Vomiting in Toddlers: Causes and Home Remedies

Why Do Toddlers Vomit?

Usually, vomiting in toddlers is caused due to the following reasons:

• Gastroenteritis

Toddlers may vomit when they have a viral or bacterial infection in their stomach, especially the intestines. Known as gastroenteritis, this condition is the most common reason for vomiting in babies and even adults. However, the good news is that you can treat this with a few home remedies.

• Hernia

Check the lower part of your toddler’s abdomen or groin for any swelling when he/she vomits frequently. When your baby shows any signs of discomfort in this area, you should consult a doctor immediately, as it could indicate a case of hernia.

• Swallowing foreign objects

It is not uncommon to witness vomiting in toddlers, especially when they ingest or swallow foreign objects. This could be a small toy, coin, spoilt food items, small tablets, etc.

• Injuries to the head

Did your toddler have a nasty fall? Did he/she hit his/her head severely somewhere? This can cause a concussion due to a brain injury in kids. If your baby feels disoriented, weak, or nauseated after hitting his/her head, consult a doctor right away.

• Imbalances in toddlers’ equilibrium

A nasty fall can create an imbalance in your kid’s equilibrium. Sudden movements of the head can cause him/her to shudder and feel nauseated.

• Food allergies

Food allergies and intolerance to certain foods are common triggers of vomiting in toddlers. These can cause intestine inflammation and indigestion issues in babies, causing them to throw up whenever they eat those foods.

• Tumours

Toddlers with issues in the brain or a brain tumour are likely to vomit frequently. This can be controlled with the help of medications after consulting with your child’s doctor.

• Ulcers

Stomach ulcers and intestine ulcers can trigger inflammation in toddlers, causing them to vomit, especially within a few minutes of having food.

• Infections

Infections of the stomach, lungs, intestine, and urinary tract are common triggers that cause vomiting in babies.

How To Control This Naturally ?

Given below are time-tested and effective home remedies for vomiting and diarrhoea in toddlers. However, please remember that these remedies work when your toddlers throw up occasionally.

• Clean surroundings

Keep the surroundings of your toddler as clean and hygienic as possible. Don’t leave any small toys or tiny objects lying around them.

• Staying hydrated

Toddlers feel extremely tired after vomiting. This is because vomiting causes dehydration. So, one of the important home remedies for vomiting and diarrhoea in toddlers is to keep them hydrated. Keep giving them water and other healthy fluids (like fresh fruit juices, coconut water, oral rehydration solution, etc.) at frequent intervals.

• Correcting electrolyte imbalances

Mix salt and sugar in water to prepare a simple electrolyte solution at home. Keep feeding this to your toddler to keep his/her electrolytes well-balanced.

• Reducing exposure to food triggers

Ensure your toddler follows a bland diet until his/her vomiting is controlled. Some foods easily trigger acid reflux and vomiting in children. Examples of such foods are sweets, coffee, chocolate, and vitamin C-rich foods.

• Better management of allergies

Observe your toddler’s reaction as you introduce new foods to his/her meal to know what causes allergies, acid refluxes, or intolerance in your baby. Make a list of such foods, and ensure your toddler stays away from them to manage allergies better.

• Enough rest

After you have hydrated your toddler, ensure he/she sleeps well. Rest helps toddlers recover, and it also controls their vomiting sensation.

• Medications

If you notice severe vomiting in toddlers, and if none of these home remedies work for him, seek medical intervention immediately. Your toddler may need medications to control vomiting.

When should your toddler visit a doctor?

Take your child to a doctor immediately if:

• You notice blood in his/her vomit, as it could indicate a serious issue in the oesophagus or intestine

• Vomiting is accompanied by a high fever and severe loose motions

• The toddler is weak after vomiting, has a swollen or inflamed body part, or a low pulse