Vomiting in Children 3 Months to 1 Year: Care Instructions

Overview

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

Vomiting with other symptoms, such as a fever, appearing to be in pain, or having no wet diaper for 6 hours, may mean the illness is more serious.

With babies, vomiting should not be confused with spitting up. Vomiting is forceful. Spitting up often occurs shortly after feeding. And it doesn't continue like vomiting does.

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.

• 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 and passing only a little urine (no wet diapers for 6 hours).
• 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.
• 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.
• If your child eats solid foods, slowly start to offer solid foods after 8 hours with no vomiting.
• 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.

When should you call for help?

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

• 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 is getting sicker.
• Your child has symptoms of dehydration, such as:
  • Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
  • Passing only a little urine (no wet diapers for 6 hours).
  • 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.