Diarrhea and vomiting in childhood are not usually associated with fever. This illness is usually associated with viruses such as Rotavirus or Norwalk virus. Typically, the child becomes nauseous, vomits, and then the virus moves through the digestive tract and this leads to diarrhea, and the virus leaves the body. This is common and is known as viral acute gastroenteritis. Dehydration prevention is the key in this case. The best way to prevent dehydration is to monitor the child's urine production by making sure the baby has wet diapers and tears when the baby cries. If the child just has diarrhea but no vomiting, continue to feed formula in order to provide sufficient nourishment. Use plain, bubble gum, or grape Kaolectrolyte packets, which are reconstituted with 8 oz of bottled water between feeds. Pedialyte is available in small containers for travel, but is less convenient. If the baby has nausea or vomiting, dispense with feedings for 4 to 8 hours and use the electrolyte solution every 5 to 10 minutes. Since the baby cannot tolerate large amounts of fluids, use an eyedropper to drop the electrolyte solution down the sides of the mouth. If the baby consumes too much fluid all at once, s/he will become nauseous and vomit back whatever was just consumed. So go slowly. If the diaper is too absorbent and the parent has difficulty checking whether or not the child has urinated, put tissues in the diaper. Babies usually urinate every hour or two. Other causes of gastrointestinal infections are bacteria and parasites. Bacterial infections of the intestines are not common, but may be accompanied by fever and blood in the stool. Seek on-site medical evaluation if this occurs. Parasites can wait until you get home and diagnose them. Decreased activity and poor urine production should also signal a need for urgent medical attention.