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Vomiting is forceful throwing
up. A virus is often the cause. Being overexcited, eating too much or too
fast and being upset can also cause a child to vomit.
Most babies spit up
small amounts after feeding or with burping. This is not
vomiting.
Vomiting can cause
your child’s body to lose too much fluid and become dehydrated. It is
important to see that your child drinks fluid even if he has vomited.
The secret is giving small amounts often. Do not worry if your
child won’t eat. He will eat when he feels better.
- It is important to
continue to offer fluids to your child. Fluids of choice are electrolyte
replacement solutions, suggested solutions are:
For infants:
Pedialyte®, Infalyte® or
breast milk
For older
kids:
Pedialyte®, Infalyte®, or
Pedialyte popsicles®
- If your infant is
breastfeeding, offer the breast more frequently for shorter time
periods.
- Do not offer your child
anything to eat or drink for fifteen minutes after he vomits. Let his
stomach rest. Then, start giving your child one teaspoon to one
tablespoon of clear liquid every 2 minutes. Hourly, increase the amount
offered.
- Avoid fluids that have a
lot of sugar (i.e. sodas, Jell-O®, sports drinks, etc.) as they can
cause diarrhea.
You can start
offering small amounts of solid food or formula when he has not vomited
for six hours. Try to avoid spicy and greasy foods for a few days.
Gradually increase the amount of fluids and foods offered to your child.
REMEMBER to call
your child’s doctor if:
- Your child vomits after a
fall or a hard blow to the head.
- Your child vomits up
blood, green or black fluid.
- Your child has not
urinated or had a wet diaper in 12 hours.
- When your child cries,
there are no tears.
- Your child has a dry mouth
and tongue.
- The soft spot on top of
your baby’s head sinks in or is full and tight.
- Your child acts confused
or is hard to wake up.
- Your child has stomach
pain that lasts more than four hours.
- Your child keeps vomiting
after you have given small sips of clear fluids. (Remember to let your
child rest fifteen minutes after vomiting before offering fluids again.)
If your child has
swallowed medicine, a plant leaf or some kind of cleaning product, call
the Poison Control Center IMMEDIATELY at 1-800-222-1222.
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