Vomiting in Children – What is Normal?

Vomiting in children is usually caused by a stomach bug. It tends to come on suddenly, is mild and only lasts a day or two.

While vomiting in children isn’t usually a sign of anything serious, it can be worrying as a parent to see your child unwell. Some children also find it distressing to be sick, which can add to the worry.

So, as a parent, when should you be concerned about vomiting in children?

What causes vomiting in children?

Being sick isn’t a condition in itself but is a symptom of something else. Knowing the cause of vomiting can be tricky but is key to treating it.

Vomiting in children is commonly caused by:

• Gastroenteritis: This is an infection in the gut and typically lasts for a few days.
• Food allergies: As well as vomiting, a food allergy may cause a rash and swelling around the face, lips, eyes, or tongue.
• Other infections: Ear infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause vomiting in children.
• Ingesting something toxic or poisonous.
• Appendicitis: This can cause severe stomach pain and vomiting.

In babies, as well as gastroenteritis and food allergies, vomiting can be caused by:

• Milk intolerance
• Gastro-esophageal reflux
• Swallowing too much milk if a bottle teat is too big
• Strangulated hernia
• Congenital pyloric stenosis (a condition in which the passage from the stomach to the bowel is too narrow)
• Intussusception (a condition in which the bowel folds over on itself).

When should I be concerned about my child’s vomiting?

If you think your child may have more than a mild stomach bug, then always seek help. As a general rule, if any of the following apply, then you should always see your doctor:

• They are vomiting repeatedly and can’t hold down any fluid
• They are becoming dehydrated
• The vomiting is accompanied by a high fever
• They have been vomiting for more than two days
• They are a baby and have vomited more than three times in a day.

If your child is vomiting and any of the following apply, then always seek emergency treatment:

• They develop a sudden and severe stomach pain
• They become floppy or less responsive
• They have a headache, rash and stiff neck
• The vomit has blood in it, is green/yellow or looks like ground coffee
• They have swallowed something poisonous.

How can I look after a child who is vomiting?

If your child’s vomiting is caused by a harmless virus, and they aren’t showing any of the signs listed above, then you can treat them safely at home.

Keeping them hydrated is most important. Start with small sips of water or continue to breast or bottle feed a baby.

If you are worried about them being dehydrated, speak to your doctor about other ways to keep them hydrated.

You will need to keep them home for at least 48 hours after they stop vomiting to prevent the spread of infection.