The Dreaded Stomach Bug: What Child Care Centers Need to Know (and How to Stop It in Its Tracks!)
- Kimberly Kostas
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
By Kimberly Kostas, RN, BSN, CPN – PediNurse, LLC
Let’s talk about something that strikes fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned child care providers: the stomach bug. It’s sneaky, speedy, and can take down an entire preschool class before naptime.
As a pediatric nurse and health care consultant for child care centers in Massachusetts, and as a Mom, I’ve seen how fast this illness can spread—and how to stop it before it becomes a full-blown outbreak. So let’s dig into what it is, why it loves daycares, and what you can do about it.
What Is “The Stomach Bug,” Really?
“The stomach bug” is a nickname for viral gastroenteritis, a contagious illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and often fever. The usual suspects? Norovirus and rotavirus.
These viruses can be spread through:
Contact with contaminated hands or surfaces,
Eating or drinking contaminated food or water,
Exposure to vomit or stool particles (yup—gross, but real).
Why Child Care Centers Are a Germ's Paradise
Toddlers touch everything. And then they touch their faces. And your face. And their lunch. This is a dream come true—for viruses.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children in group care settings are two to three times more likely to get gastrointestinal illnesses than those in home care due to close contact and still-developing hygiene habits (AAP, 2023).
But here’s the good news: there are plenty of ways to stop the spread—without building a germ-proof bubble.
Pro Tips from a Pediatric Nurse & Child Care Health Consultant
Here are research-backed, practical steps to keep stomach bugs from crashing your classroom:
1. Handwashing: The OG Infection Control Hero
Washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most effective way to kill norovirus and similar pathogens (CDC, 2023). Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus!
Encourage handwashing:
Before eating or food prep,
After diaper changes or using the toilet,
After cleaning bodily fluids,
After outdoor play.
🎵 Tip: Make it fun by singing Twinkle Twinkle or Baby Shark while scrubbing! Also, kids love foam soap!
2. Disinfect with the Right Stuff
Norovirus is tough. It can survive on surfaces for days. A bleach solution (1,000–5,000 ppm) is recommended for cleaning contaminated surfaces (EPA, 2020).
Sanitize:
Toys, high chairs, doorknobs, bathrooms, and changing tables.
Immediately after any vomiting or diarrhea episode.
3. Stick to Your Sick Policy
Children and staff with vomiting or diarrhea should stay home for at least 24–48 hours after symptoms stop. This prevents “Belly Busting Bobby” from spreading germs as soon as he “seems better” (CDC, 2023).
Post your policy where parents can see it and remind them regularly—especially during peak seasons.
4. Proper Diapering Protocol
Use gloves. Sanitize the area. Wash hands (yours and theirs). Don’t multitask while changing a diaper—there’s no such thing as “quickly grabbing a tissue” when biohazards are involved (Caring for Our Children Standards, 2020).
5. Educate Staff and Families
Send quick reminders to reinforce your policies. Make sure everyone—from teachers to floaters—knows the protocol.
Providing handouts or quick trainings with a healthcare consultant can empower staff to act fast and smart when illness strikes. We can even make posters for you to hang around your center to remind your staff of proper protocols.
When in Doubt, Call a Nurse!
If your center has seen one too many tummy bugs, it might be time to review your health and safety practices. That’s where I come in.
As a pediatric nurse health consultant in Massachusetts, I work with child care centers, daycares, and preschools to create realistic illness prevention strategies that meet state licensing requirements and actually work in real life. (Yes, even in rooms with glitter and snack crumbs.)
In Conclusion (and a Parting Tip)
The stomach bug doesn’t have to take over your classroom. With the right practices, training, and policies in place, your center can stay ahead of outbreaks and keep kids happy—and carpets clean.
Let’s Keep Your Center Healthy
Need help with illness prevention, staff training, or developing a clear and effective health policy?
👉 Visit PediNurse at https://www.pedinurseconsulting.com/childcarehealthconsultant to learn how I can support your program as a pediatric nurse and child care health consultant in Massachusetts.
Also check out the rest of the blog for practical tips, funny insights, and ways to make your center a safer, healthier place for kids to learn and grow: https://www.pedinurseconsulting.com/blog-1
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Norovirus, 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rotavirus, 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives, 2023.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Disinfectants for Use Against Norovirus, 2020.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Red Book: 2023–2026 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases.
Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards. Diaper Changing Procedure, 2020.
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