Vomiting in babies is normal. However, it is important for parents to educate themselves about the difference between normal and abnormal vomiting. The reason, vomiting can be caused by disease so it needs to be watched out for.
Vomiting is a condition that is often experienced by babies, especially when they are only a few weeks old. At this age, the baby's digestive system is usually still weak. However, vomiting in babies can also be a sign of danger that requires immediate medical attention.
Vomiting in Babies is Harmless
Babies often vomit in the early weeks of life, as their bodies are trying to adjust to food. This type of vomiting is also known as spitting up.
Usually babies will spit up after drinking milk. After the baby swallows milk, the milk will pass through the back of the mouth, down the esophagus, and finally into the stomach.
Between the esophagus and the stomach, there is a muscle that surrounds the esophagus and is the entrance for milk to the stomach. When this muscle relaxes, the milk in the esophagus will enter the stomach. After that, the muscle will tighten again and close the door, so that the stomach contents cannot come out.
In the first month of life, this muscle is still weak so it cannot close completely. In addition, the capacity of the stomach to accommodate milk also tends to be small. Eventually, milk can often come back up into the esophagus, especially if there is an additional push on the stomach such as when a baby cries or coughs.
Usually the stomach entrance muscles will strengthen when the baby is about 4-5 months old. At that time, the baby will be less frequent or may have stopped spitting up.
Vomiting in Babies to Watch Out for
While vomiting in babies is generally normal and nothing to worry about, there are some signs of vomiting to watch out for and could be a symptom of a more serious condition, including:
- Baby vomit is greenish yellow
- Vomiting accompanied by fever, abdominal swelling, or severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting occurs more than once after a head injury, such as a hit to the head or a fall
- There is a lot of blood in the vomit
- Vomiting in large quantities and continuously
- Vomiting lasts more than 1 day
- Vomiting accompanied by yellowing of the baby's skin and eyes
If you see the signs above, immediately take your little one to the hospital. Vomiting in babies that are not normal is generally caused by health problems that must be checked and treated by a doctor. Here are some possible causes:
- Food poisoning
- Viral or bacterial infection
- Respiratory tract infection
- Ear infection
- Pneumonia
- Hepatitis
- Appendicitis
- Gastrointestinal obstruction, eg due to intussusception or pyloric stenosis
- Meningitis
- Concussion
How to Prevent and Overcome Vomiting in Babies
Normal vomiting in babies can be prevented if parents help them to “digest” milk better after feeding. After drinking milk, do not immediately lay the baby in bed.
Instead, hold the baby for 30 minutes with his body upright, so that the milk can fully descend into the stomach and stay there. Also, make it a habit to always burp your baby after eating anything.
If your baby is vomiting quite often, the first thing that is important is to make sure he is getting enough fluids, to avoid dehydration and lack of energy.
If vomiting does not look dangerous and still lasts less than 24 hours, there are some initial steps to deal with vomiting in babies that can be done at home, including:
- Prevent dehydration by giving the baby electrolytes or ORS solution gradually.
- Do not force your baby to drink anything while he is still vomiting every 5–10 minutes. Give only 1–2 teaspoons every 10 minutes or every time he vomits.
- If the baby is able to receive electrolytes better, continue to give formula or breast milk little by little.
- Don't give water, chicken stock, or carbonated drinks as they won't provide the nutrients you need when you're dehydrated.
- Don't give your baby fruit juice as this can make the situation worse, especially if your baby has diarrhea too.
If the baby is still vomiting for more than 24 hours or shows signs of dehydration, such as urinating less, dry mouth, crying without tears, breathing fast, or drowsy, take him to the doctor or emergency room immediately for treatment.