VOMITING
MOST VOMITING IS CAUSED BY:
Less than one year:
Breast fed:
- No solids or liquids for 30-60minutes after vomiting.
- Provide breast milk in smaller amounts (shorter feedings) more frequently than usual.
- After 4 hours of no vomiting, return to normal breastfeeding.
Formula fed:
- No solids or liquids for 30-60 minutes after vomiting.
- Offer oral rehydration solutions (Pedialyte) or other clear fluids (like sugar water or tea).
Avoid plain water.
- Give small amounts one tsp every few minutes and increase gradually.
- After 4 hours of no vomiting, return to formula.
Older children:
- No solids or liquids (especially milk) for 30-60 minutes after vomiting
- Oral rehydration solutions or clear fluids (Gatorade, chamomile tea, popsicles, Sprite or Ginger ale) avoid plain water.
- Give small amounts: one tsp every few min and increase gradually as tolerated.
- When your child feels hungry, start feeding them. Give them whatever they like; you do not have to start with bland starchy foods (crackers, toast, rice etc.)
- Resume regular diet after 24 hrs. of no vomiting
Common mistakes in treatment of vomiting:
- Giving liquids or solids too soon
- Giving as much liquid as your child will take instead of starting small and gradually increasing the amount.
- Using medication, the most effective way to deal with vomiting is changing the diet.
- Giving a whole bottle/cup of liquid. If they see a whole bottle/cup, they will want to drink it and subsequently vomit again.
Call our office if:
- No urine for over 8 hours.
- Any blood in the vomit.
- Fever for more than 72 hours.
- Localized abdominal pain (generalized cramping may be normal).