Stomach Bug Tips

Things we learned the hard way:

1. If your child gets sick at the breakfast table at a restaurant, leave immediately (well, after you get to-go boxes of course). Don't assume they just gagged, especially if they've never gagged before in their life.
2. If you do assume that they just gagged on something, still take caution and put a bib on them once you're in the car. A big plastic garbage bag would be better, but a bib will do. And a towel on the floor board.
3. Buy a car seat that can be dissembled... for washing purposes.
4. If you think that maybe your child should be playing on the hardwoods instead of in carpeted rooms, go with your gut.
5. Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT wash clothes in the washer that have not been properly rinsed out. Otherwise, you will spend 30 minutes picking chunks off of the "clean" clothes (after our conversation Kelly, I think we should spare other mother's this trauma).
6. This belongs higher on the list, but... If your child gets sick at the breakfast table at a restaurant (or anywhere for that matter), even if you assume they just gagged on something, don't let them continue to drink milk. Milk turns into a solid very quickly in the belly. A very repulsive smelling solid.

Other helpful tips:

1. Pack a bag with an extra set of clothes for your children and leave it in the car at all times. Even if you think they are too old for that (I think being too old for a change of clothes is 16. And then they can put them in their own car).
2. Nature's Miracle is a spray we started purchasing for our carpet when Sadie was a puppy and had frequent accidents. Now she doesn't need it, but our children do. Also works on other upholstery, like car seat straps.
3. Pedialyte (electrolyte maintenance) makes individual packets that you add to water, which can be used on an as-needed basis. In mild cases, this may be better to use because you can save the un-used packets. If you buy the big jug, it may expire before you need it again. If you have more than one family member who's sick, go ahead and buy the jug.

Please feel free to share any other tips that you have learned (the hard way!).