Managing Childhood Vomiting: Causes, Care & When to Seek Medical Help

When your child is vomiting, you might be confused as to what to do. Should you feed your child more to replace the food that didn't stay down? Should you avoid feeding your child at all? When should you call the doctor? This article answers these questions and more.

Things You'll Need

• Electrolyte solution

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Instructions

• 1

  Call your doctor immediately if your child is less than one month old and is vomiting after every feeding.

• 2

  Calm your child and support her head while she vomits. When she finishes, offer to wipe her face with a wet washcloth and give her a cup of water to rinse her mouth.

• 3

  Hold your child. Your child may feel shaken after vomiting. Encourage him by explaining that what he vomited was "bad stuff," so now his stomach will feel better.

• 4

  Give your child clear liquids in small amounts. Babies less than a year old should be given an electrolyte solution, whereas older children can be given an electrolyte solution, water or flavored ice chips.

• 5

  Nurse for shorter amounts of time or giving small amounts of formula if your child is getting most of her nutrition from formula or nursing.

• 6

  Encourage your older child (or younger child who is comfortable with eating solids) to try bland, soft foods--such as bread, bananas, potatoes or toast--an hour or two after he has vomited. If your child does not want to eat, do not force him.

• 7

  Reintroduce regular foods into your child's diet once she has gone 24 hours without vomiting.

• 8

  Encourage your child to rest, but do not force him to lie down. Keep any play less active. Try calm activities, such as reading, listening to soft music or drawing.