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Vomiting can be part of many illnesses in children and babies.
It is not usually a major concern as long as your child seems well in other ways
Vomiting is common for babies and young children
Vomiting occurs when food is brought back up from the stomach. The amount of vomit can often seem larger than it actually is. There are different types of vomiting, including: this is when your baby vomits up small amounts after a feed.
– this vomiting is common in babies. It is caused when the valve at the top of the stomach accidentally opens. The contents of the stomach come back up the food pipe (oesophagus) slowly.
Reflux does not harm babies
They usually grow out of it by the time they are walking. – this is when your baby brings up the stomach contents in a forceful way. The amount of milk or food can seem large on the floor, but is usually only the amount of the last feed.
Babies may projectile vomit occasionally, but if it happens after every feed, see your doctor right away as it may be due to a blockage caused by thickening of the muscle at the outlet of the stomach. Vomiting is usually caused by: motion sickness from travelling in a moving vehicle. Sometimes, vomiting may be part of a more serious illness.
Children may vomit if they have an infection, such as a urinary tract infection or meningitis, a bowel obstruction or appendicitis.
If vomiting progresses to fever and diarrhoea, it will usually be caused by a virus infection. If this persists for 12 hours or more, dehydration is likely.
So see your doctor or local hospital emergency department without delay. Most babies and children vomit easily and recover quickly.
After vomiting, your child may be hungry and thirsty
Give plenty to drink so your child does not become dehydrated.
If your child keeps on vomiting and looks unwell, see your doctor. Do not use medication to try and stop the vomiting. Different positions for feeding or in bed can help reduce your baby’s chance of vomiting.
You can try to: Feed your baby in an upright position.
Prop your baby up after feeds
Lay your baby on the left side
Avoid bouncing your baby after feeding
To help with mild reflux, you can thicken your baby’s food with cornflour or infant food thickener.
If your child is uncomfortable after vomiting or will not settle, try giving milk or water. This will wash any acid back into the stomach.
Some babies get heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest. They may be unsettled after feeding or when lying flat. Your doctor can suggest an antacid to relieve heartburn. Take your baby to the doctor if any of these symptoms occur: your baby seems unwell.
Mild vomiting is normal in most babies and improves over time.
Most babies need only simple treatment, or none at all
Changing feeding and sleeping positions may help
Medicine should not be given unless prescribed by your doctor. Give a child who is unsettled after vomiting a drink or a little food.
If your child seems unwell or shows any worrying symptoms, see a doctor
Types of vomiting Possetting – Reflux Projectile vomiting Causes of vomiting minor infections like ‘gastro’ or the common cold gastro-oesophageal reflux Treatment for vomiting Reflux vomiting can be prevented or reduced When to see your doctor poor weight gain because of the loss of feeds in vomiting coughing or choking spells blood or yellow-green bile in the vomit heartburn vomiting increases or becomes forceful after every feed Where to get help Your doctor Nurse-on-Call (616) 555-0024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days) Your local maternal and child health nurse The 24 hour Maternal and Child Health Telephone Service.
Tel.13 22 29 Your local hospital emergency or casualty department Things to remember.
Key Points
- Vomiting is common for babies and young children – this vomiting is common in babies caused when the valve at the top of the stomach accidentally opens
- Vomiting is usually caused by: motion sickness from travelling in a moving vehicle
- If vomiting progresses to fever and diarrhoea, it will usually be caused by a virus infection