Longwood Pediatrics encourages our patient families to take an active part in their health through education and consultation. We provide the below information for your reference but it is not meant to replace a visit with your medical provider. Please contact us if you feel your child needs to be seen in the office.

Please always dial 911 in the case of a medical emergency.

Vomiting

 

Under 1 Year Old

If breastfeeding Continue to breastfeed, but offer smaller amounts more frequently; for example, nurse on only one side every 1-2 hours, or nurse for 5 minutes every 30-60 minutes

If bottle feeding Try small feedings of ½ strength formula

If your child continues to vomit, offer electrolyte solution (Pedialyte or various store brands). Give small amounts every 5-10 minutes (try 1/2 ounce at a time; you may need to give as little as one teaspoon at a time). Using a timer will help you to remember. Although your child may be very thirsty, it is very important to offer small sips only! Larger amounts may lead to more vomiting.

Once your child is tolerating electrolyte solution for a few hours, you may slowly return to breastfeeding or formula as tolerated.

Infants on solid foods that are tolerating breastfeeding or formula very well may restart bland foods such as rice cereal, strained bananas, etc. If your child can eat these foods without vomiting, a normal diet is OK in 24 hours.

Over 1 Year Old

Give small sips of clear liquids—electrolyte solution is best, but may also use gingerale, lemon-lime soda, or Gatorade. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Although your child may be very thirsty due to the vomiting, it is very important to offer small sips only! Larger amounts may lead to more vomiting.

If tolerating small sips of clear liquids, you may offer bland foods such as saltine crackers, rice, mashed potatoes, etc.

If your child can eat these foods without vomiting, a normal diet is OK in 24 hours.

When to Call the Office

Please call the office IMMEDIATELY for:

Signs of dehydration—no urine for 8 hours in infants, 10-12 hours in older children; dry mouth; no tears, sunken eyes; acting lethargic or weak

Vomiting green fluid (bile)

Vomiting with painful or swollen abdomen