If my baby vomits, do I feed him again?

newborn baby bottle feeding

Your baby is eating and all of a sudden he throws up everything he just ate. In this situation you can ask yourself if she should continue feeding, or if on the contrary, she should stop until the next feeding. How long should you wait to feed your baby after vomiting? It's a good question that probably all mothers and fathers have asked themselves at some point.

Spitting up is almost a rite of passage for babies, and for parents too. Baby vomiting is also common and can occur for many reasons. Most of these causes are not serious. So a simplified answer to the question would be that yes, you can usually continue to feed your baby after she has vomited. But let's see this answer in depth.

Cause of baby vomiting and spitting up

Baby vomiting and spitting up are two different things, and therefore can have different causes. Spitting up is common in babies less than a year old. It usually occurs after eating. regurgitation it is usually an easy flow of milk and saliva that drips from the baby's mouth. It often appears along with a burp. Spitting up is normal in healthy babies. Infant reflux regurgitation is especially likely to happen if your baby has a full stomach, so be careful not to overfeed your baby. Spitting up usually stops when the baby is over a year old.

On the other hand, vomiting is usually a more forceful ejection of milk, or whatever you have eaten. It occurs when the brain tells the stomach muscles to squeeze. It is common in healthy babies, but it could also be a sign that they have been infected with a virus or that they feel somewhat unwell. Vomiting, as well as retching, is a reflex action that can be triggered for various reasons. These reasons can be the following:

  • Irritation caused by a viral or bacterial infection, such as a stomach bug.
  • Fever.
  • Pain caused by a fever, an ear infection, or a vaccine.
  • Obstruction in the stomach or intestines.
  • Chemicals in the blood, such as medicines.
  • Allergens, including pollen. This is very rare in babies less than a year old.
  • Motion sickness, such as during a car ride or from spinning too much.
  • Being angry or stressed.
  • Strong odors.
  • Milk intolerance.

When to feed your baby after vomiting

little boy eating

Vomiting too much can cause dehydration and even weight loss in the most severe cases. Milk feeding can help prevent both of these consequences. To prevent dehydration and weight loss, you can offer her something to drink when she's done vomiting. If your baby is hungry and asks for a bottle or breast after vomiting, go ahead and continue feeding. 

Liquid feeding after vomiting can sometimes help calm your baby's nausea. Start by giving her a small amount and wait to see if she vomits again. Your baby could throw up again, but it's better to try than not. If your baby is at least 6 months old and won't eat after vomiting, offer water in a bottle. This can help prevent dehydration. After you've had some water to drink, you can try to feed him again.

When not to feed your baby after vomiting

sick baby

In some cases, it is better not to feed the baby immediately after vomiting. If your baby is vomiting due to an earache or fever, it may be best to give him medication first. Most pediatricians recommend infant pain relievers, so ask your baby's doctor what is the best medicine for these cases, and the dose you should take. If after seeing the pediatrician you give your baby a pain medicine, it is recommended that you wait between 30 and 60 minutes to feed him. Feeding him too early could cause another bout of vomiting and the medications may not work properly.

motion sickness It is not common in babies under 2 years of age, but some babies may be more sensitive to these situations. If your baby vomits during a trip, it is better not to offer him something to eat afterwards.. If you are lucky enough that your baby sleeps during the trips, it is advisable that you do not wake him up and feed him once you are out of the car during a stop or already at the destination.



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