What should you know about 6 month old vomiting?

A small effortless milk spill after a feed differs from forceful vomiting. One episode in a baby who remains comfortable and feeds normally can often be observed, but recurring vomiting, poor intake or any unusual behaviour warrants prompt clinical advice.

Gastroenteritis commonly presents with vomiting and may also cause diarrhoea or fever. Other possibilities include feeding too much at once, coughing that triggers gagging, a reaction to a new food, or another infection. The timing, force, colour and accompanying symptoms help a clinician narrow the cause.

Green vomit can signal a blockage in the digestive tract. Blood in vomit, a swollen abdomen, severe pain, a bulging soft spot or unusual stiffness points away from simple spit-up and requires urgent assessment.

Continue breastfeeding, offering shorter and more frequent feeds if the baby struggles with the usual amount. For a formula-fed baby, continue correctly prepared formula rather than diluting it. A clinician or pharmacist can advise whether an oral rehydration solution is suitable and how to give it in small amounts.

Track wet nappies and note each vomit, feed, loose stool and measured temperature. Do not give plain water in place of feeds, anti-vomiting medicine or leftover antibiotics unless directed by a clinician. Wash hands carefully if diarrhoea accompanies the illness.

Get emergency help for green or bloody vomit, breathing difficulty, a seizure, a baby who is floppy or hard to wake, a markedly swollen abdomen, or vomiting after a significant head injury. A non-fading rash with fever or a bulging soft spot also needs emergency assessment.

Arrange prompt care when vomiting is forceful or repeated, the baby cannot keep feeds down, has a dry mouth, produces clearly fewer wet nappies, has sunken eyes, seems unusually sleepy or irritable, or develops persistent fever or diarrhoea. Trust a sudden change from the baby's normal behaviour.

Describe whether the vomit shoots out or dribbles, its colour, its relation to feeds and any recent new foods. Ask how to maintain fluids, when to resume usual solids, and which change in nappies or behaviour should trigger reassessment.