Stomach Bug and Daycare: Policy and When Kids Can Go Back

Updated November 2026.

Most daycares ask children to stay home with a stomach bug until they have had no vomiting and no diarrhea for 24 hours, can eat and drink normally and are acting like themselves. Some centers also send a child home after one episode of vomiting or loose stool at daycare. Your center's sick policy is the rule that applies, so check it.

Here is what to expect, how to care for your child and how to keep it from spreading.

Common daycare rules for vomiting and diarrhea

The American Academy of Pediatrics' child care guidance, on HealthyChildren.org, says a child should stay home or be sent home when:

• They vomit two or more times in the past 24 hours, unless a doctor says the cause is not contagious and there is no risk of dehydration
• Diarrhea leaks out of the diaper, or a toilet-trained child is having accidents
• They have more than two extra stools in 24 hours
• There is more than a drop of blood or mucus in the stool
• They have a fever with a change in behavior or other symptoms
• They are too tired or uncomfortable to join in the day

Many centers go a step further and use a simple 24-hour symptom-free rule, because it is easier for families and staff to follow. If your child needs a doctor's note to return, the center will tell you.

Why stomach bugs spread so fast at daycare

Most stomach bugs in young children are caused by viruses, such as norovirus or rotavirus. They spread through tiny amounts of stool or vomit on hands, toys and surfaces. Norovirus can survive on surfaces for days, and a child can keep shedding the virus for a while after feeling better.

Young children touch everything and put hands in their mouths, so one sick child can lead to several more within a few days.

Caring for your child at home

• Small sips, often. Offer an oral rehydration solution, breast milk or formula in small amounts every few minutes.
• Keep feeding babies. Breastfed and formula-fed babies should keep getting milk.
• Go back to regular food as soon as your child is hungry. Plain foods like toast, rice, bananas and crackers are easy to start with.
• Skip sugary drinks like juice and soda, which can make diarrhea worse.
• Rest. Your child may sleep more than usual.

Do not give anti-diarrhea medicine to young children unless your pediatrician tells you to.

Signs of dehydration: call your doctor

• Fewer wet diapers, or no urine for 8 hours or more
• Dry mouth, no tears when crying
• Sunken eyes, or a sunken soft spot on a baby's head
• Unusual sleepiness or fussiness
• Vomiting that will not stop, green vomit or blood in vomit or stool
• Severe belly pain or a swollen belly
• Any baby under 3 months with a fever, or a young baby with frequent vomiting

If your child is very hard to wake, breathing fast or seems very ill, seek emergency care.

Stopping the spread at home

• Wash hands with soap and water, especially after diaper changes and before eating. Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus.
• Clean up vomit and stool right away using gloves, then disinfect with a bleach-based cleaner as the label directs.
• Wash soiled clothes and bedding on a hot cycle.
• Keep the sick person out of the kitchen. The CDC advises not preparing food for others while sick with norovirus and for at least two days after symptoms stop.
• Use separate towels for a few days.

Rotavirus vaccine

Rotavirus used to be a leading cause of severe diarrhea in babies. The rotavirus vaccine is given by mouth, usually at the 2 and 4-month visits, and sometimes at 6 months, depending on the brand. The first dose has to be given before 15 weeks of age, so it is one vaccine that cannot be caught up later. It greatly lowers the risk of severe illness. Ask your pediatrician if your baby is up to date.

When your child goes back

• Pack an extra change of clothes or two.
• Tell the teachers when the last symptoms happened.
• Send familiar, gentle foods if your center allows food from home.
• Expect a slightly lower appetite for a few days.

For a full sick-day plan, see our post on how often daycare kids get sick, and for fevers, our guide to daycare fever rules.

Frequently asked questions

Can my child go to daycare 24 hours after vomiting?

At many centers, yes, if there has been no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours and your child is eating, drinking and acting normally. Check your center's policy.

How long is a stomach bug contagious?

Children are most contagious while they have symptoms and for a few days after. Some viruses can be shed for longer, so handwashing matters even after your child feels better.

Can my child go to daycare with diarrhea but no fever?

Often not, if there are more than two extra stools a day or the diarrhea leaks from the diaper. Mild loose stool after recovery may be fine. Ask the center.

Should I keep siblings home?

Usually not, unless they have symptoms. Watch them closely for a few days.

Health and safety at Children's Land

At Children's Land, if a child becomes sick during the day, they rest away from other children and our director calls your emergency contact. Children can return once they meet our health policy. Read our FAQ or find a location.

Related reading: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: Daycare Policy and Return.