Understanding Vomiting
Vomiting is common in kids and is often caused by gastroenteritis (the "stomach flu"). Because vomiting can lead to fluid and electrolyte loss, the main goal at home is to keep your child hydrated with small, frequent sips.
Quick Action Guide
✅ First Steps at Home
- 1. Don’t give milk products or solid foods during active vomiting
- 2. Offer small amounts of liquid every 15–20 minutes
- 3. If vomiting returns, wait 20–30 minutes and restart
- 4. Increase liquids gradually once no vomiting for 3–4 hours
- 5. After 8 hours without vomiting, add bland foods (as age-appropriate)
📞 Call the Doctor If
- • Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, peeing less)
- • Trouble keeping clear liquids down
- • Vomit is greenish-yellow, looks like coffee grounds, or has blood
- • Hard, bloated, or painful belly; extreme irritability
- • In boys: swelling/redness/pain in the scrotum
- • In newborns: forceful vomiting
Common Causes of Vomiting
Infections
- • Viral gastroenteritis (stomach bug)
- • Food poisoning
- • Respiratory infections with lots of mucus
Diet & Triggers
- • Overeating or new foods
- • Motion sickness
- • Strong coughing spells
Other Causes
- • Certain medicines
- • Migraines
- • Rarely, surgical conditions (seek care with severe belly pain)
Hydration: What and How Much
For Babies
- • Offer about 1 tablespoon (tbsp.) of oral rehydration solution (ORS) every 15–20 minutes
- • If breastfeeding: shorter, more frequent feeds
For Kids
- • 1–2 tbsp. every 15 minutes of ORS, ice chips, flat ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, clear broth, ice pops, or diluted juice
- • Increase amounts once no vomiting for 3–4 hours
What to Avoid During Vomiting
- • Forcing large amounts of fluid at once (can trigger more vomiting)
- • Milk products and solid foods during active vomiting
- • Very sugary drinks in large amounts
- • Medicines without checking with your doctor (some can upset the stomach)
Monitor and Track
Watch For
- • Number of vomiting episodes and timing
- • Ability to keep liquids down
- • Peeing frequency (hydration status)
- • Fever and belly pain
Simple Log Template
🚨Go to ER or Call 911 If
- • Severe dehydration (very little pee, very dry mouth, lethargy)
- • Persistent severe belly pain or a hard, bloated abdomen
- • Green (bile), bloody, or coffee-ground vomit
- • Trouble waking, difficulty breathing, or your child looks very ill
When to Reintroduce Foods
- • After 8 hours without vomiting, resume breastfeeding as usual and start small amounts of formula if used
- • For older kids, start bland foods like rice, applesauce, toast, cereal, crackers
- • Return to a regular diet after 24 hours without vomiting; call the doctor if vomiting restarts
Prevention Tips
- • Wash hands well and often (before eating/prep and after bathroom or raw meat)
- • Avoid close contact with people who have a stomach bug
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my child vomits again after drinking?
A: Wait 20–30 minutes, then restart with small sips. Increase amounts only after 3–4 hours without vomiting.
Q: Which liquids are best?
A: Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is best. Clear broths, diluted juices, ice chips, and flat clear sodas can help older kids. Avoid milk products during active vomiting.
Q: When can my child go back to school?
A: When they can keep down fluids, have had no vomiting for 24 hours, and feel well enough to participate. Follow school policies.
Q: Can I give anti-nausea medicine?
A: Ask your doctor before giving any medicines; some can upset the stomach or are not recommended for young children.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information about vomiting in children and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment questions.