Children with diarrhoea are of special concern. The younger the child, the more rapidly dehydration can occur. Adults travelling with young children are advised to carry sachets of these solutions with them. 1 part cordial to 6 parts of boiled water. For a child who is vomiting, frequent small sips of ORS should be given-some will be absorbed.
Food is important in maintaining the body's energy stores and healing the bowel.
Breast fed children should continue breast feeding. Bottle feeds or solids should be stopped for no longer than 24 hours, and preferably not at all. A child who wants to eat should do so. The best solids for babies with diarrhoea are vegetables such as potato, pumpkin, or cereals such as rice. Multiple small meals are better than a few large ones.