Overview
Vomiting in children is a frequent health concern and is most commonly linked to viral gastroenteritis (often called the “stomach flu”). In many cases, vomiting is short-lived and can be managed at home. However, vomiting can lead to dehydration and, in certain situations, may signal a condition that requires medical care.
What Is Vomiting?
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
It differs from spitting up, which is a gentle flow of stomach contents that is common in healthy infants and usually not a sign of illness.
Vomiting may occur alone or alongside other symptoms such as diarrhea or fever. Medical evaluation is recommended when vomiting is severe, persistent, or accompanied by warning signs.
Common Causes
Based on high-quality medical sources:
- Viral gastroenteritis is the most common cause of vomiting in children.
- Vomiting can also occur with other illnesses, some of which may be serious, as reflected by established medical criteria for urgent evaluation.
Vomiting by Age Group
Infants
- Spitting up is common and usually not concerning.
- Projectile or very forceful vomiting requires medical evaluation.
- Vomiting accompanied by signs of dehydration (such as very few wet diapers or unusual sleepiness) requires prompt medical care.
Toddlers and Older Children
- Vomiting is most often related to viral infection.
- Monitoring hydration status and symptom duration is emphasized rather than age alone.
How Long Vomiting Lasts
Vomiting duration varies, but medical guidance supports evaluation when vomiting exceeds age-specific thresholds:
| Age group | Seek medical care if vomiting lasts longer than |
| Infants | 12 hours |
| Young children | 24 hours |
| Older children | 48 hours |
Vomiting that worsens or happens more often should also be medically evaluated.
Signs of Dehydration
Vomiting can lead to loss of fluids and electrolytes. Evidence-supported signs include:
- Decreased urination or fewer wet diapers
- Dry mouth or lips
- Crying without tears
- Sunken eyes or cheeks
- Unusual sleepiness or irritability
Children showing signs of dehydration should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
When to See a Doctor or Seek Emergency Care
Seek urgent medical care if vomiting occurs with any of the following:
- Projectile or very forceful vomiting (especially in infants)
- Blood or greenish material in vomit
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe headache or stiff neck
- Signs of dehydration
- Lethargy or difficulty waking
- Vomiting lasting longer than age-specific limits
- Vomiting after a head injury
Treatment Overview
Evidence-based management includes:
- Oral rehydration using small, frequent sips of fluid
- Gradual return to food after vomiting improves, starting with bland foods
- Avoiding medications for vomiting unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional
Home Care for Mild Vomiting
For children with mild symptoms:
- Offer small amounts of clear fluids often
- Gradually reintroduce bland foods once vomiting decreases
- Avoid sugary drinks and greasy foods
- Monitor hydration and overall alertness
If fluids cannot be kept down or vomiting continues, medical care is recommended.
Prevention
Some causes of vomiting, especially viral illness, may be reduced by:
- Regular handwashing
- Avoiding close contact with individuals who have a stomach virus
- Following infection-prevention hygiene practices
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vomiting in children contagious?
Vomiting caused by viral gastroenteritis can spread from person to person. Hygiene measures are recommended.
Can my child sleep after vomiting?
General guidance focuses on age-appropriate safe sleep positioning and monitoring if vomiting continues.
What should my child eat after vomiting?
Bland foods such as crackers, rice, toast, or cereal are commonly recommended once vomiting has stopped for several hours.
When can my child return to school?
There is no high-quality evidence defining a specific return-to-school timeframe beyond ensuring vomiting has stopped and fluids and food are tolerated.
Should I stop giving fluids if my child keeps vomiting?
No. Small, frequent sips of fluid are recommended to help prevent dehydration unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
Can dehydration cause vomiting?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting dehydration as a primary cause of vomiting. Dehydration is more commonly a result of vomiting.
How long does vomiting from a virus last?
High-quality evidence indicates viral vomiting often lasts a couple of days.
Does vomiting always mean something serious?
No. Vomiting is commonly caused by viral illness, but specific warning signs indicate the need for medical evaluation.
APA Reference List
Healthdirect Australia. (2024, February). Vomiting in children – treatments, self-care and causes. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vomiting-in-children
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (n.d.). Nausea or vomiting in children (Symptom Checker): When to seek medical advice. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptom-checker/nausea-or-vomiting-in-children-child/related-factors/itt-20009075
MedlinePlus. (2017, July 6). Intestinal obstruction. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/intestinalobstruction.html
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2025, January 1). Ear infection – acute. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000638.htm
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2025, April 21). Appendicitis. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000256.htm
MedlinePlus. (2025, August 16). Reflux in children. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/refluxinchildren.html
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021, July). Appendicitis. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/appendicitis
Nationwide Children’s Hospital. (n.d.). Vomiting: Treatment and hydration. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/vomiting
Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego. (n.d.). Vomiting. https://www.rchsd.org/health-article/vomiting/
Seattle Children’s Hospital. (n.d.). Vomiting without diarrhea. https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/vomiting-without-diarrhea/
HealthyChildren.org. (2025, February 24). Treating vomiting: What to do when your child is throwing up. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/treating-vomiting.aspx