Most vomiting is caused by a viral infection of the lining of the stomach or by food poisoning. Often, a child who is vomiting may also develop diarrhoea.

Occasionally, the vomiting may be caused by a more serious illness, such as intestinal obstruction (blockage of the bowels), which will require surgical attention. If the vomiting is associated with severe headache, infection of the brain or a bleed or growth in the brain may be possible causes.

1. Offer small amounts of clear fluid for 8 hours (no solid food)

Offer clear fluids in small amounts until 8 hours have passed without vomiting.
You can offer glucose water, barley, rice water or oral re-hydration solution such
as Pedialyte. Avoid giving just plain water alone.

Start with 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of the clear fluid, depending on your child's
age, every 5 minutes (or 15 to 30 ml every 15 minutes). After 4 hours without
vomiting, double the amount each hour.

If your child vomits using this treatment, rest the stomach complete for 1 hour and
then start over but with a smaller amount.

2. Offer bland foods after 8 hours without vomiting

For older children, they can start on porridge, bread, biscuits, bland soups or
mashed potatoes.

For infants, they can start on milk feeds, but give 1 or 2 ounces less per feed
than usual.

Usually, your child can be back on a normal diet within 24 hours after recovery
from vomiting.

3. Diet for breast-fed babies

Provide breast milk in smaller amounts than usual. Nurse on only 1 side for 5
minutes every 30 to 60 minutes. If there is no more vomiting for 8 hours, return
to normal nursing on both sides.