Vomiting in Toddlers: Causes, Home Care and When to Worry

Few things worry a parent more than a toddler who keeps throwing up. It is messy, it happens fast, and your little one feels awful. The good news is that most vomiting in toddlers is caused by a stomach bug that goes away on its own in a day or so.

Vomiting is the body's way of getting rid of something that bothers the stomach. In this post you will learn the most common causes, how to care for your toddler at home, and the warning signs that mean you should call the doctor.

Why toddlers throw up

The American Academy of Pediatrics lists these common causes:

• Stomach virus. This is the most common cause. Some people call it the stomach flu. Vomiting often comes first, and loose, watery poop may follow within 12 to 24 hours.
• Food poisoning. Vomiting starts quickly, within a few hours of eating food that has gone bad.
• Other illnesses. A cold, a cough, an ear infection or a fever can also upset a small child's stomach.
• Motion sickness. Some toddlers throw up on car rides or other trips.
• Swallowing something. Little kids love to put things in their mouths. Read our post on why babies put everything in their mouths to learn how to keep them safe.

How long does it last?

When vomiting is caused by a stomach virus, it often stops in 12 to 24 hours. For the first 3 or 4 hours, your toddler may throw up everything. After that, the stomach usually starts to calm down. Mild upset stomach can last up to 3 days.

How to care for your toddler at home

Give small sips, often

The biggest goal is to keep your child from getting dried out. This is called dehydration. The trick is to give small amounts, not big gulps. A big drink can come right back up.

For children over 1 year old, the AAP says:

• Give 2 to 3 teaspoons of a clear drink every 5 minutes for about 8 hours.
• Water or ice chips are best. You can also try popsicles, or apple juice or Gatorade mixed half and half with water.
• After 4 hours with no throwing up, you can give a bit more.
• After 8 hours with no throwing up, go back to normal drinks.
• If vomiting lasts more than 12 hours, switch to an oral rehydration drink like Pedialyte, or half strength Gatorade.

Babies under 1 year need different care. Ask your doctor or check the AAP guide above.

Wait before giving food

Stop all solid food while your toddler is throwing up. After 8 hours with no vomiting, slowly start giving food again. Start with plain, starchy foods like crackers, bread or cereal.

Let them rest

Sleep helps. A nap can settle the stomach and stop the need to throw up. Keep a bucket and a towel close by, and stay near your child so they feel safe.

A soft song can help your sick little one relax. In our Honey Don't You Cry Lullaby, a mommy penguin cares for her sick baby and sings "soon you'll feel alright." Your toddler can also hug a favorite toy while listening to My Stuffie Lullaby. You can find more calm children's songs on our music page.

Be careful with medicine

Do not give your child any medicine to stop vomiting unless the doctor tells you to. The AAP also says to stop over the counter medicines for 8 hours, because some can make vomiting worse. Do not give ibuprofen, because it can upset the stomach. Mild fevers do not need medicine. If your child throws up a medicine the doctor prescribed, call the doctor.

Signs of dehydration

Watch for these signs that your toddler is getting too dry:

• No pee for more than 8 hours
• Dark yellow pee
• Very dry mouth and tongue
• No tears when crying
• Very tired, weak or dizzy

If you see these signs, call your doctor right away.

When to get help

Call 911 if your child can't wake up, or is not moving or is too weak to stand.

Go to the emergency room if your child:

• Is very hard to wake up, confused or "out of it"
• Has a stiff neck
• Has blood in the vomit that is not from a nosebleed
• Throws up green liquid
• Has pain low on the right side of the belly, won't jump or wants to lie very still. This can be a sign of appendicitis.
• May have swallowed a poison or an object like a coin

Call your doctor now if your child shows signs of dehydration, has belly pain when not throwing up, has a very bad headache, or throws up everything for more than 8 hours even with small sips. Also call if your child starts throwing up after hitting their head.

Call within 24 hours if the vomiting lasts more than 24 hours or a fever lasts more than 3 days.

For more warning signs to watch for, read our post on when to call a doctor. If your child is scared of doctor visits, the song Going To The Doctor can help. It even asks "is it something I ate," just like a little one with an upset tummy might wonder.

Questions Parents Ask About Toddler Vomiting

Why is my toddler throwing up but acting fine?

This is common. Many toddlers throw up once or twice from a mild stomach bug, a cough or eating too fast, and then feel better and want to play. Give small sips and watch them. If the vomiting keeps going or other signs show up, call your doctor.

My toddler keeps throwing up. What should I do?

Give small sips of water every 5 minutes instead of a big drink. Stop solid food for about 8 hours. If your child throws up everything for more than 8 hours, shows signs of dehydration, or vomits for more than 24 hours, call your doctor.

Should I give my toddler water after vomiting?

Yes, but only small sips. Many parents wait a few minutes after the vomiting stops and then start with 2 to 3 teaspoons at a time. Big drinks often come right back up.

What should my toddler eat after throwing up?

Wait until your child has gone 8 hours without throwing up. Then start with plain, starchy foods like crackers, bread or cereal. Go slow and give small amounts.

Is it normal for a toddler to throw up at night?

It can happen with a stomach bug, or when a bad cough gets worse at night. Stay close, clean them up and let them rest. If it happens often, or your child also has headaches in the morning, talk to your doctor.

When should I worry about my toddler throwing up?

Get help right away if you see blood or green liquid in the vomit, a stiff neck, strong belly pain, signs of dehydration, or if your child is very hard to wake up. Also call the doctor if it lasts more than 24 hours.

Can my toddler go back to daycare after vomiting?

The AAP says children can go back to school or daycare once the vomiting and fever are gone. Check your daycare's rules too, since many ask children to stay home for a set time.

This post is for general information only. It is not medical advice. If you have questions about your child's health, please talk to your child's doctor.