Final answer:
A child with viral gastroenteritis is advised to initially focus on oral rehydration solutions, and then transition to a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and other bland, easy-to-digest foods once they can tolerate liquids.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a child with viral gastroenteritis, the recommended diet focuses on oral rehydration therapy and gradual reintroduction of food once liquids are tolerated. Rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte can replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea. After rehydration, a BRAT diet - bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast - can help ease the child back into normal eating. This bland diet is gentle on the stomach and reduces the amount of stool produced. Foods that are easy to digest, like crackers and broths, are also advisable. It's important to avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or highly seasoned foods until recovery is well-established.