Can teething cause vomiting in babies?

No, teething itself does not directly cause vomiting.

Is it normal for a baby to vomit after vaccinations?

Yes, some babies may experience mild vomiting after certain vaccinations as a short-term reaction.

Understanding Nausea and Vomiting in Infants: When to Seek Help

Nausea and vomiting in infants can be really worrying for any parent, especially when your little one suddenly spits up or seems uncomfortable after a feed. Since babies can’t tell you what’s wrong, every cry or uneasy moment can make you anxious. Even though vomiting is often just a normal part of a newborn’s developing digestive system, the uncertainty around it can make you feel anxious and unsure about what’s truly normal.

Vomiting Vs Spitting Up in Infants

Vomiting is when the stomach contents come out forcefully through the mouth. You’ll notice tightening of your baby’s tummy and chest muscles, and the episode is usually sudden and more intense.

Spitting up (also called posseting or simple reflux) is completely different. It’s a gentle flow of milk that dribbles out, often along with a burp, and the baby typically remains calm and comfortable. This is very common in infants under 6 to 12 months and usually improves as they grow.

Why Do Babies Vomit?

Babies vomit for different reasons at each stage as they grow. These are the common reasons by age:

In the first few weeks of life

Gastro-oesophageal reflux: Milk comes back up because the valve between the stomach and oesophagus is still weak.
Overfeeding or excess air swallowing: Taking in too much milk or air during feeds can lead to vomiting.
Cow’s milk protein allergy: This can occur if a breastfeeding parent consumes dairy or if the baby is on standard formula.
Pyloric stenosis (rare): The muscle at the stomach’s exit becomes thickened, causing forceful, projectile vomiting 15 to 30 minutes after feeds. This typically starts between 2 weeks and 2 to 3 months of age.

From a few months onwards

Viral gastroenteritis (gastro): The most common cause of vomiting, due to a stomach or intestinal infection.
Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES): A rare but serious reaction to foods like rice, oats, milk, soy, or chicken, appearing hours after ingestion.
Infections such as UTI, ear infection, or meningitis: Vomiting may be an early sign.
Intestinal blockage (intussusception or malrotation): These are medical emergencies and require urgent attention.

In older babies and toddlers

Viral gastroenteritis: Still the most common cause of vomiting in this age group.
Food poisoning: Eating contaminated food can lead to sudden vomiting.
Appendicitis: Can present with vomiting along with abdominal pain, fever, or decreased appetite.
Head injury: A fall or impact to the head may trigger vomiting and require careful monitoring.

What Can You Do at Home When Your Baby Vomits?

When your baby starts vomiting, a few simple steps at home can help keep them comfortable:

Keep offering breastmilk or formula. Don’t stop feeding, just give smaller amounts more often so it’s easier on your baby’s tummy.
If your baby is over 6 months, offer small sips of water or oral rehydration solution (ORS). Give a little every time they vomit to replace the fluids they’re losing.
Hold your baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes after each feed. This helps the milk stay down and reduces discomfort.
Make sure to burp your baby during the feed and again afterwards. Getting rid of swallowed air can prevent more vomiting.
If the vomiting is due to gastro, keep feeding as usual. Most babies start feeling better within a day or two as the stomach settles.
Keep an eye on wet nappies. Around 5 to 6 wet nappies in 24 hours means your baby is staying hydrated.

Which Medicines Are Safe for Vomiting in Babies?

Most anti-vomiting medicines that adults use aren’t safe (or even needed) for small babies. Doctors are very cautious with these medicines and rarely prescribe them for children under 2 years because the side effects can be serious. In some cases, ondansetron may be given as a single dose for children over 6 months who have severe gastro and are unable to keep ORS down.
Always follow your doctor’s guidance and never give any medicine on your own.

When To Seek Medical Help

Call your paediatrician or rush to the hospital right away if your baby has any of these:

Green (bilious) vomit, which can signal a bowel blockage
Vomit containing blood (bright red or coffee-ground appearance) or black vomit
Projectile vomiting that happens after every feed
Swollen or tight tummy, severe tummy pain, or crying non-stop
Very sleepy, difficult to wake, or unusually irritable
High fever if the baby is less than 3 months old
Signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies, dry mouth, sunken eyes, or a sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the head)
Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours, or the baby cannot keep any liquid down
Bulging fontanelle with fever (possible meningitis)
Vomiting along with no bowel movement or blood in the stool

Vomiting in babies is common and, in most cases, is not a cause for alarm. Your little one depends on you to notice when something is not right. Most vomiting episodes pass quickly, but getting the right help at the right time makes all the difference.

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FAQs on Understanding Nausea and Vomiting in Infants: When to Seek Help

Can teething cause vomiting in babies?
No, teething itself does not directly cause vomiting.
Is it normal for a baby to vomit after vaccinations?
Yes, some babies may experience mild vomiting after certain vaccinations as a short-term reaction.