Tummy Flu Survival Tips

I think about any parenting book will give you the basics-keep nursing, no solids, b.r.a.t. (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) diet, lots of little sips of water. Here are a few practical mommy and house survival tips.

• You will be doing laundry, embrace it and move on. Set up a "station"-extra towels, blankets, clothes for baby, clothes for mommy, diapers, diaper wipes. Think ahead. If you used one already, chances are good you will need another one.
• I like to set up a "station" using towels, waterproof pads if necessary, or blankets on a floor. A place where it won't matter if throw-up ends up everywhere. Someplace where I will be comfortable to just spend the day snuggling with my baby.
  
• Other things useful to keep nearby: phone, glass of water, book for mommy, kleenex, anything you might not want to wake a sleeping baby to get.
• Obviously, washability is key. :) Any toys, books, blankets should be easily washable-preferably in the same load.
• Any other ideas?

An Encyclopodia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants by Mary Bove is my favorite resource for what to do when your child is sick. She has a section on boosting immune systems to avoid illness in the first place. Of course, prayer is the most helpful thing, as always.