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What Should I Do When My Child is Vomiting?

Resource Type

Parent Handouts and Info - Parent

Description

Offers information on the causes and management of vomiting in infants, toddlers, and young children. Includes suggestions regarding the 'BRAT' and 'ABC' diets.

Ages

All Ages

Age Groups

Infancy (<1), Toddlerhood (1-3)

Web Address

http://resources.childhealthcare.org/cocoon/dtw/parent-text/other_physical_psychosomatic/vomiting.html

Languages

English

What Should I Do When My Child is Vomiting?

What Should I Do When My Child is Vomiting?

What causes vomiting?

Most vomiting is caused by a virus that targets the stomach. Occasionally there are other causes, such as a reaction to food, an obstruction, or an infection.

What is the difference between vomiting and spitting up?

Vomiting is forceful and spitting up is effortless. Most babies spit up some. If your baby spits up a lot but is growing well and has no breathing problems, then it is probably not a problem.

Is there anything to worry about?

The main concern if your child is vomiting is dehydration. Dehydration means the body has too little water in it to function normally. Signs of dehydration are:

  • No urine in more than eight hours
  • Dry mouth
  • No tears when crying
  • Sunken eyes

Call your doctor or nurse practitioner if your child:

  • Vomits clear liquids three or more times and does not urinate in more than eight hours
  • Produces no tears when crying
  • Develops abdominal pain that lasts for more than two hours
  • Cries inconsolably for more than two hours
  • Seems difficult to awaken or seems confused
  • Has fever and is vomiting
  • Has any blood in the vomit

What should I feed my child?

If your baby vomits twice, give him no solids or chewable food for the first eight hours. Give her clear liquids-anything you can see through, like water, juice, or electrolyte solution. Start with one ounce clear liquid every 20 minutes for one hour. If the child can keep that down go to two ounces, then three ounces. If the child vomits, give one tablespoon every ten minutes for one hour. If vomiting persists, go to one teaspoon every five minutes. The key is small amounts frequently.

After eight hours without vomiting, offer bland foods first. Try:

  • The BRAT diet: "B" is for bananas, "R" is for rice, "A" is for apples, and "T" is for toast.
  • The ABC diet: "A" is for apples, "B" is for bananas, and "C" is for carrots.

Most children can return to their normal diet within 24 hours.

If your baby is breast-fed and does not take a bottle:

Continue breast feeding, but nurse only on one side each time and only for about ten minutes. Try to feed every 20-30 minutes. After eight hours without vomiting, return to feeding on both sides.

Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011

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