What Causes Vomiting and Diarrhea?

Vomiting and diarrhea are often caused by viral stomach bugs, but they can also happen with food poisoning, some bacterial infections, medication side effects, or other illnesses. In many children, the illness improves with time and careful hydration.

The biggest concern with vomiting and diarrhea is dehydration, especially in babies and younger children.

How to Give Fluids at Home

Small amounts given often are usually better tolerated than large drinks all at once.

• start with small sips every few minutes
• for repeated vomiting, try 1 to 2 teaspoons every 5 minutes
• if your child keeps that down for 1 to 2 hours, gradually offer more
• oral rehydration solution is often the best option when vomiting or diarrhea continues
• breastfed babies should usually continue breastfeeding in smaller, more frequent sessions if needed
• formula-fed babies may need smaller feeds more often and sometimes oral rehydration solution if vomiting continues

Oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte or store-brand equivalents, are designed to replace both fluid and important electrolytes. They are usually better choices than plain water alone for younger children with ongoing vomiting or diarrhea.

What Should My Child Drink?

When Can My Child Eat Again?

Once vomiting slows down and your child is keeping fluids down, you can gradually restart food. Many children do best starting with simple foods and returning to a normal diet as tolerated.

Do not force eating early on. Fluids are usually more important than food during the first phase of the illness.

Call Right Away or Seek Urgent Care If...

• your baby is very young and has vomiting or diarrhea
• your child shows signs of dehydration
• vomiting is constant or your child cannot keep even small sips down
• there is blood in the vomit or stool
• your child has severe belly pain, unusual sleepiness, or trouble waking up
• your child has high fever or looks much sicker than expected
• diarrhea is severe, frequent, or lasting longer than expected

Helpful Home Care Tips

• wash hands well to help reduce spread to others
• clean surfaces that may have been exposed to vomit or diarrhea
• let your child rest, but wake them enough to keep fluids going if needed
• do not give over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicines unless your pediatrician tells you to
• keep track of wet diapers, urine output, vomiting, and diarrhea episodes

Trusted Parent Resources

• HealthyChildren: Vomiting With Diarrhea
• HealthyChildren: Drinks to Prevent Dehydration in a Vomiting Child
• HealthyChildren: Signs of Dehydration in Infants and Children

Need Help With Vomiting, Diarrhea, or Dehydration Concerns?

Dyson Pediatrics helps Tucson families with stomach bugs, dehydration concerns, fever, and home care guidance for babies, children, and teens.