Vomiting in children

Vomiting (throwing up) is unpleasant but normally isn't harmful. Ongoing vomiting can lead to dehydration, so ensuring your child gets enough fluid is important.

Call 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E department immediately if your child is vomiting and:
  • has a headache, stiff neck and a rash (this could be meningitis)
  • develops sudden and severe tummy pain (this could be due to ingesting something poisonous)
  • it started after a head injury
  • is floppy, irritable or not very responsive.

What causes vomiting in children?

The most common cause of vomiting in both adults and children is gastroenteritis, which is commonly known as 'gastro' or tummy bug. Other causes include food allergy, poisoning, reflux, meningitis, overeating, stress, infection or illness. Read more about causes of vomiting including other symptoms you may notice with each of them.

Dehydration

Ongoing vomiting can lead to dehydration which can be dangerous. The risk of dehydration is increased when the child has diarrhoea and vomiting at the same time.

The main sign of dehydration is not passing much or any urine, having fewer wet nappies, or urine being very dark and smelly. Other signs include dry mouth and tongue, sunken eyes, cold hands and feet, unusual sleepiness and/or lack of energy. Read more about dehydration.

When to see a doctor

Any baby under 6 months old with vomiting should be seen by a doctor urgently – babies become dehydrated and unwell quickly.

For older children with vomiting, see your doctor if you notice:

  • signs of dehydration such as dry mouth and tongue, sunken eyes, cold hands and feet, unusual sleepiness or lack of energy, fewer wet nappies or not passing as much urine as usual
  • blood or bile (greenish fluid) in the vomit
  • severe tummy pain or a swollen tummy
  • the child's skin colour or whites of the eyes have become yellowish.

How to care for a child who is vomiting

When your child is vomiting, sit them forward to prevent them from choking on the vomit. Keep a close eye on them and see your doctor straight away if you are worried. 

Vomiting can be unsettling, and even frightening, for young children. Support your child by helping them stay calm and making sure they don't become dehydrated.

Allow your child to rest or play quietly if they feel up to it – keeping their minds busy will help distract them from their discomfort. Make sure the room is not too hot or stuffy.

If your child has stomach cramps, try a warm (not hot) wheat pack or hot water bottle on their tummy. 

Preventing dehydration

Children can easily become dehydrated if fluid lost by vomiting is not replaced. To prevent this, make sure your child is taking in enough fluid between vomiting episodes.

For babies For children
  • Carry on breastfeeding or giving them milk feeds as normal.
  • If they are younger than 6 months of age seek advice from your doctor; babies can quickly become dehydrated.
  • If your baby becomes dehydrated, they will need extra fluids. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you on the best oral rehydration solution to use.
  • Offer your child small, regular sips of cool fluid. Water, clear soup, or watered-down fruit juice are good options.
  • If your child doesn’t want to drink, offer ice to suck, use a novelty straw or try a timer to encourage them to have a small drink every 10–15 minutes.
  • Avoid milk drinks, fizzy drinks and full-strength fruit juice.
  • If vomiting lasts more than 24 hours, an oral rehydration solution such Gastrolyte or Pedialyte can be use. Try freezing the rehydration drink into iceblocks if your child doesn’t like the taste.

Food

Your child probably won't feel like eating when they are vomiting. 

  • If your child is hungry let them eat small amounts. Otherwise, don’t worry about food.
  • Try easily digested foods such as bananas, crackers, rice, pasta and bread. 
  • Avoid foods high in fibre such as whole fruits (except bananas) and vegetables, spicy or fatty foods, alcohol and caffeinated drinks. 
  • Go back to your child’s normal diet after 24–48 hours.

Learn more

Adventures in vomiting WebMD, USA
Vomiting in children and babies NHS Choices, UK
Vomiting Ministry of Health, NZ

Credits: Health Navigator Editorial Team. Reviewed By: Nir Fireman, Auckland DHB (5 May 2017)