How Can I Cure My Formula-Fed Baby's Vomiting?

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © elvissa; Flickr.com

Spitting up is very common in both formula-fed and breastfed babies and is generally quite normal. When the baby starts vomiting, that is another story. If your baby is vomiting, you may be asking the question, "How can I cure my baby's vomiting?"

Baby Vomiting Warning Signs

First off, if your baby is less than 1 month old and is vomiting, you need to stop reading this for now and call the doctor right away. By vomiting, this does not mean spitting up, which is normal. This could mean spitting up more than a small amount of formula or projectile vomiting. Other warning signs include failure to gain weight, spit up that is green or brown, refusal to drink formula, acting hungrier than usual, less diaper wetting, diarrhea, and much more. Basically, look for abnormal behavior and signs of sickness.

Visiting The Doctor Is A Must

Vomiting in babies is not to be taken lightly. It can cause dehydration, loss of vital nutrients, and it could even be an indication of an infection or medical condition. The first step in curing your baby's vomiting is taking him or her to the doctor. The doctor will do tests and ask questions to determine the cause of the vomiting.

Once you have received a diagnosis, the doctor will likely give you tips and information on how to cure the baby's vomiting. Medications may also be prescribed, depending on the diagnosis. The most common cause of vomiting in babies is gastroenteritis, which is usually caused by a virus in the intestines.

General Treatments For Infants Who Are Vomiting

A baby who is vomiting needs plenty of fluids because these can be lost during vomiting. A doctor may recommend giving a very small amount of an oral electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte) every 20 minutes until vomiting subsides. Starting with 1/2 ounce and then increasing it as baby is allowed to keep the fluids down is a common recommendation. While increasing the oral electrolyte solution, keep in mind that you should not give your baby more than he or she would normally consume in a bottle feeding at one time.

Vomiting should normally start to decrease within a few days or less. If vomiting is not decreasing, even if the baby has already seen the doctor, the doctor should be consulted right away. That statement is not meant to scare anyone. It is simply vital that parents know infant vomiting can be a serious issue, if not addressed quickly. Most cases of baby vomiting will clear up in a few days or less.

Formula intake may be reduced or halted, but should only be done under the advice of a qualified medical professional. Once baby's vomiting starts to decrease and the baby has gone without vomiting for a substantial amount of time, formula can be reintroduced into the baby's diet slowly. Start with small amounts that are fed to the baby closer together than usual. As the baby is able to hold in the formula, begin to ease back into the normal feeding pattern.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

Sources:
Mayo Clinic
KidsHealth

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