Why Is My Baby Throwing Up And What To Do

Reflux is common in babies due to the underdeveloped valve at the end of the food pipe, causing milk to come up after feeding and sometimes giving them hiccups. If the baby is growing well and not in distress, it's typically not a concern.

However, more severe reflux, known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), can cause significant discomfort. This occurs when the stomach is full and food and acid flow back up into the food pipe, leading to crying and frequent vomiting.

Gastroenteritis in babies is often caused by a viral infection that inflames the stomach and intestines. This inflammation disrupts the normal absorption and digestion processes, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.

When the virus invades the gut lining, it causes irritation and swelling, triggering the body to expel contents through vomiting to get rid of the infection. Additionally, the irritated intestines may not absorb fluids properly, causing diarrhea.

When a baby with a cow’s milk allergy consumes milk proteins, their immune system mistakenly identifies these proteins as harmful invaders. This triggers an allergic reaction that can inflame the gastrointestinal tract, leading to vomiting as the body attempts to expel the allergen.

Symptoms often appear shortly after feeding and can include vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes skin rashes or respiratory issues. In breastfeeding babies, dairy in the mother's diet can also cause reactions.

Pyloric stenosis is a rare condition that causes severe, forceful vomiting in babies, typically starting around six weeks of age but possibly appearing anytime before four months. It occurs when the pylorus muscle, which controls the valve from the stomach to the intestines, thickens abnormally, blocking food and milk from passing through.

The condition is more common in boys and may run in families. Pyloric stenosis requires surgical intervention, known as pyloromyotomy, to split the thickened muscle, allowing normal passage of food and fluids.

Infection can also be a reason behind a baby's vomiting. When a baby has an infection, their body responds by triggering symptoms like fever, which is often above 38°C (100.4°F). Viral infections are common and irritate the stomach lining, causing vomiting.

Bacterial infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also lead to vomiting due to systemic inflammation. Rarely, serious infections like meningitis or sepsis can cause vomiting as part of a broader response to severe illness, affecting the entire body and brain, so consult your physician for the causes.

Food allergies or intolerance can cause a baby to vomit shortly after eating. When a baby has a food allergy, their immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in foods like peanuts, milk, eggs, or wheat as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction.

This can lead to symptoms like vomiting, hives, or difficulty breathing. Intolerance, such as lactose intolerance, involves digestive issues rather than an immune response, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. Introducing allergenic foods early, between 4 to 6 months of age, under a doctor's guidance.

Motion sickness can cause a baby to vomit during car rides or other motion activities. It occurs when there's a disconnect between the sensory inputs from the inner ear (which senses motion), eyes, and body, confusing the brain.

Babies can't communicate their discomfort, so symptoms like restlessness, pale skin, and vomiting may appear. Motion sickness is common in moving vehicles, boats, or even swings.

Medications can make a baby throw up, especially if taken on an empty stomach. This happens because certain drugs can irritate the stomach lining, leading to nausea and vomiting.

Overdosing on medications such as iron, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can also trigger vomiting as the body attempts to expel the excess. Vomiting in these cases serves as a protective mechanism to prevent further absorption of the irritating or excessive substance.

Ear infections are common in babies due to the horizontal position of their ear tubes, making fluid drainage difficult. This can lead to infections, causing symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Without fever, other signs include dizziness, loss of balance, ear pain, and tugging or scratching at the ears.

Muffled hearing and diarrhea can also occur. The infection causes inflammation and pressure in the middle ear, which affects the vestibular system responsible for balance, leading to nausea and vomiting.

Food poisoning can cause vomiting in babies. When babies consume food contaminated with bacteria, these pathogens can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like vomiting, nausea, watery diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Vomiting typically occurs as the body's natural response to expel the harmful bacteria. The onset of symptoms can be rapid, within a few hours of consuming contaminated food, or delayed up to a couple of days.

Intestinal obstruction in babies can lead to vomiting due to blockages that prevent food and fluids from passing through the digestive tract. The muscles at the stomach's outlet become abnormally thickened, narrowing the passage and causing forceful vomiting shortly after feeding.

This vomiting is projectile and differs from typical spit-up. Similarly, other types of intestinal blockages, such as due to hernias or twisting of the intestines (volvulus), can also cause vomiting as the body tries to expel trapped contents. For this, prompt medical attention is required.

Excessive mucus from nasal congestion can drip into the throat, triggering coughing spells that are forceful enough to induce vomiting. Additionally, the viral infections themselves can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including nausea and vomiting.

While vomiting is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal viruses like rotavirus, cold and flu viruses can also cause digestive disturbances in babies. It's important to monitor hydration levels and consult a pediatrician if vomiting persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Vomiting in babies often resolves without medical intervention, typically caused by a virus. Avoid using over-the-counter or prescription remedies unless prescribed by a pediatrician for the specific illness.

To reduce frequent throwing up, adjust your baby’s feeding techniques. Offer smaller, more frequent meals and burp them regularly. Experiment with different bottles, nipples, or formulas, but consult your pediatrician before making changes.

For breastfeeding, try offering one breast per feeding and consider modifying your diet. If acid reflux is suspected, pediatricians might suggest a thickening formula or expressed milk with a small amount of baby cereal or starting medication.

Keeping a baby upright after feeding helps prevent vomiting by using gravity to aid digestion and reduce reflux. In an upright position, stomach contents are less likely to flow back into the esophagus. This position also makes it easier for the baby to burp, releasing trapped air that can cause discomfort and vomiting.

Additionally, minimizing movement and pressure on the stomach by holding the baby upright for at least 30 minutes after feeding helps stabilize the stomach contents. This practice improves digestion, reduces the likelihood of reflux, and enhances overall comfort for the baby.

To prevent dehydration from persistent vomiting, monitor your baby for signs like fewer wet diapers, dark urine, dry mouth, and lack of tears when crying. Test for dehydration by pressing on your baby's thumbnail to make it pale, then counting the seconds for it to turn pink again; longer than a couple of seconds indicates dehydration.

Keeping your baby hydrated is crucial, as dehydration can quickly become serious. Always follow your pediatrician’s advice for rehydration methods and monitoring your baby's hydration status.

Monitoring a baby's temperature can help identify underlying issues causing vomiting, such as infections or illnesses. A fever may indicate an infection, which could be contributing to the vomiting.

By detecting a fever early, you can seek medical advice promptly, addressing the root cause and potentially stopping the vomiting. Keeping the baby hydrated and consulting a doctor for persistent vomiting or other symptoms ensures proper care and treatment. While monitoring the temperature alone doesn't stop vomiting, it helps in identifying and treating the underlying condition effectively.

Identifying and avoiding offending foods can prevent a baby’s vomiting, especially if it’s due to a food intolerance or allergy. Introduce new foods one at a time and observe for any adverse reactions, such as vomiting, rash, or diarrhea.

If a specific food triggers vomiting, eliminate it from the baby's diet and consult a pediatrician for alternatives and further guidance. This approach helps in pinpointing the exact cause and ensures the baby’s diet is safe and well-tolerated, reducing the risk of vomiting and promoting overall health.

To prevent vomiting during travel, keep the baby as still as possible. Avoid feeding the baby just before travel to minimize the risk of motion sickness. Ensure proper ventilation in the vehicle to keep fresh air circulating, which can help reduce nausea.

Secure the baby in a properly fitted car seat and minimize movement. Taking these steps helps maintain the baby's comfort and reduces the likelihood of vomiting by minimizing motion and providing a calm, stable environment.

Spitting up is common in babies during their first year due to their developing digestive systems. It often occurs with drooling, coughing, crying, or burping and usually involves a small amount of milk or formula. This discharge is typically mild and doesn't distress the baby. 

Vomiting, however, is more forceful and can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as an infection or medical condition. It may be accompanied by other symptoms like fussiness after feedings, rashes, or diarrhea. The discharge from vomiting is usually more substantial and forceful compared to spitting up. If the discharge looks cheesy, it's likely ordinary spit-up.

We have already discussed in the article that most vomiting in babies without fever is harmless and temporary. Normal spitting up doesn't affect growth and usually resolves by one year. However, if the situation goes out of hand, you should consult a doctor.

Forceful Vomiting in Young Babies (Newborn to Three Months Old)

There is forceful vomiting in a young baby (newborn to three months old). This could indicate a more serious condition like pyloric stenosis or an infection that needs immediate medical attention.

It's important to observe the intensity and frequency of vomiting episodes, as they can provide valuable information to healthcare providers.

Prolonged Vomiting Continuing for Over 24 Hours

Vomiting continues for over 24 hours, especially in a baby or young child. Prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration and other complications, so it’s crucial to seek medical advice if it persists.

Parents should monitor fluid intake and look for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, decreased urination, or sunken fontanelles (soft spots on the baby's head).

Presence of Bile or Blood in Vomit

Vomit contains bile (green) or blood (red, brown, black, or coffee ground-like). The presence of bile or blood in vomit can be a sign of a serious gastrointestinal issue that requires urgent care.

It's essential to report any changes in vomit color or consistency to a healthcare provider promptly.

High Fever Accompanied by Vomiting

There is a fever: of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in newborns to three months; 102°F (39°C) once or 101°F (38.4°C) for more than three days in older babies. High fever accompanied by vomiting could indicate an infection that needs prompt medical intervention

 Monitoring your baby's temperature and observing for other symptoms like lethargy or irritability can help determine the urgency of medical attention.

Severe Symptoms Alongside Vomiting

Severe abdominal pain, bloody bowel movements, behavior changes, headache with vomiting upon waking, or signs of moderate to severe dehydration occur. These symptoms suggest a more serious underlying condition that needs immediate evaluation and treatment.

Parents should not hesitate to seek medical help if they notice these symptoms in their baby.