Nausea occurs when a child feels like she has the urge to vomit. A child's nausea is caused by a variety of problems, including viral infections, bacterial infections and motion sickness. Sometimes, nausea is accompanied by other symptoms, such as headache and diarrhea. If your child is suffering with nausea, a few tips will help you provide her with relief. It's also important to consult her pediatrician.
Step 1
Provide a warm compress if he has stomach pains. A warm wash cloth or heating pad set on the lowest setting will help ease a child's abdominal comfort.
Step 2
Offer your child clear fluids, such as water to prevent dehydration, recommends the Cleveland Clinic. If she has just vomited, wait at least one hour before offering anything to drink. When she drinks, discourage her from taking large gulps. Instead, offer small frequent sips. If she can hold down clear fluids, offer her an electronic drink to prevent dehydration.
Step 3
Encourage your child to try a couple bites of food if he can hold down fluids without vomiting. Good choices include saltine crackers or plain bread. Offer him a few bits and wait a while to eat more. Avoid greasy or sweet foods until his stomach has settled. These foods can irritate the stomach and promote nausea and vomiting.
Step 4
Ask your child to rest and avoid activity. Activity after taking in fluids or food can trigger your child's nausea again. Encourage her to lie down and rest as much as possible.
Tips and Warnings
- If a child is vomiting for 24 hours, contact his doctor, recommends Johns Hopkins Children's Center. A child who is complaining of a stiff neck, stomach pains or a headache is also a reason to contact his doctor. Another reason for concern is a child who complains about pain n the right side of the abdomen.
- Prevent future nausea by encouraging your child to wash her hands frequently. This will prevent the spread of germs. Encourage her to wash her hands before she eats, after she's done playing and after she uses the restroom.
