Stomach bug survival kit
Stomach bugs move through a house in days. Hydration and laundry are the whole game.
When this is useful: Keep this stocked from late fall through spring, when norovirus circulates.
Tick off what you already have (8 items)
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If you only do one thing
The 3 that matter most
Everything else in this kit is a nice-to-have. Start here.
Oral rehydration solution
Plain water is not enough when a child is losing fluids fast.
Sick-day bucket with a lid
One per child, by the bed.
Waterproof mattress protector
Saves the mattress, and saves you at 3am.
Find your next step
What best describes your situation?
Pick one and we will put the few things that matter right now at the top.
Hydration first
- Oral rehydration solutionPlain water is not enough when a child is losing fluids fast.
- Electrolyte freezer popsOften the only thing a nauseated child will take.
Containment and cleanup
- Sick-day bucket with a lidOne per child, by the bed.
FDFuZhao 50-pc kids emesis bags (cartoon pattern)Disposable, leak-proof, self-sealing bags with a fun cartoon print that takes some of the scare out of being sick. About 34 oz / 1000 ml each; twist and notch to seal odors in, then toss.
CLOUDBERG 24-pc emesis bags (1000 ml)Medical-grade, leak-resistant disposable bags with a wide rim and graduated markings. Folds small enough for a glove box or backpack; a calm blue option for older kids and adults too.
- Waterproof mattress protectorSaves the mattress, and saves you at 3am.
Crib Mattress Protector Pad (quilted, waterproof)Fitted waterproof crib pad with quilted thickness, machine washable, and noiseless. Fits standard 52" x 28" crib and toddler mattresses up to 9" deep.
Margaux & May Crib Mattress Protector (2-pack)Oeko-TEX certified, 100% waterproof fitted protector for standard 28" x 52" cribs. Two-pack means one is always clean; highly absorbent and noiseless.
- Bleach-based surface cleanerNorovirus survives ordinary cleaners. Check the label says it works on it.Find it on Amazon
- Disposable glovesFor the cleanup, so it does not go round the house twice.Find it on Amazon
- Extra sheets and towelsTwo spare sets means you are not running laundry at midnight.Find it on Amazon
Back to eating
These are everyday supplies parents tell us they like to have on hand, not medical advice. Nothing here diagnoses or treats anything. Always follow your pediatrician's guidance, and check labels for your child's age and weight.
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Free things worth doing first
These matter more than anything you can order.
From the Ickly blog
- Stomach Bug Alert: Norovirus Spreading in Chicago Schools
- When Should Kids Stay Home from School?
- Building Your Sick Day Survival Kit
Common questions
Stomach bug kit FAQ
Get a heads-up before it reaches your house
Parents on Ickly log symptoms anonymously so everyone can see what is going around their school and neighborhood. Follow your school and know before it hits.
Other kits
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