Of Baby Spit Ups and Vomits

Are you the panicky parent type? Well, my husband and I may well be on the top list of panicky parents. We are the type who rush to the Emergency Room after a day of vomiting or out-of-the-ordinary bowel movement. Yes, we’re panicky that way, we would always say that it’s better to be sure.

Just a few weeks ago, we were at the Emergency Room because baby vomited five times the night until that  morning. Baby’s diagnosis was food intolerance. Thankfully, it was nothing serious. I guess, he ate too much,   like us during the Holiday season.

[caption id="attachment_1620" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Like diaper changing, dealing with baby spit up  is a part of a mommy's life.
Source of photo: cdc.gov[/caption]

Keep this in mind in case of baby vomits and spit ups:

Procedure at the emergency room. 

• Doctors will check for fever, rashes or diarrhea.  They'll ask for urine sample to track if he has urinary tract infection.  Doctors say bacterial infection in babies can manifest in urine. They'll ask to withhold other foods and any other liquid. They may instruct you to give oral rehydration salts.    

Keep baby hydrated.

• Offer small amounts of oral solutions like pedialyte. The amount you give her depends on your child's weight. My one-year old is 9.5 kilos, the dosage for him is 40mL per hour. Pedialyte is given to replace the nutrients your baby lost when he vomits or during excessive bowel movement. Note that pedialyte solution, those colored fruit-flavored ones, are meant to be consumed after 24 hours. After this period, you'll have to throw it away. I did not know this until i asked the seller in the drug store. I gave baby pedialtye that's been open for days and i found no adverse reactions.

Go on a soft diet. 

• After vomiting, observe baby then wait for about 20 minutes before offering any liquid or soft foods like cereal or lugaw. 

Watch what your toddler eats. 

• Remember that your one-year old's digestive system is still underdeveloped so you better be careful what you give him.  That time, i gave him avocado for breakfast, rice and egg for lunch, yogurt for merienda, then pizza and mojos for dinner. Plus unlimited breastfeeding!  Aside from what he eats, offer enough amounts. I guess the OC mom in me gave him too much to eat! 

Vomits and spit ups are part of a baby's life. 

• Blame it on your baby's still undeveloped system. To reduce spit ups, breastfeed in upright position.  Keep baby's head higher than his stomach to avoid milk from backing up. According to NIH, spitting up peaks in infants aged 4 to 7 months.

Before getting worried sick when your baby vomits, observe baby.  How often does he vomit? Is he fussy?  Does he have fever or rashes?  Does he have difficulty in breathing or is he still queasy? If the answer is no, then it's probably nothing, just part of growing up. Read this for more information about baby and toddler's vomiting!

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