Rethinking Oral Rehydration for Children With Gastroenteritis

A common question from parents: should we restrict food while a child recovers from a stomach bug? Current CDC/WHO-aligned guidance says no — early refeeding with an age-appropriate diet, alongside low-osmolarity oral rehydration solution, is now preferred over the older 'rest the gut' approach. Breastfeeding should never be paused for rehydration. We've started stocking the lower-osmolarity ORS formulation in clinic and can talk you through a simple home dosing schedule based on your child's weight.