MYTHS

All cases of vomiting seem to be projectile. True projectile vomiting however will actually force stomach contents away from the body.

Stomach juices normally have a clear, yellow color to them and taste bitter. This is not bile. Bile is very dark green/black in color.

TREATMENT

Spitting-up infants (Effortless regurgitation shortly after feeding)

Keep in mind that all infants will have some spitting-up. This is called reflux. It may be a small amount or it may be a lot. Spitting-up may happen rarely, or it may happen after every feeding. Milk may even come out of a baby's nose! With reflux, a baby will not act sick afterwards, and may or may not wish to eat again.

• Position your baby upright for fifteen minutes after feedings, and then place him on his belly.
• Burp your baby very well during the feeding as soon as you baby begins to slow down or lose interest in eating.
• Reflux gradually improves and disappears by 9-12 months of age.
• No other treatment is needed if your child is gaining weight well.

Vomiting due to illness

The best treatment is allowing the stomach to rest.

• Give nothing by mouth for 1 hour after vomiting.
• Offer small amounts (1-2 tsp. every 15 min) of Pedialyte, water or flat soda/Gatorade, then increase the amount as tolerated.
• If breastfeeding, continue to breast-feed but give smaller amounts (nurse for less than 10 min.)
• Begin bland foods (crackers, bread, dry cereal, applesauce) after 10-12 hours without vomiting.
• Stop all non-important medicines until better. (It is OK to stop antibiotics.)
• Advance to full feedings as child feels better.

We do not recommend medication to stop vomiting. Medication may cause side effects, and does not speed recovery.