(949) 600-8100

Pay Bill
Parent’s Guide

Parent’s Guide: Vomiting & Diarrhea

Vomiting is the body's forceful way of ejecting stomach contents to protect the gut. While messy and distressing, most cases are caused by a "Stomach Flu" (Viral Gastritis) and resolve within 24 hours. The primary goal of home care is preventing dehydration.

1

🚩Is it Serious? (The “Red Flags”)

Most vomiting is viral, but you must rule out serious causes immediately.

🛑Pyloric Stenosis (Infants 2 – 8 weeks):

Sign: Forceful, projectile vomiting that shoots across the room.

Behavior: The baby is immediately hungry afterwards (“Hungry Vomiter”).

Action: This is a blockage at the bottom of the stomach requiring surgery. Call the doctor immediately.

🛑Green or Bloody Vomit:

If vomit contains blood or bile (bright green), seek care immediately.

🛑Severe Pain:

Stomach pain that exists even when not vomiting (could indicate appendicitis).

🛑Head Injury:

Vomiting after a fall or head hit requires urgent evaluation.

2

🚨 When to Get Help

Call 911 Now

  • Child cannot wake up.
  • Child is not moving or too weak to stand.

Call Doctor Now or Go to ER

  • Age: Baby is < 12 weeks and has vomited 2+ times.
  • Dehydration: No urine > 8 hours, no tears, dry mouth.
  • Appearance: Blood or Green Bile in vomit.
  • Pain: Severe stomach pain when not vomiting.
  • Duration: Vomiting everything for > 8 hours despite using the “small sips” method.
  • Underlying Condition: Child has Diabetes, head injury, or weak immune system.

Contact in 24hrs

  • Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours.
  • Fever lasts more than 3 days.
  • Baby is < 1 year old (even if stable, check in).
3

💧The Big Risk: Dehydration

The younger the child, the faster they dehydrate. You must monitor their hydration status closely.

⚠️ Signs of Dehydration (Call Doctor Now):

  • Urine: No urine in more than 8 hours (or dark yellow urine).
  • Mouth: Inside of mouth and tongue are very dry (sticky).
  • Tears: No tears when crying.
  • Activity: Child is too weak to stand or very dizzy.
  • Soft Spot: In babies, the soft spot on the head looks sunken.
4

🏠Immediate Home Care: The “Small Sips” Rule

The stomach cannot handle large amounts of fluid. The key is small amounts, frequently.

For Breastfed Babies:

  • Do Not Stop: Continue breastfeeding but reduce the time.
  • Technique: Nurse for 4-5 minutes every 30 to 60 minutes.
  • If Vomiting Continues: Switch to pumped milk via spoon/syringe (1–2 teaspoons every 5 minutes).

For Formula-Fed Babies:

  • First Vomit: Offer regular formula in smaller amounts.
  • Repeated Vomiting: Switch to Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) like Pedialyte for 8 hours.
  • Technique: Give 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) every 5 minutes. After an hour, advance to 1 Tablespoon every 15 minutes.
  • Goal: After 4 hours without vomiting, slowly return to formula.

For Older Children (1 Year+):

  • Fluids:
    • Vomiting Alone: Water or ice chips are fine.
    • Vomiting + Diarrhea: Use Pedialyte or Half-Strength Gatorade (half water/half Gatorade). Avoid juice or soda (makes diarrhea worse).
  • Technique: Offer 1 Tablespoon every 5 minutes.
  • Solids: Stop all solid foods for 8 hours. Restart with bland, starchy foods (crackers, bread, rice) once vomiting stops.
5

Medication & Sleep

  • ⛔ No OTC Drugs: Stop giving over-the-counter medicines for 8 hours; they can irritate the stomach.
  • ⛔ No Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) upsets the stomach. Use Acetaminophen (Tylenol) suppositories only if there is a high fever.
  • Sleep Helps: Sleep often empties the stomach and resets the nausea. Let the child sleep.

Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.