Five Ways to Handle Vomiting in Infants and Children

January 11th, 2023 | Nausea

Comforting Your Kids When They Are Sick

Vomiting can be very unpleasant for both children and adults alike. This happens mostly due to viruses such as gastroenteritis (or “gut flu”) and does not require specific treatments. It doesn’t usually last long and is generally perceived as more annoying than dangerous. Regarding children, reassuring and taking the appropriate measures to prevent them from becoming dehydrated is essential to achieving a speedy recovery.

Here are some tricks to treat vomiting in infants and overcome it faster:

Rehydration

One of the biggest dangers of vomiting children is dehydration. To prevent this, you should get your children to drink enough fluids to “restore” what’s lost. When administering the liquids, it’s vital to pay attention and not give them too much to drink. Normally, your infant or child feels thirsty after vomiting. However, if they drink too much, it can provoke more infant vomit, so you have to offer water slowly and in small amounts.

An oral electrolyte solution is the best way to treat dehydration. You can find it at any pharmacy as powdered sachets with various flavors, or as a ready-to-drink. This should be done following the pediatrician’s instructions, which will vary according to the child’s age.

Give prebiotics and probiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics can be useful when it comes to vomiting in children, as they help to protect the intestinal flora, especially when vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea. When dealing with vomiting in infants, breastfeeding should continue since breast milk is, without a doubt, the best possible source of rehydration and nutrients your newborn can get. Breastfeed for shorter periods than usual to make it easier for the infant to eat, but offer the milk more frequently to ensure they receive the amount they need.

Change the diet

For the first 24 hours of any illness that causes newborn vomiting, it is recommended to avoid solid foods. After this period, encourage children to eat bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, also known as the BRAT diet, and keep them away from foods high in fat or sugar. Keep water handy and offer in sparing amounts.

When they recover, they will be able to eat normally again. If their appetite recovers, it is probably a sign that things are going well and the virus is passing, but keeping them on a soft diet for a little longer is better.

Talk to your doctor

As we already said, vomiting in infants does not have to cause worry. Still, there are cases where it is better to go to the pediatrician, especially if you want to administer medicine. Therefore, you should go to the pediatrician if your child cannot retain their liquids or food or if they have worsened.

Give love and comfort

What your child needs most in moments of sickness is your utmost love and care. Keep them comfy, and hug them often. That will be the best remedy you can offer as a parent.

No matter how challenging and unsettling vomiting in infants be, it usually passes off in a few days. And remember – the most important thing to pay attention to is keeping them hydrated.

Continue to read our blogs and take a peek at our products that help with nausea in infants and children.