Vomiting

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.