Vomiting in Toddlers

It doesn’t feel good when your little one vomits. However, vomiting in toddlers is pretty common. Toddlers are curious by nature and are eager to explore the world around them. That often involves ‘tasting’ everything they find as well. So, anything they come across immediately makes its way into their mouths. And, that may lead to vomiting in many cases.

What Are the Possible Causes of Vomiting in Toddlers?

Vomiting in toddlers may happen due to several reasons. It may occur from ingesting some inedible object or it may happen due to some infection as well. Let’s see what possible causes can lead to vomiting in toddlers-

Food Allergy

There are several food items like cow milk, eggs, peanuts, seafood, wheat, etc. which may cause allergies in your kid. If your toddler shows signs of discomfort or ends up vomiting after consuming any of these food items, then it means they may be allergic to it. It’s better to consult a doctor in such a scenario. But, make sure to note down the food item because of which your toddler is vomiting.

Stomach Infection

It is one of the most common causes of vomiting in toddlers. It involves stomach infections like stomach flu, food poisoning etc. Due to the infection, the toddler may experience discomfort or pain in the stomach sometimes resulting in fever.

Intestinal Infection

When there is an infection in the intestine, toddlers might throw up. This may be due to bacteria, viruses, and other parasites affecting the intestine. Infections that are caused by viruses and bacteria generally lead to vomiting.

Motion Sickness

If your kid is vomiting while traveling, they may be suffering from motion sickness. In this, the kid receives mixed signals. There is an imbalance between what their inner ear senses and the movement that they see. Because of this they feel dizziness, headaches, and vomiting. Motion sickness usually subsides once the vehicle stops.

Ear Infections

Inner ear infections may cause vomiting in toddlers. Usually fluid builds up inside the ear due to an infection which causes balance disorder. This fluid build up also leads to nausea, dizziness and vomiting etc. So, if your toddler is vomiting, they may have an ear infection.

Ingesting Harmful Substance

Toddlers, being curious by nature, often consume anything and everything they can get their hands on. if your toddler is vomiting without any underlying infection or fever etc. there are chances they may have ingested something. Vomiting is a way of body throwing out unwanted substance. It is always better to keep a watch on your toddler when they are playing.

What Are The Treatment Options For Vomiting in Toddlers?

There are several home remedies and treatment options to control vomiting in toddlers –

Give Them Liquids

Ensure that your kid stays hydrated. Keep on giving them liquids every 5-10 minutes. Make sure they sip water and not gulp it.

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

ORS contains minerals that will help your child to feel good. But make sure you give ORS according to the recommended dosage only. ORS is also available in different flavors these days. Choose the one your kid likes. Giving ORS will not only help to stop vomiting in toddlers, it will also ensure they are not dehydrated.

Ginger

Ginger is good for digestion and appetite. It will help to create gastric juices in the body which is good for absorption. It will also help to release gas.

Peppermint

You can also give some refreshments to your toddler if they feel unwell after vomiting. Candies that contain peppermint can be given to them to help them feel better after puking.

Precautions to Prevent Vomiting in Toddlers

It is not always possible to prevent your kid falling sick or making sure that they do not consume anything harmful. But, there are certain precautions which one can take to prevent unwanted episodes of vomiting in toddlers. These are-

If your toddler is allergic to any food item and vomits after consuming it, better avoid giving them that
Do not give your toddler stale or leftover food as it contains bacteria. Always give them freshly prepared food
If vomiting in toddlers is triggered by motion sickness, it is better to give them peppermint or ginger candy. And, in extreme cases, ask the doctor for some medication
Keep the surroundings clean and unwanted and harmful objects away from your toddler’s reach.
Keep a close watch over them when they play so as to avoid consumption of any unwanted things by them
Avoid giving your toddler outside food from places which are not hygienic
Do not feed your toddler non vegetarian food from outside as sometimes it’s not cooked properly and may cause infection
Cut fruits and vegetables which are put out for long period of time are not recommended for kids

Top 5 Tips to Help You Make Your Toddler Feel Better

After vomiting a toddler will feel unwell and fussy. Follow these tips to keep them happy and make them feel better after throwing up –

1. Plenty of Rest

To heal quickly, help your toddler to get rest and sleep as much as possible. Make sure they get proper and quality sleep. This will help them to feel better.

2. Give Liquids

To prevent dehydration give them a good amount of liquids at a suitable time. Give them only small amounts of liquids at one time. Increase the amount of liquids slowly as per your toddler’s comfort.

3. Shower Love And Attention

In this phase, your toddler needs a lot of love and affection. Read out good stories to them. Sing lullabies, and give as much as attention you can. Give them their favorite toys and games. Distract them so that they feel better.

4. Give Them Popsicles

Feed your child with healthy popsicles like oranges, ginger, etc. Keep away from popsicles with too much sugar intake. This will help your toddler feel better.

5. Avoid Force Feeding

If your kid is refusing to eat, don’t force them. Vomiting in toddlers may lead to loss of appetite. So, give them only when they ask for food and avoid giving heavy meals.

What to Feed a Vomiting Toddler?

Avoid feeding too many solid foods to your kid after vomiting. Give them stuff like ice chips, ORS, and popsicles. Make sure to avoid sugary foods, drinks, and juices which can make the situation bad. Avoid fizzy drinks and citrus as well.

You can also feed them food items such as mashed potatoes, soups, crackers, etc. Give them fruits and vegetables in whatever form they like to eat. Avoid greasy, fried, spicy, oily food. Also do not give fast food or junk and sweets.

Vomiting in toddlers is a common thing. There can be several reasons behind it. Certain tips and home remedies can help in this situation. But if your toddler is experiencing any kind of discomfort, stomach pain, fever, green or yellow color vomit, frequent vomiting etc. then it’s better to consult the doctor immediately. Dealing with vomiting may make your toddler fussy and irritable. Give them love and attention and take very good care of them. Play games and sing to them. Your toddler will soon feel better.

FAQ’s

1. How Long Can Vomiting Last in a Toddler?

Vomiting in toddlers should stop within 24 hours. But, if it lasts more than a day, and symptoms seem to be worsening, then it’s better to consult the doctor.

2. Can a Toddler Drink Milk After Vomiting?

Toddlers can drink milk certain hours after vomiting stops. Wait at least for 7-8 hours after your toddler stops vomiting before giving them milk products or yogurt. After 8 hours also, start giving milk slowly and in small amounts. If they start vomiting again, then wait again for at least 1 hour to give milk again. Many times, the kid may refuse to drink milk. It is okay, don’t force it.