Articles and Advice: Your Baby 0-6 Months

Vomiting is different from spit-up. The word "vomit" refers to the stomach contents being ejected through the mouth with force. It usually is a cause of great distress for the baby. When vomiting occurs, it usually involves more than just a few mouthfuls.

If a child has just vomited, parents should wait for half an hour and then begin giving fluids starting with one tablespoon. If the child keeps it down, five minutes later, one and a half tablespoons is given and so on, progressively increasing the amount each time. Should the child vomit again, take a break for about 30 minutes and start the cycle over again. If the child cannot keep any fluids down, medical attention should be sought. Happily, most children will be able to keep down enough fluids, and the vomiting as well as any other associated “gastroenteritis” symptoms will go away on their own. If a vomiting child also has a fever and cannot keep the fever medication down, suppository acetaminophen is a very practical solution.

Call your baby's doctor right away if you notice any of the following:

• Frequent, repeated vomiting
• Crying (with legs pulled up) that cannot be soothed
• Fever
• Blood in vomit
• Green vomit
• Can't keep fluids down
• Repeatedly refuses feedings

Sign of dehydration:

• Less frequent urination (fewer wet diapers)
• Dry mouth
• Few tears
• Overly sleepy or overly fussy
• Sunken eyes
• Sunken soft spot (fontanel) on infant’s head

For more information, see Dehydration

Do no hesitate to call your baby's doctor if you have any concerns regarding his/her condition.

Reference:
DR.PAUL’s Child Health and Wellness Info Site, www.drpaul.com. Pediatrician Dr.Paul Roumeliotis is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.