Food Poisoning In Your Toddler - Causes, Symptoms & Cure

Food poisoning occurs when contaminated food or water enters the body and releases toxins. Food poisoning in babies is especially common since babies have a lesser developed immune system and are more prone to be effected by infections. Food Poisoning Causes - Intake of food or water that has been contaminated by various types of bacteria leads to food poisoning. However, there can be a number of ways by which these bacteria make their way into your baby’s stomach, such as,

1. Not washing the fruits or vegetables before consumption
2. Drinking water from dirty or contaminated bottles
3. Not heating food properly before eating
4. Not storing food correctly, or rather not storing it at the correct temperature
5. Not washing your hands before feeding the baby
6. Playing in dirt that contains animal feces
7. Meat and poultry not washed well can contain infected bacteria
8. Using unclean utensils or unwashed hands while cooking

Food Poisoning Symptoms -

How to spot food poisoning in your child? The effects of food poisoning can usually be seen within two to 48 hours after the consumption of the contaminated food item or water. The following signs of food poisoning in your infant can alert you to take necessary action.

1. Fever
2. Vomiting
3. Nausea
4. Headache
5. Diarrhea
6. Stomach ache and cramps
7. General body weakness

Also Read: Know Food Which Heal Children Against Various Illnesses

How To Cure Food Poisoning -

Food poisoning will take its due time to get out of the system, so what to do if your baby has food poisoning? Taking your baby to the doctor is important. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to ensure that it does not get worse. However, there are also a few food poisoning home remedies that can help to soothe your baby. Let the baby rest and avoid dairy or solid foods till the child is feeling better. A sugar and salt solution or electrolyte solution may help to reduce the vomiting. These food poisoning home remedies for babies are immediate in nature however it does take a couple of days for your infant to start consuming normal diet. The treatment for food poisoning is thus a long ordeal, where you will have to ensure that your child is eating healthy, clean and light on stomach foods. Regular intake of clean fluids is also a great way to ensure a faster recovery.

Toddlers’ Food Poisoning vs Stomach Flu

The symptoms of food poisoning and stomach flu are very similar, thus making it difficult for a lay person to understand the difference. Stomach flu is however, caused by virus, as opposed to food poisoning which is caused by bacteria, virus or parasites, such as, salmonella, e-coli, norovirus etc.

Food poisoning is the intake of contaminated food or water, whereas, stomach flu occurs not only when the virus enters through food but also, through direct contact with another infected person. Infants are often at the receiving end of various forms of sicknesses including food poisoning. As parents, we must understand that all of this is but part of growing up and that nonetheless, we must take care of the health and hygiene of our children.

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