Infant vomiting: what parents should know

Vomiting is forceful emptying of stomach contents; it differs from a small, effortless milk spill after a feed. A stomach infection such as Gastroenteritis or Rotavirus Infection can cause vomiting, sometimes with diarrhoea or fever. Other causes are possible, so colour, frequency, timing and associated symptoms matter.

Babies can become dehydrated quickly. Watch for fewer wet nappies, a dry mouth, no tears when expected, marked sleepiness or difficulty waking. Green vomit, blood, severe pain or a swollen abdomen needs urgent assessment rather than home observation.

Keep your infant upright and calm after vomiting, then ask a healthcare professional how to continue milk feeds. If advised, give very small, frequent amounts rather than a large feed. Continue breastfeeding where possible, and do not dilute formula or give anti-vomiting medicine unless prescribed.

Record when vomiting happens, its colour and appearance, wet nappies, temperature and whether the baby keeps any feed down. Wash hands carefully, especially if diarrhoea is present, to reduce spread of infection.

Seek urgent help for green or bloody vomit, repeated forceful vomiting, severe abdominal swelling or pain, a seizure, breathing difficulty, collapse, or a baby who is hard to wake. Contact a clinician promptly if feeds are repeatedly lost, wet nappies decrease, or vomiting continues. Young infants with fever need age-specific medical advice.

Ask how to protect hydration, which feeds to offer, whether examination is needed, and what changes in vomit colour or nappies should trigger immediate care.