It is not uncommon for infants to vomit after eating.

If your child has:

• experienced more than 3 episodes of vomiting in the past 24 hours
• been vomiting for over 3 days
• signs of dehydration
• recently traveled abroad and is vomiting excessively
• a high temperature – 38°C for infants under 3 months, or 39°C for infants over 3 months
• severe abdominal pain
• vomited blood, brown, or green vomit

Emergency action required: Call 999 for an ambulance immediately if:

If your child experiences a headache, stiff neck, rash, and vomiting.

Caring for a child who is vomiting

Ways to care for your sick baby – HSE mychild.ie

In most cases, you can care for your child at home. Provide liquid paracetamol for high temperatures or stomach pains.

If your child refuses to eat, encourage fluids like water or broth. Avoid fruit juice and carbonated beverages until they start feeling better.

Do not dilute baby formula. Prepare bottles as usual and offer additional water or fluids along with milk feeds.

Breastfeeding or formula fed babies

If your child is still breastfeeding or consuming formula, continue with their regular feedings. Breastfed babies may nurse more frequently when ill. Ensure plenty of rest and keep your baby close.

Dehydration

Vomiting can lead to dehydration in children. Ensure they are drinking plenty of fluids.

Consult your pharmacist for an oral rehydration solution. Contact your GP if you suspect dehydration in your child.

Signs of severe dehydration in babies and children include:

• reduced wet diapers
• drowsiness or difficulty waking up
• pale or mottled skin
• cold hands and feet

If signs of severe dehydration appear, take your child to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

Prevention is key in avoiding dehydration. Encourage your child to drink water regularly, especially in hot weather or when they are sick. Offer electrolyte-rich drinks like sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions to help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

Monitor your child’s urine color – clear or light-colored urine indicates proper hydration, while dark-colored urine may be a sign of dehydration. Encourage frequent bathroom breaks to ensure they are staying adequately hydrated.

If your child is showing signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, or increased thirst, act promptly to rehydrate them. Seek medical advice if you are unsure of how to manage their fluid intake, especially if they are experiencing persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

Causes

Vomiting can be caused by common infections like gastroenteritis or more serious conditions including:

• infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections
• milk intolerance or food allergies
• conditions affecting the intestines such as pyloric stenosis or intussusception
• strangulated hernia

Urgent advice: Call your GP or go to a hospital immediately if:

• If you suspect serious underlying causes for your child’s vomiting.

If the pain worsens quickly and spreads in the abdomen, take your child to the emergency department.

Poison

If you suspect your child has swallowed something toxic, contact the National Poison Information Centre immediately.

National Poison Information Centre

(01) 809 2166
Opening hours: 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week

Outside of these hours, contact your hospital or GP for out-of-hours services. In case of an emergency, call 999.

Stop vomiting from spreading

Infections causing vomiting are highly contagious.

Thoroughly wash your and your child’s hands:

• before and after taking care of a sick person
• after cleaning up vomit or diarrhea
• after using the toilet
• after changing a diaper
• after handling raw meat, garbage, animals, or their waste
• before meals
• when hands are dirty

• clean surfaces with hot water and detergent
• wash soiled bedding and clothes at high temperatures
• discard or sanitize cleaning tools
• do not let sick individuals prepare food
• ensure sick children do not share towels

Keep your child at home until at least 48 hours have passed since their last episode of vomiting before allowing them to return to daycare or school.

Page last reviewed: 13 April 2023
Next review due: 14 April 2026

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Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents due to illness or contaminated food.

What Is Vomiting?

Vomiting is often a result of a viral infection or stomach bug. Severe illnesses can also trigger vomiting, typically lasting a few days and manageable at home.

The main concern from vomiting is dehydration, which can be prevented by ensuring your child stays hydrated.

Do not place your baby on their stomach after vomiting. Back sleeping is the safest position for them. Older children can sleep on their side or stomach with their heads turned.

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Liquids You May Give

• Older children may benefit from clear fluids like lemonade, pulp-free fruit juices, and popsicles to prevent dehydration.
• Consider oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte® for electrolyte balance.

Children under 1 Year:

• ORS
• Breast milk or formula as appropriate
• Avoid sugary drinks or teas

Children over 1 Year:

• Water
• Clear fluids
• ORS popsicles
• Milk and flavored gelatin

How to Give Liquids

When managing vomiting:

• Offer clear fluids after no vomiting for 30-60 minutes
• Continue breastfeeding and gradually reintroduce formula if ORS is being provided
• Start with small sips of liquid frequently to reduce vomiting

Amount of Liquid to Give to Prevent Dehydration

Child’s Weight

Minimum Hourly Fluid Goal*

At least 2 ounces

At least 2.5 ounces

At least 3.5 ounces

At least 6.5 ounces

At least 10 ounces per hour (1.25 cups)

* Minimum hourly fluid goals may increase with vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.

Solid Foods

• Children may not feel like eating solid food when vomiting, but it is essential to keep them hydrated.
• After 6-8 hours of clear fluids and no vomiting, introduce easily digestible foods like cereals, crackers, or bread.

Other Things to Know

Medication: Consult a doctor before giving any anti-vomiting medications to young children.

Sleep: Ensure your child gets enough rest to aid recovery from vomiting.

Preventing the Spread of Infection

Minimize the spread of the virus and protect others by:

• Ensure your child washes their hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before meals
• Regularly wash hands, especially after contact with your child or their belongings, and after exposure to vomit. Use soap, water, or hand sanitizer
• Keep your child’s items separate from others and wash them with hot, soapy water
• Regularly clean surfaces and toilets with disinfectants or alcohol wipes. Allow to dry for 15 seconds
• Use fresh wipes or cloths for each diaper change and dispose of used diapers immediately

When To Call the Doctor

If your child shows signs of worsening, no improvement in 24 hours, refusal to breastfeed, or the following signs, contact their healthcare provider:

• Increased or color-specific vomiting
• Signs of dehydration
  • Dark urine
    • Infants: fewer than 6 wet diapers per day
    • Children: less than 3 wet diapers daily or less than 3 instances of urination in a day
  • Fever above normal levels for the age group
  • General malaise, fussiness, or drowsiness
  • Unexplained rash
  • Symptoms like a stiff neck, headache, or sore throat
  • Underlying health conditions making them more prone to illness

Helping Hands Patient Education Materials

Created by medical experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to enhance verbal instructions from healthcare professionals. Nationwide Children’s Hospital is not liable for any misuse of this information.

Vomiting and diarrhea caused by a stomach bug are common in children and typically improve with home care. Learn how to recognize dehydration, understand the usual course of the virus, and know when symptoms require medical attention. Find guidance on hydration, appropriate foods, and effectively involving healthcare providers.

_{This content was originally in audio format. Certain elements may differ in text format. For an immersive experience, access the audio. Opinions expressed do not reflect affiliations.}

_{Hosts and guests’ views are personal and may not represent their institutions.}

Understanding the Stomach Bug in Children

Dealing with a stomach bug: Know when to manage at home and when to seek medical advice.

Stomach bugs are common but should not be confused with seasonal influenza. Multiple viruses can cause vomiting and diarrhea, posing a risk of dehydration for children.

When Vomiting Warrants Medical Attention

When to consult a doctor for vomiting and diarrhea? Food poisoning differs from a stomach bug, but urgent care is necessary if vomiting persists, contains blood, or affects a baby. Most cases resolve within 24 hours.

Manage your child’s condition with clear fluids, avoid solid foods, and allow them to recover before transitioning to a bland diet.

Managing Dehydration and Warning Signs

Expect diarrhea alongside vomiting within 24 hours. Focus on hydration and avoid solid foods initially.

Ensure your child stays hydrated to prevent further vomiting. Introduce bland foods gently after the vomiting stops.

How and When to Reintroduce Food

Avoid feeding a vomiting child immediately. Offer clear fluids in small amounts and monitor their hydration status.

Avoid milk and gradually introduce bland foods like bananas, crackers, and applesauce after vomiting subsides.

Safe Fluids and What to Avoid

Choose clear fluids for hydration and avoid milk. Offer small amounts to prevent further vomiting.

Enhance hydration without overwhelming the stomach to minimize vomiting and dehydration risks.

Medications and Probiotics for Vomiting

Avoid using regular anti-vomiting medications for children. Instead, focus on keeping them hydrated with clear fluids and gradually reintroducing regular foods once the vomiting has stopped.

Managing Diarrhea During Recovery

If the vomiting has stopped, you can offer regular foods for diarrhea. Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt to help regulate their stomach. Ensure they stay hydrated, and for babies with persistent diarrhea, consider switching to soy formula temporarily.

When It’s Time to Call or Visit the Doctor

If your child is vomiting but still hydrated, responsive, and able to be woken up, there is no immediate need for medical attention. The same applies to diarrhea – if your child is cheerful and active, there is no rush to see a doctor. However, if they show signs of dehydration, extreme unwellness, or have not urinated in over 12 hours, it is time to seek medical help. In cases of stomach bugs, monitor your child’s symptoms at home and consult a pediatrician if necessary to determine if a visit to the doctor’s office or emergency room is warranted.
For additional guidance, you can contact healthdirect Australia. Vomiting in children can result from various causes, with viral gastroenteritis being a common one. It is crucial to monitor symptoms and seek medical help if needed. Keep an eye out for other symptoms like breathing difficulties, which may indicate a more serious issue.
Various health conditions, such as gastroenteritis, food poisoning, poisoning, and urinary tract infections, can lead to vomiting in children. Proper care and attention are crucial if you suspect any of these conditions in your child. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a severe issue like appendicitis, meningitis, diabetic ketoacidosis, or severe allergic reactions.
It is essential to observe your child’s symptoms, seek medical advice when in doubt, and act promptly in cases of severe or persistent vomiting.
Doctors will assess your child for signs of dehydration and may conduct tests to determine the underlying cause of chronic vomiting. If necessary, they may refer your child to a specialist such as a gastroenterologist, allergy expert, neurologist, or paediatrician.
Prepare for your appointment by using the Question Builder for tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

When should I take my child to the doctor?

If babies younger than 6 months are vomiting or suspected to have gastroenteritis, seek medical attention. Children with underlying health conditions like diabetes or epilepsy should also see a doctor if they experience vomiting.

When should I get urgent medical care for my child?

It is crucial to seek medical care for vomiting in young babies. Here are guidelines on when to seek medical attention:

• Babies under 6 months old or less than 8kg
• Children under 3 years vomiting for 12 hours
• Children under 6 years vomiting for 24 hours
• Children 6 years or older vomiting for 48 hours

If your child is vomiting and displaying severe symptoms, such as blood in vomit or signs of dehydration, head to the emergency department immediately.
Find medical services using the Service Finder tool.

How is vomiting treated in children?

Most cases of vomiting episodes in children result from viral gastroenteritis and can be managed at home. However, if your child is dehydrated or a baby under 6 months, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Self-care at home

Vomiting often resolves without specific treatment. Focus on keeping your child hydrated by providing oral rehydration solution and monitoring their condition. Care at home for children with gastroenteritis includes adjusting feeding and offering fluids regularly.
For older children with gastroenteritis, offer clear fluids frequently, avoid sports drinks or cordials, and ensure they rest. If symptoms persist or you have concerns, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Medicines for vomiting in children

Avoid administering anti-vomiting medicines without professional advice. Instead, provide oral rehydration solution for hydration. Use the Medicines information search feature to find suitable products.

Other ways that vomiting in children can be treated

Treatment for vomiting depends on the underlying cause. To prevent motion sickness, treat bacterial infections with antibiotics, manage meningitis appropriately, and address conditions requiring surgery with prompt medical intervention.

Can vomiting in children be prevented?

To prevent the spread of gastroenteritis, follow proper hygiene practices, wear gloves when cleaning up, and keep your child home until they have stopped vomiting. Vaccines are available for certain causes of vomiting.

Complications of vomiting in children

Regardless of the cause of vomiting, it is crucial to prevent dehydration in children to avoid serious complications. Watch out for signs of severe dehydration and seek medical attention if necessary.

Resources and support

Access resources from reputable partners to learn more about children’s health and find support for managing vomiting and related conditions.

Source:

Last reviewed: February 2024

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