Treating childhood vomiting – first steps

Nausea and vomiting are very common symptoms in childhood. They can occur because of a high fever, but viral illnesses often cause them too.

What to do if a child vomits

The most important thing is not to panic!

• Turn infants onto their side; sit older children upright.
• Don't give the child anything to drink right after vomiting.
• If it doesn't happen again after 15–20 minutes, you can offer 1–2 sips of water or diluted lemonade.
• If this doesn't trigger vomiting again, after another 15 minutes the child can have a few more sips, and you can increase this every 5–15 minutes.

If vomiting keeps recurring

If vomiting recurs, an anti-emetic medication (a suppository or oral drops) can be given. Pharmacies also carry an over-the-counter sachet solution suitable from age 2.

You can support the medication's effect with a teaspoon (a tablespoon for older children) of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Don't give the child anything to drink for 20–30 minutes after giving the medication. After that, the 1–2 sip protocol described above can start again.

When to see a doctor

If the vomiting still doesn't settle despite all this, or the child can't keep the medication down either (a suppository is a good option in that case), you should see a doctor!

Giving probiotics does not reduce vomiting and is not recommended.