VOMITING

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR VOMITING

  1. Sleep:  Help your child go to sleep (reason: sleep often empties the stomach and relieves the need to vomit).  Your child doesn't have to drink anything if he feels nauseated.
  2. For Bottlefed Infants Offer Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) for 8 Hours:
    • ORS (eg, Pedialyte or the store brand) is a special electrolyte solution that can prevent dehydration. It's readily available in supermarkets and drug stores
    • For vomiting once, offer ½ strength formula for 2 feedings, then regular formula.
    • For vomiting 2 or more times, offer ORS for 8 hours.
    • If ORS not available, use formula.
      • Spoon feed small amounts: 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) every 5 minutes.
    • After 4 hours without vomiting, increase the amount.
    • After 8 hours without vomiting, return to regular formula.  For infants older than 4 months old, also return to cereal, strained bananas, etc. Normal diet OK in 24-48 hours.
  3. For Breastfed Infants, Reduce the Amount Per Feeding:
    • If vomits twice, nurse 1 side every 1 to 2 hours.
    • If vomits more than 2 times, nurse for 4 to 5 minutes every 30 to 60 minutes.
    • If continues to vomit, switch to ORS for 4 hours.
    • Spoon feed small amounts: 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) every 5 minutes.
    • After 4 hours without vomiting, return to regular breastfeeding.
  4. For Older Children (older than 1 Year Old) Small Amounts of Clear Fluids For 8 Hours:
    • Water or ice chips are best for vomiting in older children.  (EXCEPTION: severe diarrhea.)  (Reason: water is directly absorbed across the stomach wall.)
    • Give small amounts: 2-3 teaspoons (10-15 ml) every 5 minutes.
    • Other options: ½ strength flat lemon-lime soda, Popsicles or ORS frozen pops.
    • After 4 hours without vomiting, increase the amount.
    • After 8 hours without vomiting, add solids:
      • Limit solids to bland foods for 24 hours.
      • Start with saltine crackers, white bread, cereals, rice, mashed potatoes, etc.
      • Normal diet OK in 24-48 hours.
  5. Avoid Medicines:  Discontinue all nonessential medicines for 8 hours (reason: usually make vomiting worse).  Call if vomiting an essential medicine.
  6. Contagiousness:  Your child can return to day care or school after vomiting and fever are gone.
  7. Expected Course:  Vomiting from viral gastritis usually stops in 12 to 24 hours. If diarrhea is present, it usually continues for several days.
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Vomiting persists for more than 24 hours.
    • Signs of dehydration.
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor"

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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