Vomit

Why is my baby vomiting?

Babies vomit for a number of reasons. And while it's always disconcerting for you and scary for your baby — it may even make him cry — vomiting usually isn't serious. (For guidance on when to see a doctor, see the first section of this article.)

Vomiting is different from spitting up, which your baby will also do, typically after a feeding. When a baby spits up — whether it's a few teaspoons trickling down his chin or a sizable amount on your shoulder — it comes out effortlessly, without seeming to upset his tummy or the rest of his body.

If your baby's throwing up, you'll want to find out what's causing it, both to confirm that he's okay and to make him more comfortable. Possible causes include:

Feeding problems
During your baby's first few months, vomiting is most likely linked to feeding problems, such as overfeeding or indigestion. A less common cause is an allergy to proteins in your breast milk or formula.

Viral or bacterial infection
Once your baby's a few months old, a stomach flu or other intestinal illness is the most likely culprit. If a virus or bacteria has infected your baby's stomach lining or intestine, other symptoms may include diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and fever. The vomiting usually stops within 12 to 24 hours.

Other infections
Congestion or a respiratory infection can lead to vomiting, especially during a coughing fit. A urinary tract infection and even an ear infection can sometimes cause nausea and vomiting. Throwing up can also be a symptom of serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, appendicitis, and, in rare cases, Reye's syndrome.

Reflux
If your otherwise healthy baby throws up right after eating, chances are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is to blame. Reflux happens when the muscle between your baby's esophagus and stomach isn't working properly, allowing food and gastric acid to gurgle up from the stomach into the throat.

Although your baby can't tell you about his discomfort, he may also have an upset tummy and a burning sensation or irritation in his throat and chest. The problem will probably disappear by his first birthday, when the muscle gets stronger.

It's important to talk with the doctor if you think your baby may have GERD, though, because it can cause poor weight gain and other medical problems, and the doctor can prescribe medicine to help make your baby more comfortable.

Pyloric stenosis
This condition is most likely to occur in the first few weeks of life and rarely shows up after a baby's 6-month birthday. Babies with pyloric stenosis vomit when the muscle leading from the stomach into the intestines thickens so much that food can't pass through.

This usually causes forceful projectile vomiting. Because it can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and other health problems, it requires immediate medical attention. If you think your baby may have this condition, contact his doctor as soon as possible. Pyloric stenosis can be corrected with surgery.

Motion sickness
Some babies and children tend to get motion sickness, which can be a problem if your daily routine includes a car trip. Experts believe that motion sickness happens when there's a disconnect between what your baby sees and what he senses with the motion-sensitive parts of his body, such as his inner ears and some nerves.

Poisonous substance
Your baby could be vomiting if he's swallowed something toxic, such as a drug, plant, medicine, or chemical. Or he may have gotten food poisoning from contaminated food or water. He may also have diarrhea.

Excessive crying: A prolonged bout of crying or coughing can trigger the gag reflex and make your baby throw up. Although it's troubling for both of you, throwing up during a crying spell won't physically harm your baby. If he appears otherwise healthy, there's no reason to be concerned.

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