Vomiting
Vomiting can be part of many illnesses in children and babies. It is not usually a major concern as long as your child seems well in other ways. Vomiting is common for babies and young children. Vomiting occurs when food is brought back up from the stomach. Although the amount of vomit seems large, it is only the contents of your baby's stomach.
Posseting, Reflux and Projectile Vomiting
There are different types of vomiting, including:
- Posseting - this is when your baby vomits up small amounts after a feed.
- Reflux - this vomiting is common in babies. It is caused when the valve at the top of the stomach accidentally opens. The contents of the stomach come back up the food pipe (oesophagus) slowly. Reflux does not harm babies. They usually grow out of it by the time they are walking.
- Projectile vomiting - this is when your baby brings up the stomach contents in a forceful way. The amount of milk or food can seem large on the floor, but is usually the amount of the last feed. Babies may projectile vomit occasionally, but if it happens two or three times a day, see your doctor.
Common Causes of Vomiting
Vomiting is caused by:
- Minor infections like 'gastro' or the common cold
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux
- Motion sickness from travelling in a moving vehicle.
Sometimes vomiting may be part of a more serious illness. Children may vomit if they have infections, such as a urinary tract infection or meningitis, a bowel obstruction or appendicitis.
Reflux vomiting can be prevented or reduced
Different positions for feeding or in bed can help reduce your baby's chance of vomiting. You can try to:
- Feed your baby in an upright position
- Prop your baby up after feeds
- Raise the end of your baby's bed so the baby's head is higher than the legs (make sure your baby does not totally slide under the bed covers).
- Lay your baby on the left side
- Avoid bouncing your baby after feeding.
