TL;DR
Children can dehydrate faster. Offer frequent small sips of ORS; continue feeding with simple foods. Watch for red flags: lethargy, sunken eyes, no tears, very little urine, blood in stool, or persistent vomiting.
Hydration Tips for Children
- Offer 5–10 ml ORS every 5–10 minutes; increase as tolerated.
- Use a spoon or syringe for small children.
- Breastfeeding should continue.
Food During Recovery
- Usual foods if tolerated: rice/congee, bananas, yogurt, lean protein.
- Avoid sugary drinks and unpasteurized juices.
Red Flags (Seek Care)
- Very drowsy/irritable, sunken eyes, dry mouth/no tears
- Minimal urination (<3 wet nappies in 24h)
- Persistent vomiting, blood in stool, high fever
Need a house-call GP for your child?
Our doctors can come to your hotel/villa anywhere in Bali (usually within 30–60 minutes in main tourist areas).
Book a doctorHow Much Fluid Does My Child Need?
Children lose fluid faster than adults, so the goal is to replace every loss as it happens. The World Health Organization's guidance for oral rehydration solution (ORS) after each loose stool is roughly:
| Age | ORS after each loose stool |
|---|---|
| Under 2 years | 50–100 ml (a quarter to half a cup) |
| 2–10 years | 100–200 ml (half to one cup) |
| Over 10 years | As much as they want, like an adult |
If your child vomits, wait 10 minutes and start again more slowly — a teaspoon every 1–2 minutes. Keep breastfeeding or formula feeding as usual. ORS sachets (called oralit) are sold in every pharmacy (apotek) in Bali.
How Dehydrated Is My Child?
| Mild | Moderate — call a doctor | Severe — urgent care |
|---|---|---|
| Playful, drinking normally, passing urine | Irritable, very thirsty, dry mouth, fewer wet nappies | Drowsy or floppy, sunken eyes, no tears, no urine for 8+ hours, cold hands and feet |
Medicines: What to Avoid
- Do not give anti-diarrhea tablets such as loperamide to young children unless a doctor advises it.
- Sports drinks, soft drinks and undiluted juice contain too much sugar and can worsen diarrhea — ORS is better.
- Antibiotics are only needed for some causes (for example bloody diarrhea with fever). A doctor will decide based on examination.
- For children in low- and middle-income settings, WHO recommends zinc supplements for 10–14 days during diarrhea; ask the doctor whether this suits your child.
When a Doctor Visit Helps
A doctor can check hydration, look for other causes such as ear or urinary infection, and decide whether your child needs anti-nausea medicine, a stool or blood test, or IV fluids. Our doctors see children at hotels and villas across Bali, usually arriving within 30–60 minutes in the main tourist areas. Babies under 6 months, children who are very drowsy, or those with blood in the stool should be seen urgently — go to a hospital emergency department if you cannot get a doctor quickly.
Preventing Bali Belly in Kids
- Use bottled or boiled water for drinks, formula and brushing teeth.
- Wash hands with soap before meals and after the toilet or beach.
- Choose freshly cooked, hot food; peel fruit yourself.
- Keep children from swallowing pool or river water where possible.
More tips: how to prevent Bali Belly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much ORS should I give my child with Bali Belly?
Roughly 50–100 ml after each loose stool for children under 2, and 100–200 ml for children aged 2–10, given in small, frequent sips.
Can I give my child Imodium (loperamide)?
Not for young children unless a doctor specifically advises it. Focus on ORS and continued feeding.
When should I take my child to a doctor for Bali Belly?
If they are drowsy, have sunken eyes, pass very little urine, cannot keep fluids down, have blood in the stool or a high fever, or are under 6 months old.
Do your doctors treat children in hotels?
Yes. Our doctors visit children at hotels and villas across Bali, usually within 30–60 minutes in the main tourist areas.