One of the most common things that cause concerns for new parents is the baby’s vomit. But, what new parents are not aware of is that vomiting is not always related to health problems. It is quite normal for babies and infants and usually, it won’t last longer than 1 to 2 days.
First of all, it is important to differentiate between when a baby is vomiting and is just spitting up milk. Spit-ups usually happen soon after feeding and they are often accompanied by a burp. Spit-up looks like milky white dribble.
What Causes Vomiting for Babies?
For babies and infants, vomiting is most often caused by either a viral infection or food poisoning. Here’s a better clarification on the most common causes of vomiting for babies:
- Gastroenteritis: It is a stomach infection coming from a stomach virus. It is the most common cause of vomiting for babies. It is also called stomach flu.
- Food Allergy: Food allergies are more common among adults. But, when babies have allergies to certain foods like eggs and peanut butter, their first reaction is vomiting.
- Coughing: Excessive and hard coughing may cause the baby to throw up. Mostly, vomiting results from hard coughing when the baby has reflux.
- Serious Health Problems: Usually, vomiting will stop after 24 hours. If your baby’s vomiting lasts longer than one day, you must take into consideration serious causes and contact your pediatrician.
How to Deal with Baby Vomiting?
Normally, vomiting should not be concerning unless it goes for longer than 24 hours. Still, you can follow these simple tips to help your baby heal faster:
- Give your baby’s tiny tummy a break and don’t give him/ her any food or drink for around 30 to 60 minutes after vomiting. Staying without food for a while allows your baby’s stomach to recover.
- If your baby is vomiting because of stomach flu, he/ she will be well enough to accept feeding, play, and be himself/ herself. In this case, keep feeding him/ her as usual and offer drinks regularly to avoid dehydration.
- After 30 to 60 minutes of your baby’s vomiting, start thinking about replacing the fluids he/she lost to avoid dehydration.
- Start by giving him/ her small amounts of fluid every 5 to 10 minutes.
- Don’t force him/her to drink if he/she doesn’t want to.
- Don’t give him/ her any fruit juice or soda.