Toddler Vomiting Prevention Tips

Toddler vomiting can be an unpleasant situation for both child and parents. We hate it when our little ones are sick. There are plenty of sleepless nights, and extra attention we need to give to our toddlers. In some cases vomiting can signal serious conditions. In others, it can just be the case of the flu.

As parents it’s better to be informed of what to do and what to look out for when your child starts vomiting. Remember to show your toddler a little extra “LOVE” when they are feeling ill. Always remember to contact your pediatrician with any questions or concerns. Whatever makes you feel at ease is better for you and your child.

Some Reasons Why Your Toddler May Be Vomiting:

Children vomit for a number of reasons. You'll want to find out what's causing it, though, both to confirm that he's okay and to make him more comfortable. If your child vomits once and that's the end of it, maybe he just ate too much at his last meal. If he continues to vomit, possible causes include:

• Viral or Bacterial Infection
A stomach bug or other intestinal illness is the most likely reason. If a virus or bacteria have infected your toddler's stomach lining or intestines, he may also have diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and fever. The vomiting usually stops within 12 to 24 hours.
• Other Infections
Congestion or a respiratory infection, such as a cold, can also lead to toddler vomiting, especially while your toddler's coughing. An ear infection can sometimes cause nausea and vomiting. Vomiting may be a symptom of more serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, appendicitis, and, in rare cases, Reye's syndrome.
• Poison
A toddler may be vomiting if he's swallowed a toxic substance like a drug, plant, medicine, or chemical. Or he may have gotten food poisoning from contaminated food or water is another option.
• Crying or Coughing
A child having a tantrum or excessive coughing can trigger the gag reflex and provoke toddler vomiting. Although it's troubling for both of you, throwing up during a crying spell won't physically harm your toddler. If he appears otherwise healthy, there's no reason to be concerned.

How To Keep Your Toddler From Getting Dehydrated:

Dehydration can be a serious problem for young children, and if your toddler is vomiting or has a fever or diarrhea, they are losing fluids their body needs. One way to keep your toddler hydrated when he's been vomiting is to give him an electrolyte solution such as (Pedialyte) as soon as he's able to keep liquids down. Don't force your toddler to drink the electrolyte solution when he's still actively vomiting. But wait until his belly's been calm for half an hour or so, offer him slow, frequent sips — say 1 teaspoon (5 cc) every ten minutes for a couple of hours. Then — if he tolerates that well — increase the amount to 2 teaspoons (10 cc) every five minutes. Continue to progress slowly until the vomiting eases up.

These electrolyte solutions are very mild and easy on the stomach, but if your toddler won't take them, try giving him clear liquids such as water or broth. Juices sometimes make matters worse (especially if your child also has diarrhea), but if juice is the only liquid your child will drink, don't increase the amount he normally drinks in a day, but dilute it half and half with water. He might also enjoy popsicles made from electrolyte solutions or diluted juices. Don't give him carbonated drinks, though, as they're terrible for his teeth and won't help settle his stomach.

Signs To Watch Out For When Toddler Vomiting Becomes Serious:

Vomiting is normally not a cause for alarm. But in some cases it can signal a serious health problem. Here's how to tell when your toddler's vomiting needs immediate medical attention.

Call Your Pediatrician When:

• Toddler vomiting has been for more than 24 hours. For some illnesses, this is perfectly normal, but check with your doctor just to be sure.
• Signs of becoming dehydrated, including decreased urination, dry lips and mouth, crying without tears, lethargy, and dark yellow urine.
• The vomit contains blood. A little blood in the vomit is usually nothing to worry about, as the force of vomiting can cause tiny tears in the blood vessels lining the esophagus.
• Shows signs of fatigue and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes). Jaundice accompanied by pain in the upper right side of the abdomen may signal hepatitis.

Take Your Toddler To The Emergency Room If:

• There is severe abdominal pain accompanied with toddler vomiting. Your toddler can't explain exactly where he hurts, but you know him best and can probably tell when he's in considerable pain. He could have a blockage in his bowel or some other problem that needs immediate attention.
• The vomit contains bile (a green substance) or blood that resembles dark coffee grounds. The doctor will probably want to see a sample of the vomit if it contains blood or bile, so as distasteful as it is, you should try to save some in a ziploc bag. Green bile can indicate that the intestines are blocked, a condition that needs immediate attention.
• A swollen, tender abdomen. This could indicate a buildup of fluid or gas, a blocked intestine, a hernia, or some other digestive tract problem. Blockages are uncommon but serious.
• Vomits more than once after suffering a head injury, which may indicate a concussion.
• Vomiting and very irritable or lethargic. Your toddler may have a stiff neck, a sign of potential meningitis.

Always remember to call the doctor if your toddler begins to act strange. You are the judge of how your child should be acting. Even when they are sick, we can tell when there is something not quite right with our child. Vomiting is usually not serious in toddlers. However we should always be informed when it comes to our kids.

* I am not a Doctor or Licensed Professional in the field of toddler vomiting. I am a stay at home Mom passing on tips, advice and information that are based on my opinions. Always remember to consult your pediatrician with serious questions concerning your child and their ailments.*

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What To Do About Toddler Vomiting At Night  Not rated yet
Does anyone have any advice on what to do when my toddler starts vomiting.

Thanks,
Christy

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