Digestive

My Baby Has Norovirus (Stomach Bug)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published CDC, AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines

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Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing has norovirus (stomach bug), here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Norovirus, commonly called the stomach bug or stomach flu, causes sudden vomiting, watery diarrhea, and sometimes fever and stomach cramps. It is extremely contagious and is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children. The illness usually lasts one to three days, and the primary concern is preventing dehydration through frequent small sips of fluids or oral rehydration solution.

Key takeaways

  • Norovirus, commonly called the stomach bug or stomach flu, causes sudden vomiting, watery diarrhea, and sometimes fever and stomach cramps. It is extremely contagious and is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children. The illness usually lasts one to three days, and the primary concern is preventing dehydration through frequent small sips of fluids or oral rehydration solution.
  • Usually normal when: Your child has one to three days of vomiting and diarrhea but is able to keep some fluids down and has adequate wet diapers
  • Call your doctor if: Your baby shows signs of dehydration: fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, dry cracked lips, sunken eyes or fontanelle, or extreme drowsiness
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The biggest concern with vomiting is dehydration. Young children can become dehydrated quickly, so it's important to replace fluids. Offer small amounts of an oral rehydration solution frequently.”
— Vomiting in Children, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.

What Parents Should Know

According to CDC, AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines, norovirus, commonly called the stomach bug or stomach flu, causes sudden vomiting, watery diarrhea, and sometimes fever and stomach cramps. It is extremely contagious and is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children. The illness usually lasts one to three days, and the primary concern is preventing dehydration through frequent small sips of fluids or oral rehydration solution. At 0-6 months, norovirus in very young babies can be serious because they dehydrate quickly. Symptoms typically begin suddenly with forceful vomiting followed by watery diarrhea. Breastfed babies have some protection through antibodies in breast milk, but can still get infected. Continue breastfeeding frequently in small amounts. If your baby is formula fed, offer small, frequent feeds. Contact your pediatrician if your baby under six months develops vomiting and diarrhea. It is generally considered normal when your child has one to three days of vomiting and diarrhea but is able to keep some fluids down and has adequate wet diapers. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby shows signs of dehydration: fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, dry cracked lips, sunken eyes or fontanelle, or extreme drowsiness.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your child has one to three days of vomiting and diarrhea but is able to keep some fluids down and has adequate wet diapers
Your baby shows signs of dehydration: fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, dry cracked lips, sunken eyes or fontanelle, or extreme drowsiness
Your child's appetite is poor during the illness but they are gradually improving and starting to eat again
Your child cannot keep any fluids down for more than eight hours, vomit contains blood or green bile, or your child seems confused or unusually difficult to wake
Your child has mild stomach cramps that resolve as the illness passes
Vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond three days without improvement
Your child is tired and clingy during the illness but is alert when awake and becoming more active each day
Your child has a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) that is not responding to fever-reducing medication

By Age

What to expect by age

0-6 months

Norovirus in very young babies can be serious because they dehydrate quickly. Symptoms typically begin suddenly with forceful vomiting followed by watery diarrhea. Breastfed babies have some protection through antibodies in breast milk, but can still get infected. Continue breastfeeding frequently in small amounts. If your baby is formula fed, offer small, frequent feeds. Contact your pediatrician if your baby under six months develops vomiting and diarrhea.

6-12 months

Babies in this age range are increasingly exposed to norovirus through daycare, play groups, and touching contaminated surfaces. The illness typically starts with vomiting that lasts one to two days, followed by diarrhea that may continue for a few more days. Offer breast milk, formula, or an oral rehydration solution in small amounts every few minutes. Avoid giving plain water as the sole fluid replacement, as babies also need electrolytes.

12-24 months

Toddlers with norovirus may vomit frequently for the first 12 to 24 hours, then transition to diarrhea. They may refuse food, which is fine temporarily as long as they are drinking fluids. Start with small sips of oral rehydration solution every five minutes and gradually increase as tolerated. Once vomiting subsides, offer bland foods in small amounts. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is no longer specifically recommended, but these foods are easy on the stomach.

24-36 months

Older toddlers can usually communicate that they feel nauseated or have a stomach ache, which helps with management. Norovirus at this age is unpleasant but usually resolves within one to three days. Keep your child home from daycare until at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve, as they remain contagious. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitizers are less effective against norovirus.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed has norovirus (stomach bug) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond three days without improvement.
  • Mention if your child has a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) that is not responding to fever-reducing medication.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your child has one to three days of vomiting and diarrhea but is able to keep some fluids down and has adequate wet diapers
  • Your child's appetite is poor during the illness but they are gradually improving and starting to eat again
  • Your child has mild stomach cramps that resolve as the illness passes
  • Your child is tired and clingy during the illness but is alert when awake and becoming more active each day
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond three days without improvement
  • Your child has a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) that is not responding to fever-reducing medication
Act now when...
  • Your baby shows signs of dehydration: fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, dry cracked lips, sunken eyes or fontanelle, or extreme drowsiness
  • Your child cannot keep any fluids down for more than eight hours, vomit contains blood or green bile, or your child seems confused or unusually difficult to wake

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice has norovirus (stomach bug) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your child has one to three days of vomiting and diarrhea but is able to keep some fluids down and has adequate wet diapers — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Note any patterns between feeds and symptoms.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby shows signs of dehydration: fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, dry cracked lips, sunken eyes or fontanelle, or extreme drowsiness.
Triage

Vomiting Decision Tree

Evaluate vomiting severity and decide when to call the doctor.

Triage

Diarrhea Decision Tree

Evaluate diarrhea severity, dehydration risk, and when to act.

Guide

Poop Color & Texture Guide

What your baby's poop color and consistency mean, and when to worry.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is has norovirus (stomach bug) normal?
Norovirus, commonly called the stomach bug or stomach flu, causes sudden vomiting, watery diarrhea, and sometimes fever and stomach cramps. It is extremely contagious and is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children. The illness usually lasts one to three days, and the primary concern is preventing dehydration through frequent small sips of fluids or oral rehydration solution.
When should I call the doctor about has norovirus (stomach bug)?
Your baby shows signs of dehydration: fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, dry cracked lips, sunken eyes or fontanelle, or extreme drowsiness Your child cannot keep any fluids down for more than eight hours, vomit contains blood or green bile, or your child seems confused or unusually difficult to wake
When is has norovirus (stomach bug) normal?
Your child has one to three days of vomiting and diarrhea but is able to keep some fluids down and has adequate wet diapers Your child's appetite is poor during the illness but they are gradually improving and starting to eat again Your child has mild stomach cramps that resolve as the illness passes
What causes has norovirus (stomach bug)?
Norovirus, commonly called the stomach bug or stomach flu, causes sudden vomiting, watery diarrhea, and sometimes fever and stomach cramps. It is extremely contagious and is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children. The illness usually lasts one to three days, and the primary concern is preventing dehydration through frequent small sips of fluids or oral rehydration solution. Common explanations include: Your child has one to three days of vomiting and diarrhea but is able to keep some fluids down and has adequate wet diapers. Your child's appetite is poor during the illness but they are gradually improving and starting to eat again.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about has norovirus (stomach bug)?
You should mention has norovirus (stomach bug) at your next visit if: Vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond three days without improvement. Your child has a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) that is not responding to fever-reducing medication.
Is has norovirus (stomach bug) normal at 0-6 months?
Norovirus in very young babies can be serious because they dehydrate quickly. Symptoms typically begin suddenly with forceful vomiting followed by watery diarrhea. Breastfed babies have some protection through antibodies in breast milk, but can still get infected. Continue breastfeeding frequently in small amounts. If your baby is formula fed, offer small, frequent feeds. Contact your pediatrician if your baby under six months develops vomiting and diarrhea.
Is has norovirus (stomach bug) normal at 6-12 months?
Babies in this age range are increasingly exposed to norovirus through daycare, play groups, and touching contaminated surfaces. The illness typically starts with vomiting that lasts one to two days, followed by diarrhea that may continue for a few more days. Offer breast milk, formula, or an oral rehydration solution in small amounts every few minutes. Avoid giving plain water as the sole fluid replacement, as babies also need electrolytes.
Should I go to the ER for has norovirus (stomach bug)?
Seek emergency care if your baby shows signs of dehydration: fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, dry cracked lips, sunken eyes or fontanelle, or extreme drowsiness, or if your child cannot keep any fluids down for more than eight hours, vomit contains blood or green bile, or your child seems confused or unusually difficult to wake. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does has norovirus (stomach bug) go away on its own?
In many cases, has norovirus (stomach bug) resolves on its own, especially when your child has one to three days of vomiting and diarrhea but is able to keep some fluids down and has adequate wet diapers. By 24-36 months, older toddlers can usually communicate that they feel nauseated or have a stomach ache, which helps with management. Norovirus at this age is unpleasant but usually resolves within one to three days. Keep your child home from daycare until at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve, as they remain contagious. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitizers are less effective against norovirus.
CDCAAPMAYO CLINIC

References

  1. [1]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Norovirus - Symptoms. CDC
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Vomiting and Diarrhea. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  3. [3]Mayo Clinic. Norovirus infection - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Has Norovirus (Stomach Bug).

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed has norovirus (stomach bug) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond three days without improvement.
  • Mention if your child has a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) that is not responding to fever-reducing medication.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond three days without improvement
  • Your child has a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) that is not responding to fever-reducing medication

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your baby shows signs of dehydration: fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, dry cracked lips, sunken eyes or fontanelle, or extreme drowsiness
  • Your child cannot keep any fluids down for more than eight hours, vomit contains blood or green bile, or your child seems confused or unusually difficult to wake

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Poop Color GuideVomiting TriageDiarrhea TriageBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of has norovirus (stomach bug) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby shows signs of dehydration: fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, dry cracked lips, sunken eyes or fontanelle, or extreme drowsiness.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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