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Vomiting in children: what to do and when to worry
Vomiting is usually caused by a stomach bug and gets better in a few days, but watch for dehydration.
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What it is
Vomiting is common in adults, children and babies [2]. It is often caused by a stomach bug, and it usually stops in a few days [2]. Norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea [1]. It can be very unpleasant, but usually gets better in about 2 days [1].
The main symptoms of norovirus usually start suddenly and may include feeling sick, being sick (vomiting) and diarrhoea [1]. You may also have a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain, and body aches and pains [1]. Although it is sometimes called the winter vomiting bug, you can get norovirus at any time of year [1].
Other common causes of diarrhoea and vomiting are a stomach bug and food poisoning [4]. Vomiting can also be caused by pregnancy, migraine, motion sickness, inner ear infections such as labyrinthitis, medicines, reflux, and other infections such as a urinary tract infection [4].
In adults and children, vomiting usually stops in 1 or 2 days [10].
What you can do at home
Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home [2]. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration [2].
- Stay at home and get plenty of rest [2].
- Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick [2].
- Carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they are being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual [2].
- Give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds [2].
- Eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy [2].
- Take paracetamol if you are in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child [2].
Do not have fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse [10]. Do not make baby formula weaker – use it at its usual strength [10]. Do not give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea [10]. Do not give aspirin to children under 16 [10].
Vomiting and diarrhoea can spread easily [5]. Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days [5]. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently [5]. Wash any clothing or bedding that has poo or vomit on it separately on a hot wash [5]. Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day [5]. Do not prepare food for other people, if possible [5]. Do not share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils [5]. Do not use a swimming pool until at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop [5].
A pharmacist may recommend oral rehydration powder that you mix with water to make a drink [9]. They may also recommend medicine to stop diarrhoea for a few hours, like loperamide, which is not suitable for children under 12 [9].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
Get urgent advice from your doctor or your local emergency number if:
- you are worried about a baby under 12 months [7]
- your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they are ill [7]
- a child under 5 years has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies [7]
- you or your child (aged 5 years or over) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets [7]
- you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down [7]
- you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom [7]
- you or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days [7]
Go to the emergency department or call your local emergency number immediately if you or your child:
- vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee [7]
- have green vomit (adults) [7]
- have yellow-green or green vomit (children) [7]
- may have swallowed something poisonous [7]
- have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights [7]
- have a sudden, severe headache [7]
- have a sudden, severe tummy ache [7]
- have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet [7]
- are having severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths [7]
- are confused or not responding as usual [7]
Do not drive yourself to the emergency department. Ask someone to drive you or call your local emergency number and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you [7].
Common questions
How long will it last? In adults and children, diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days, and vomiting usually stops in 1 or 2 days [10].
Can I give my child medicine to stop the vomiting? Do not give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea [10]. Speak to a pharmacist if you need to stop diarrhoea for a few hours [9].
How do I stop it spreading? Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, clean surfaces every day, and do not share towels or utensils [5]. Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days [5].
What if it is rotavirus? There is no specific medicine to treat rotavirus infection, but your healthcare provider may recommend medicine to treat the symptoms [8]. Antibiotics will not help because they fight bacteria, not viruses [8]. The best way to protect against dehydration is to drink plenty of liquids [8].
Sources
[1] NHS — “Norovirus (vomiting bug)” (2024), section “Norovirus (vomiting bug)”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus/ [2] NHS — “Diarrhoea and vomiting” (2023), section “Diarrhoea and vomiting”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/ [4] NHS — “Diarrhoea and vomiting” (2023), section “Causes of diarrhoea and vomiting”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/ [5] NHS — “Diarrhoea and vomiting” (2023), section “Diarrhoea and vomiting can spread easily”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/ [7] NHS — “Norovirus (vomiting bug)” (2024), section “Don’t”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus/ [8] CDC — “About Rotavirus”, section “Prevention”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/about/index.html [9] NHS — “Diarrhoea and vomiting” (2023), section “A pharmacist can help with diarrhoea and vomiting”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/ [10] NHS — “Diarrhoea and vomiting” (2023), section “Don’t”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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