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The information provided by The Pediatric Group, PLLC website is information of a general nature and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be relied on for personal medical reasons and should not be relied upon as providing specific medical advice or for diagnosis or treatment. All information contained on this website is presented as is, without any warranties of any kind, express or implied.

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Last update:
September 03. 2010 14:58:54

Vomiting

Definition:    Vomiting is the forceful emptying (throwing up) of a large portion of the stomach contents through the mouth.  Nausea and abdominal discomfort usually precede each episode of vomiting.  Most vomiting is caused by a viral infection of the stomach and lasts 12-24 hours.  However, if diarrhea is present, vomiting may continue for several days.  One of the greatest concerns with vomiting is dehydration.

There is a difference between the normal spitting up done by babies and vomiting.  “Spitting up” usually goes away by 6-9 months of age.

Home Care:
  1. Try helping your child go to sleep.  Sleep often allows the stomach to empty normally and eliminates the need to vomit.

  2. Breastfed infants: Breast milk is the best fluid for your child. Give small amounts of milk very frequently and gradually increase as tolerated.

    • Have your child latch on for a few seconds
    • Allow your child to take a few sips
    • Latch off
    • Repeat this process, increasing time and amounts until normal feeding can be re-established.

  3. Bottle-fed infants under age 12 months:
    • If your child has vomited once, give half-strength formula for two feedings, then regular formula.
    • If your child has vomited 2 or more times, give InfaLyte or PediaLyte in small amounts (1 teaspoon) every five minutes.
    • After 4 hours without vomiting, increase the amount of fluid.
    • After 8 hours without vomiting, return to regular formula.
    • If your child is older than 4 months of age, and you are giving cereal or other baby foods, you may return to these foods after 8 hours.
    • After 24-48 hours, a normal diet should be fine.

  4. For Children older than 12 months:
    • Small amounts of clear fluids for 8 hours
      • Water or ice chips are best when your child is vomiting but does not have diarrhea.
      • Other options include half-strength flat (not fizzy) 7-Up or other lemon-lime soda, popsicles, or PediaLyte or InfaLyte frozen pops.
    • Give small amounts (1 teaspoon) every five minutes.
    • After 4 hours without vomiting, increase the amount.
    • After 8 hours without vomiting, add solids.
      • Limit solids to bland foods for 24 hours.
      • Start with saltine crackers, white bread, rice, dried cereals, etc.
      • Normal diet is okay in 24-48 hours.

Call our office urgently if:   
  1. Your child appears dehydrated (dry mouth, no tears, no urine in more than 12 hours)
  2. There is blood in the vomit.
  3. Your child has had continuous abdominal pain for more than 2 hours and the pain is not better after he/she vomits.
  4. Your child is less than 1 year of age, has vomited clear fluids 3 or more times, and also has watery diarrhea.
  5. Your child is less than 12 weeks of age and has either a temperature higher than 100.4°F rectally OR has vomited more than two times.  (Remember the difference between vomiting and “spitting up”).

Call our office during regular hours if:
  1. Your child is age 3-24 months age has been vomiting for more than 24 hours.
  2. Your child is two years of age or older and has been vomiting for more than 48 hours.
  3. Your child has mild vomiting with diarrhea for more than 1-2 days.

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