Nausea and Vomiting in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Most of the time, nausea and vomiting in children is not serious. It often is caused by a mild stomach infection. A child with a stomach infection also may have other symptoms. These may include diarrhea, fever, and belly cramps. With home treatment, the vomiting will likely stop within 12 hours. Diarrhea may last for a few days or more.

In most cases, home treatment will help the nausea and vomiting.

With babies, vomiting should not be confused with spitting up. Vomiting is forceful. The child often keeps vomiting and may feel some pain. Spitting up often occurs shortly after feeding. And it doesn't continue.

The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

Newborn to 1 year

• Watch for and treat symptoms of dehydration, which means the body has lost too much water. Symptoms include dry eyes and a dry mouth and passing only a little urine (no wet diapers for 6 hours).
• Do not give your baby plain water.
• If your baby is breastfed, keep breastfeeding. Offer each breast to your baby for 1 to 2 minutes every 10 minutes.
• If your baby still isn't getting enough fluids from the breast or from formula, ask your doctor if you need to use an oral rehydration solution (ORS). Examples are Pedialyte and Infalyte. These drinks contain a mix of salt, sugar, and minerals. You can buy them at drugstores or grocery stores.
• The amount of ORS your baby needs depends on your baby's age and size. You can give the ORS in a dropper, spoon, or bottle.
• Do not give your child over-the-counter antidiarrhea or upset-stomach medicines without talking to your doctor first. Pepto-Bismol or other medicines may contain salicylates, a form of aspirin. Do not give aspirin to children. Aspirin has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

1 year and older

• Watch for and treat symptoms of dehydration, which means the body has lost too much water. Symptoms of dehydration include dry eyes and a dry mouth, passing only a little urine (no wet diapers for 6 hours), and feeling thirstier than usual.
• Offer your child small sips of water. Let your child drink as much as they want.
• Ask your doctor if your child needs an oral rehydration solution (ORS) such as Pedialyte or Infalyte. These drinks contain a mix of salt, sugar, and minerals. You can buy them at drugstores or grocery stores. Do not use them as the only source of liquids or food for more than 12 to 24 hours. Avoid orange juice, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, and lemonade.
• Slowly start to offer your child regular foods after 8 hours with no vomiting.
  • Allow your child to eat small amounts of what they prefer.
  • Avoid high-fat foods, spicy foods, and foods with a lot of sugar.
• Do not give your child over-the-counter antidiarrhea or upset-stomach medicines without talking to your doctor first. Pepto-Bismol or other medicines may contain salicylates, a form of aspirin. Do not give aspirin to children. Aspirin has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
• Your child is very sick or is hard to wake up.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has new or worse belly pain.
• Your child has a fever with a stiff neck or a severe headache.
• Your child's vomiting gets worse.
• Your child has symptoms of dehydration, which include:
  • Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
  • Passing only a little urine.
  • Feeling thirstier than usual.
• Your child vomits blood or what looks like coffee grounds.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child does not get better as expected.