Vomiting in Children

Vomiting is a fairly common childhood illness. It can be caused by a number of things. The most common causes of vomiting in kids is a viral infection, i.e. gastroenteritis (or the stomach flu) or food poisoning. But it can also be caused by bacterial infections or parasites.

While totally alarming, vomiting isn't dangerous itself. What is dangerous is the risk of dehydration. When kids throw up, they lose fluids and can get dehydrated which can be life-threatening.

So if your kid is tossing his cookies, it's important to keep him well-hydrated! Offer lots of small sips of fluids every few minutes. But don't give plain water to an infant under 12 months, give them formula or breast milk instead.

Call your pediatrician if your kid doesn't stop throwing up after 24 hours or she starts again once she resumes a normal diet or if she has a fever. Take your child to the emergency room, if your child vomits after hurting his or her head.

For related information about your child's health, check out this page full of child health information!