Iowa Health Book: Pediatrics
Vomiting
The Children's Hospital, Boston
Peer Review Status: Externally reviewed by The Children's Hospital, Boston
Children tend to lose body fluids rapidly when they are ill. Please report back to us if your child shows signs of dehydration (loss of body fluids).
- dry mouth or eyes
- no urine in diaper for 4-5 hours in an infant, no urination in a child for 6-8 hours
Vomiting is very common in children. It can be caused by many things, such as colds, ear infections, and stomach viruses.
Dietary Management of Vomiting
- To rest the stomach, the child should not eat or drink anything for 2-4 hours.
- Start sips of clear fluids every 15-30 minutes. Large amounts of fluid could cause the child to vomit again. Don't give more than 2 ounces at a time. Give 2 ounces of Pedialyte or Rehydrate.
- If vomiting has not recurred, the child may start on a soft, bland diet for the next 24 hours. Toast, Crackers, Rice, Cereal, Jello, Popsicles.
- Then slowly resume regular feedings.
Stools
Expect fewer or smaller bowel movements during the next day or two. If child is not eating much, there won't be much stool to pass.
Expect soft, but not watery stools. Please call us if stools are watery or forceful, or if child also has high fever, stomach pains, or seems irritable or listless.
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