As a parent, it’s never easy to see your little one feeling sick. One common symptom that can be particularly concerning is vomiting. However, when your toddler is throwing up but doesn’t have a fever, it’s important to understand the possible causes and treatments.

Vomiting in toddlers can be caused by a range of factors, including infection, food poisoning, motion sickness, or even too much coughing. When there is no fever present, it may be less likely to be caused by a bacterial or viral illness, but it’s still important to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate care.

The most important thing you can do when your toddler is throwing up without a fever is to keep them hydrated. Small, frequent sips of water or an electrolyte solution can help prevent dehydration. If vomiting is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lethargy, it’s important to seek medical attention.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the possible causes of vomiting in toddlers without a fever, as well as recommended treatments and when to seek medical help.

Symptoms to Watch For

Excessive Vomiting:

If your toddler is vomiting frequently and is unable to keep any food or fluids down, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can be very dangerous in young children. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, sunken eyes, and reduced urine output.

Blood in Vomit:

If you notice blood in your toddler’s vomit, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. This can be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as an ulcer or esophageal tear.

Other Symptoms:

Along with vomiting, there are a few other symptoms to watch for in your toddler. If they have a high fever, diarrhea, or abdominal pain along with vomiting, they may have an infection or other illness that requires medical attention. It’s important to monitor your child closely and seek medical care if you are concerned about their symptoms.

• Tip: If your toddler has thrown up but is otherwise alert and drinking fluids, they may be okay to manage at home. Try to give them small sips of water or clear fluids to avoid dehydration. If they continue to vomit or show other signs of illness, seek medical attention.

Possible Causes

Viral Infection

One of the most common causes of vomiting in toddlers is a viral infection, such as the stomach flu. These types of infections typically cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. They are highly contagious and can easily spread, especially in settings like daycares or schools.

Food Allergies

Sometimes toddlers may vomit due to a food allergy or sensitivity. Common allergens include dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and wheat. If your child has a food allergy, they may also experience symptoms like hives, swelling, itching, and difficulty breathing.

Overeating or Indigestion

Toddlers may vomit if they have consumed too much food or if they have eaten something that is difficult to digest. Symptoms of overeating or indigestion may include nausea, bloating, and stomach pain. Encouraging your child to eat slowly and in smaller portions may help prevent vomiting in the future.

Motion Sickness

Some toddlers may experience motion sickness, which can cause vomiting. This is often triggered by car rides or amusement park rides, and can cause symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Making sure your toddler is well-rested and has an empty stomach before travel may help prevent motion sickness.

Other Possible Causes

• Medication side-effect
• Poisoning or accidental ingestion of harmful substances
• Head injury or concussion
• Intestinal blockage or infection
• Appendicitis or other abdominal issues

How to Treat a Throwing Up Toddler

1. Keep your toddler hydrated

When your toddler is vomiting, it is essential to ensure that they stay hydrated. Encourage them to sip on clear fluids like water, diluted fruit juice, or an electrolyte solution. Avoid giving your toddler acidic, sugary, or dairy-based drinks. If your toddler is breastfeeding, continue as usual, but if they are bottle-fed, offer small amounts at frequent intervals.

• Tip: If your toddler has been vomiting, wait for around an hour before offering any fluid and only offer small amounts at a time.

2. Offer a bland diet

Once your toddler can keep fluids down, try offering a bland diet consisting of food like crackers, rice, bananas, toast, or boiled potatoes. Keep the meals small and frequent, and avoid foods that are too spicy, greasy, or heavy. If your toddler has trouble keeping food down, continue to encourage fluids instead and reintroduce solid foods gradually as symptoms subside.

3. Keep your toddler comfortable

Vomiting can be uncomfortable, and it is essential to keep your toddler as comfortable as possible. Dress them in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and ensure that they have plenty of rest. If your toddler has a fever or is experiencing pain, give them age-appropriate medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, but only if advised by a medical professional.

4. Seek medical attention if needed

If your toddler shows signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, lethargy, decreased urine output, or sunken eyes, seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, if your toddler has been vomiting repeatedly for more than 24 hours, has severe abdominal pain, or shows signs of blood in their vomit, contact your healthcare provider right away.

• Tip: To avoid spreading the vomiting bug to others in your household, wash your hands frequently, disinfect contaminated surfaces, and keep your toddler away from childcare, school, or other social settings until symptoms have subsided.

Preventing Dehydration in Toddlers

1. Offer Fluids Frequently

Toddlers need to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially when they are vomiting frequently. Offer your child water, breast milk, formula or electrolyte solutions (like Pedialyte) in small amounts frequently throughout the day. Encourage your child to take small sips rather than gulping down a lot of fluid at once.

2. Avoid Sugary and Caffeinated Drinks

Try to avoid offering sugary drinks like juice or soda, as they can make diarrhea worse and may not provide adequate hydration. Additionally, caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee should also be avoided as they can cause dehydration.

3. Offer Small, Frequent Meals and Snacks

Instead of serving large meals, offer your toddler small, frequent meals and snacks to help prevent vomiting. This can also help keep your child hydrated by providing water and electrolytes throughout the day.

4. Monitor for Signs of Dehydration

• Reduced urine output (less than 4 wet diapers per day)
• Dry mouth and tongue
• Dark yellow urine
• Dry skin with decreased turgor (when pinched, skin stays tented and doesn’t return to its normal position quickly)
• Crying without producing tears

5. Seek Medical Attention if Necessary

If your toddler is experiencing severe vomiting or diarrhea, is unable to keep fluids down, has signs of dehydration, or hasn’t had a wet diaper in over 8 hours, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Your child may require intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and other complications.

When to Call a Doctor

Call Immediately

• If the vomiting is severe or persistent, lasting for more than a day.
• If the vomit is green or contains blood.
• If your toddler is showing signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, or decreased urine output.
• If your toddler is lethargic, unresponsive, or difficult to arouse.
• If your toddler has a high fever or severe abdominal pain.

Call During Office Hours

• If your toddler is throwing up frequently, but no other symptoms are present.
• If you are concerned about your toddler’s weight loss or lack of appetite.
• If your toddler has not had a bowel movement in several days, in addition to vomiting.
• If your toddler has a history of gastrointestinal issues or chronic conditions, such as reflux or food allergies.

It is important to monitor your toddler’s symptoms and seek medical attention as necessary. In some cases, vomiting can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, so contacting a doctor is always recommended.

Home Care and Remedies for a Sick Toddler

Provide Fluids

When a toddler is sick and throwing up, it is essential to keep them hydrated. Offer small amounts of water, clear fluids, and an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replenish the lost fluids and electrolytes. You can make ORS at home by dissolving 6 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 liter of boiled or purified water.

Keep the Toddler Comfortable

Ensure that the toddler rests comfortably in bed and in a cool room. Avoid overdressing the toddler to prevent overheating and dehydration. Provide a cozy blanket or a swaddle to keep them warm. Gentle massage, cuddling, and rocking can soothe and comfort the sick toddler.

Change the Toddler’s Diet

Avoid solid food for a few hours when the toddler is throwing up. Feed the toddler only when the vomiting has stopped. Start with small portions of plain and easily digestible foods like crackers, toast, rice, and bananas. Introduce bland foods and avoid spicy, fried, fatty, or sugary foods that can trigger vomiting.

Use Medications Wisely

If your toddler has a fever or is in pain, you can use medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve it. Do not give aspirin to a sick toddler as it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare and serious illness. Always follow the dosage instructions and do not exceed the recommended dose.

When to Call the Doctor

If your sick toddler shows signs of dehydration, like dry mouth, lack of urination, or sunken eyes or fontanelle, or if the vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Call the pediatrician or take your toddler to the emergency room if you are concerned about their health.

What to Feed a Toddler After Throwing Up

1. Clear Liquids

After your toddler throws up, it’s important to start with clear liquids such as water, diluted juice, or clear broth. These will help prevent dehydration and allow your toddler’s stomach to settle.

• Water: Give your toddler small sips of water frequently.
• Diluted juice: Mix one part juice with two parts water to avoid irritating your toddler’s stomach.
• Clear broth: Chicken or vegetable broth can help rehydrate your toddler and soothe their stomach.

2. Banana and Rice

Once your toddler can keep down clear liquids, you can start with bland foods such as bananas and rice. These foods are easy to digest and won’t irritate your toddler’s stomach.

• Banana: The potassium in bananas can help restore electrolytes lost during vomiting.
• Rice: Plain, boiled rice can provide your toddler with the energy they need and won’t upset their stomach.

3. Toast and Crackers

If your toddler tolerates bananas and rice, you can encourage them to try some toast or crackers. These dry foods can help soak up excess stomach acid and are easy to digest.

• Toast: Plain, white toast without butter or jam can be a good option for your toddler.
• Crackers: Saltines or other plain crackers can provide your toddler with some carbohydrates and help settle their stomach.

It’s important to remember that you should avoid giving your toddler spicy, greasy, or sugary foods until they are fully recovered. These can irritate your toddler’s stomach and make them more likely to throw up again.