It is a delight to see your baby have her first fills - breast milk or formula. But it is distressing to see your newborn throw up after a feed. Often new mothers seem to worry or panic if the baby vomits, especially after every feed. Although vomiting definitely isn't something to sleep over, it doesn't always indicate danger either. 'Vomiting is considered a protective mechanism of the body. It is the initial protective reflex, that throws out what is not needed by the body,' informs Dr Raju Khubchabdani, consultant pediatrician Jaslok hospital, Mumbai.
Before you jump to any conclusion with vomiting learn to pick up the signs of what is normal and what is not. 'If your baby throws up once or twice in the course of a day, but is otherwise healthy, playful and looks well, there might not be a reason to worry,' says Dr Khubchandani. Newborns and infants might quite often throw up milk or bring out a little of his feed while taking a burp, which is absolutely normal. As for a little older children, wait to see if vomiting is persistent throughout the day.
Before you give any medication (which is inadvisable without your doctor's consent), follow these rules:
Wait and watch. Has your baby been throwing up throughout the day? If not then it makes sense to wait before you make an appointment with your doctor.
Attempt to keep your baby hydrated with liquids and follow the rule of doing it with sips and not gulps.
When it comes to diet feed your baby a simple dal-khicdi preparation and try some pureed fruits if you baby is weaned. But never attempt to force feed. Breastfeeding mums should oblige the baby's demands to keep her hydrated. The same applies for the formula fed ones too.
If your infant throws up feed a little thicker in consistency, appearing like curd, after each feed, it might be because she takes in too much air while feeding. Check her position during the feed so there is enough of the areola in her mouth. In case of bottle fed babies changing over to feeding from a cup might help.
Take care that your baby doesn't suffer from dehydration following vomiting. That can lead to other health complications.
Don't panic. Don't attempt to force feed your child just because she is throwing up. 'A half day of starving would not do your baby much harm, allow his systems to recover at its own pace,' says Dr Khubchandani.
When to worry:
Vomiting though may not be troublesome always, but at times can serve as a warning sign, when
You may like to read
Vomiting is persistent. 'It might indicate an infection in the stomach or intestine, accompanied with diarrhea,' explains Dr Khubchandani. Read to know when to worry about loose motions.
Vomiting is accompanied with signs of dehydration.
Your baby throws up greenish vomit. 'This implies there can be an obstruction in the intestine somewhere,' says Dr Khubchandani.
There is blood in the vomit. This is something that needs immediate medical attention.
Your baby seems to be drowsy following vomiting.
Vomiting happens after a head injury.
There is loss of appetite and your baby passes high coloured urine apart from constantly vomiting, this could be suggestive of some liver disorder.
'Sometimes vomiting can also reflect troubles in a remote source of the body noticeably the nervous system. For instance, infection in the nervous system or a tumor that puts pressure in the cranial cavity may result in vomiting,' says Dr Khubchandani.
What to expect from your doctor:
You doctor will give you simple anti-vomiting medications with proper instructions. "Do not attempt to feed your child right after giving the medication. A feed is advised only after half an hour or an hour interval from offering the medication," says Dr Khubchandani.
For more articles on baby care, visit our pregnancysection. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
It is a delight to see your baby have her first fills - breast milk or formula. But it is distressing to see your newborn throw up after a feed. Often new mothers seem to worry or panic if the baby vomits, especially after every feed. Although vomiting definitely isn't something to sleep over, it doesn't always indicate danger either. 'Vomiting is considered a protective mechanism of the body. It is the initial protective reflex, that throws out what is not needed by the body,' informs Dr Raju Khubchabdani, consultant pediatrician Jaslok hospital, Mumbai. 
