Food poisoning among babies is very common. The little ones have such a sensitive digestive system that a small kitchen mistake will definitely affect their health.
The illness is caused by bacteria found in stale and ill-prepared foodstuffs, drinks and dirty kitchen surfaces. However, you can prevent it by following the simple and practical guidelines stated here.
Symptoms of food poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach rumbling and pain
- Headache
- Fever
Diarrhea and vomiting will lead to dehydration. So, when the two continue for more than 48 hours, you need to seek medical attention.
How to prevent food poisoning
- Cleaning your hands thoroughly with running water and soap before preparing your baby’s food and feeding him is the first step.
- Ensure that the kitchen and dishcloths are clean and disinfected. Have different chopping boards for meats and vegetables. Make sure there’s a free flow of fresh air in the kitchen.
- If the young ones can crawl, keep washing their hands as they always put them in the mouth.
- Boil the baby’s utensils every time you clean them and discourage other family members from using them for other purposes.
- Remember to wash your hands after changing the baby and dispose of the soiled diapers immediately. It’s also advisable that you disinfect the changing mat after each use.
- Keep the food you have not cooked away from whatever is ready to eat.
- It’s crucial to wash your fruits once you get home from the market. Only peel what the baby is about to eat. Store the rest in a clean, easy-to-access container.
- Kindly avoid giving your baby reheated food. Sometimes mothers are tempted to store the leftovers from one meal and use them later. Instead, serve the portion the child can finish and keep the rest.
- Cook the baby’s food thoroughly. Please never give your children undercooked food.
- If you must refrigerate some food, make sure that the fridge is clean and not overcrowded. Whatever you put in the refrigerator should be eaten soonest possible. When reheating the refrigerated food, ensure it is steaming hot before you remove it from the fire.
- Remember to check the sell-by-date as you buy snacks, formula and other foods.
- You also need to eat clean food if you are breastfeeding.
Treatment for food poisoning
- Whenever your little one has diarrhea or is vomiting, keep them hydrated even before you go to the hospital. If you have introduced solid foods, keep breastfeeding and let the child eat as many times as possible.
- In between the bouts of diarrhea and vomit, allow the baby to relax, nap and play.
- Please resist from buying medicine from the chemist unless you have permission from the doctor.
Conclusion
Food poisoning in babies is easily treatable. Sometimes the infection will clear in a day, but other times you will have to go to the clinic. Hence, do not panic when it happens. Just keep the child hydrated and well-fed.
