vomiting and diarrhea in babies

Vomiting and diarrhea occur in children commonly. The most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in children is a stomach or intestinal infection, typically caused by a virus, but occasionally can be caused by a bacteria or parasite. These viruses are contagious, so typically other children or family members will have it as well. Other illnesses that can cause vomiting and diarrhea include:

• Strep throat infection
• Urinary tract infection
• Respiratory or sinus infection
• Meningitis
• Ear infection
• Appendicitis
• Milk or food allergy
• Side effects from oral medications
• Warning signs 
• No urine for 8 to 12 hours or a small amount of dark urine.
• Increased lethargy
• Excessive sleepiness
• Dry mouth, lips and no tears on crying
• Vomiting of blood or bile
• Blood in diarrhea.
• Severe headache, neck pain or stiff neck
• High fever or persistent fever
• Child just not looking well
• Treatment of Vomiting and Diarrhea

The most important thing your child needs is plenty of fluids to try and prevent dehydration. Children with the stomach flu may not feel like eating solid foods. It is all right if your child does not want to eat solid foods for a day or two. When they are feeling better, they will start eating better.When your child has frequent vomiting, clear fluids are easier on the stomach. DO NOT give your child plain water to try and prevent dehydration as this can be dangerous, especially for babies. You can give babies and young children Pedialyte or generic electrolyte replacement solution when they are vomiting. Babies who are breast-fed can continue to take breast milk. Older children over 1 can take clear liquids like Gatorade, sport drinks, and flat 7-up. Straight fruit juice can cause more diarrheas. Do not use soup or boiled rice water.

When children are vomiting, it is better to give small amounts of fluid frequently. If your child takes too much at one time, he/she is more likely to vomit up what they took. It is better to give small amounts of fluids (for example, a tablespoon) every five to ten minutes. If your child is breast-fed, offer the breast frequently but only for about five minutes so that your baby does not take too much at one time.Try to give children less than 2 years of age 1/4 to 1/2 cup of fluid every 30 min. to 1 hour, and children over 2 years 1/2 to 1 cup of fluid every hour. Start with small amounts frequently (even as low as a tablespoon every five to ten minutes if necessary) and increase the amount each time if your child does not vomit. You can breast-feed for longer each time you offer the breast if your baby's vomiting has stopped.

When your child stops vomiting, he or she may still have diarrhea for a few more days. You should change from Pedialyte and clear fluids back to your child's normal formula or milk and some bland food (cereal, bananas, and bread) when your child's vomiting improves, even if your child still has diarrhea. Do not give your child just clear liquids for more than 24 hours without talking to your doctor. Once your child feels like eating, give him/her foods that are easy to digest like rice, soup, applesauce, bananas, and toast. Stay away from rich foods, fatty or greasy foods, and spicy foods until your child is better.

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