What to do when a 16 month old child is vomiting?
Vomiting can be a result of something simple like a virus or eating too much candy. But, it can also signal something serious. If your child vomits repeatedly, call the nurse without delay and follow instructions. Takes notes on the child’s temperature, color, behavior (energy, holding stomach, etc.) and bowel movements/wet diapers to help in diagnosis if necessary. Vomiting can lead to dehydration which can be dangerous. Get some Pedialyte or other electrolyte replacement fluid and put it in a bottle so that your child replaces lost minerals and fluids.
Give them 1 tbs of water every hour, ideally it should be Pedialyte or something like that for electrolytes but I’ve found my boys weren’t interested (not pop or juice). After 2 or more hours of no vomit, have the baby try a cracker, and watch to see the baby isn’t vomiting again. If they have stopped vomiting stick to the BRATT diet for a day or two (bananas, rice, apple juice/sauce, tea and toast). Not a lot to do, but a baby shouldn’t (toddler) shouldn’t be allowed to vomit for more then 2 days even if they are making urine and can cry tears. Watch for dehydration, and if there are signs such as sunken eyes, chapped lips, lethargy, extreme sleepiness, poor circulation in their extremities, get them medical attention – they need intravenous fluids and electrolytes.
