Many infants spit up after every feeding, but vomiting, forceful projection of food out of the mouth and sometimes across the room, occurs less commonly and can require treatment if it occurs repeatedly. Illness, intestinal abnormalities or reflux--a weak valve between the stomach and esophagus that allows food to regurgitate after feedings--can all cause vomiting. An infant who vomits frequently can develop dehydration quickly. Parents must try to decrease vomiting and prevent hydration.
Feeding Changes
Breastfed babies should continue to breastfeed unless medical personnel advise differently. Instead of breastfeeding every few hours, breastfeed every half an hour for just five to 10 minutes, Drs. Beth Carter and Craig Jensen of the Baylor College of Medicine advise on UpToDate. Because breast milk digests more easily than formula, switching to an electrolyte solution usually isn't necessary. Bottle fed babies should be given electrolyte balanced solutions in place of formula until vomiting improves, Carter and Jensen add. If no improvement occurs after 24 hours, or if the infant appears dehydrated before 24 hours, call the doctor. Certain foods such as sugar laden drinks and high fat foods may increase vomiting and should be avoided.
Fluid Replacement
A sick infant who vomits frequently can become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include dry lips, excessive thirst, sunken eyes, decreased urination, crying without tears and loose skin. Fluid replacement must be done slowly, or the baby may vomit even more. Large quantities of plain water should never be forced on an infant, since this can disturb the electrolyte balance in the body and cause more problems. Give electrolyte solutions made specifically for infants instead. Start with very small amounts and gradually increase to the limits given by medical personnel, which vary according to the child's weight.
Positioning
Raising the head of the baby's bed by putting a blanket or other object under the mattress helps children with reflux vomit less. A sick infant who vomits is less likely to choke on vomit if his head is raised slightly as well or if placed on his side rather than on his back. Never put a pillow directly under an infant's head, since this is a smothering hazard. Holding a baby in more upright position for feeding and after a feeding may also decrease vomiting in babies with reflux, MayoClinic.com suggests. Avoid jiggling or too much handling after meals of a baby who vomits from reflux.
Medications
Doctors may prescribe medication to reduce vomiting in infants with severe chronic reflux. Over-the-counter medications to reduce vomiting should not be used for infants unless recommended by medical personnel.
