It is normal for babies and children to vomit during their childhood.

In most cases, the vomiting will last no longer than one or two days and is not a sign of anything serious.

The most common cause in both children and babies is gastroenteritis. This is an infection of the gut usually caused by a virus or bacteria. It also causes diarrhoea. Your child's immune system will usually fight off the infection after a few days.

Also, babies frequently vomit when they swallow lots of air during feeding.

However, persistent vomiting can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, such as a severe infection or even meningitis.

Read this page for advice on what to do if your child keeps vomiting, and learn about some of the common causes of vomiting in children and babies.

What to do

If your child vomits, monitor their condition carefully. Trust your instincts and call your GP immediately if you are worried.

If the cause is just a tummy bug, they should still be feeling well enough to eat, play and be their usual self. In this case, keep feeding them as normal and offer them regular drinks (see advice below).

But if they do not seem themself - for example, if they are floppy, irritable, less responsive or have lost their appetite - there is a higher chance they could be seriously ill and you should call your GP immediately.

When to call your GP

You should call your GP if:

• your child has been vomiting for more than 24 hours
• your child has not been able to hold down fluids for the last eight hours, or you think they are dehydrated (see box, above left) 
• they are floppy, irritable, off their food or generally not their usual self
• they have severe tummy pain
• they have a headache and stiff neck 

Severe vomiting and diarrhoea can easily lead to dehydration, especially in young babies. This means your child's body does not have enough water or the right balance of salts to carry out its normal functions.

Looking after your child

The most important thing you can do if your child is vomiting is to make sure they keep drinking fluids.

If your baby is vomiting, carry on breastfeeding. If they seem dehydrated (see box, above left), they will need extra fluids. Ask your pharmacist if they would recommend oral rehydration fluids for your baby.

Oral rehydration fluid is a special powder that you make up into a drink, which contains sugar and salts in specific amounts to help replace the water and salts lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. Brands include Dioralyte, Electrolade and Rehidrat.

Children who are vomiting should keep taking small sips of fluid so they don't become dehydrated. They can drink water, diluted squash, diluted fruit juice or semi-skimmed milk. Again, your GP or pharmacist may recommend that your child drinks an oral rehydration solution.

If your child cannot hold down the oral rehydration solution, contact your GP or nurse.

Causes of vomiting in children

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis (an infection of the gut) is a common cause of vomiting in children, and usually goes away after a few days.

Food allergy

Food allergies can also cause vomiting in children. Watch out for certain foods that may bring on the vomiting, and see if your child is better after avoiding this food.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that causes dizziness and a feeling of spinning as well as nausea and vomiting. Your GP will be able to prescribe medication to relieve your child's symptoms while their immune system fights off the infection, which may take a few weeks.  

Appendicitis

Appendicitis can cause vomiting in children, as well as extreme pain in the tummy. It is a medical emergency and means your child's appendix will need to be removed. You should dial 999 for an ambulance if you think your child has appendicitis. Click on the above link to find out more about it.

Poison

Accidentally swallowing a drug or poison can cause vomiting in children. If you think this is the case, call your GP immediately or take them the A and E department 

Causes of vomiting in babies

These include:

• Swallowing lots of air during feeding.
• Gastroenteritis (an infection of the gut).
• A food allergy or milk intolerance.
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux, which is when stomach acid escapes back up the gullet. 
• Too big a hole in the bottle teat, causing your baby to drink too much milk.
• Accidentally swallowing a drug or poison.
• A birth condition where the passage from the stomach to the bowel has narrowed and food cannot pass through easily, causing projectile vomiting. This condition is called congenital pyloric stenosis.
• A blockage, such as a hernia, in your baby's bowel. They will vomit frequently and cry as if in great pain.