Children and vomiting

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, and it is common in babies and young children.

Vomiting happens when food is brought back up from the stomach. The amount can often look larger than it actually is.

Types of vomiting#

There are different types of vomiting, including:

• Possetting – when your baby vomits up small amounts after a feed.
• Reflux – common in babies, this is caused when the valve at the top of the stomach accidentally opens, letting the stomach contents come slowly back up the food pipe (esophagus). Reflux does not harm babies, and they usually grow out of it by the time they are walking.
• Projectile vomiting – when your baby brings up the stomach contents in a forceful way. The amount 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.

Causes of vomiting#

Vomiting is often caused by minor infections such as ‘gastro’ or the common cold, by gastro-esophageal reflux, or by motion sickness from traveling 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 diarrhea, it is usually caused by a viral infection. If this persists for 12 hours or more, dehydration is likely, so see your doctor or local hospital emergency department without delay.

Treatment for vomiting#

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 to stop the vomiting unless it is prescribed by your doctor.

Reducing reflux vomiting#

Different positions for feeding or sleeping 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 washes any acid back into the stomach.

Some babies get heartburn, 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.

When to see your doctor#

Take your baby to the doctor if any of these occur:

• your baby seems unwell
• poor weight gain because of the loss of feeds through vomiting
• coughing or choking spells
• blood or yellow-green bile in the vomit
• heartburn
• vomiting increases or becomes forceful after every feed

Key points#

• Vomiting is common in babies and young children, and reflux is caused when the valve at the top of the stomach accidentally opens.
• 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.
• If vomiting progresses to fever and diarrhea, it is usually caused by a viral infection.
• Medicine should not be given unless prescribed by your doctor. If your child seems unwell or shows any worrying symptoms, see a doctor.

Where to get help#