At some point in their lives, just about every child will have an episode of vomiting (or “emesis” in doctor-talk). Vomiting can be an anxiety provoking part of many illnesses, and just plain does not feel good. It most commonly occurs with diarrhea in stomach viruses, but is often accompanied by other illnesses such as strep throat or ear infections.

Vomiting usually stops in 6 to 24 hours. The most important aspect is to try to prevent dehydration. If your child has recently vomited then give her a 1- 4 hour break before offering fluids. Children may also want to go to sleep for a while after vomiting. When your child is ready, start offering fluids VERY SLOWLY. Literally, offer your child one sip of water, Pedialtye or breast milk at a time. A mixture of half white grape juice and half water may be used if your child refuses Pedialyte or plain water. If your child does not vomit in 15 minutes then offer another sip. Keep going like this every 15 minutes and very slowly increase the volume of fluid to ½ ounce at a time, then an ounce at a time and so on. Older children can also be given ice chips or popsicles. If your child continues to vomit despite these measures, please give our office a call.

Your child will start eating again when she is feeling better. Bland foods such as saltines, toast, rice or dry cereal are good foods to offer when your child is hungry; please remember to offer small amounts once their appetite has returned, and increase the portions gradually. If your child is formula or breastfed, you may begin to substitute gradually increasing amounts of formula or breast milk.

Should you notice that your child has had a notable decrease in the number of wet diapers or trips to the bathroom to urinate despite these measures, please call our office to discuss this further. Abdominal pain is often due to cramping and the vomiting itself and will resolve with time. However, if your child has had persistent belly pain for more than 4 hours, then please call our office.