said than done). They will inevitably both get it, but until they are both better, it’s best to minimise the bug sharing!
* Avoid taking your child swimming until two weeks after they are completely better.
* Try not to let baby get too hot, keep them cool to prevent them getting groggy or vomiting.
Please do not substitute my advice for that of a medical professional. These are just my own tips for reducing the spread of illness and speeding up recovery time. You should seek medical advice in addition to following these tips. You can also get more advice on the NHS website.
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