How to Treat a Child Who Can't Keep Food Down

Having a sick child can be stressful for a parent, especially when a child is vomiting and can't keep food down. Usually, you can treat vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea with at home care until symptoms pass. However, if problems become chronic or are coupled with other symptoms seek medical evaluation.

EditSteps

EditPracticing At Home Care

1. Keep your child hydrated. A lot of liquid is lost through vomiting. You should strive to keep your child hydrated for the duration of his sickness.
   • Encourage your child to take small, slow sips of liquids. Try to have a beverage by him at all times.^[1]
   • Stick to clear liquids for the most part.^[2] Some sour, carbonated drinks like ginger ale and lemonade could also help.^[3]
2. Keep your child off solid foods for 24 hours. For the first 24 hours of an illness that causes vomiting, your child should not eat solid foods. Use electrolyte solutions for children, asking your pediatrician for a recommendation. Other than that, give your child things like gelatin, sugar water, and popsicles instead of solid food.^[4]
3. Avoid strong odors and other nausea triggers. The smells of food and cooking, perfume, smoke, heat, humidity, and flickering lights can all worsen symptoms of nausea. Try to avoid such triggers while your child is sick. Keep him in a comfortable, well-lit room where strong smells do not reach.^[5]
4. Have the child rest. Too much activity can make your child's symptoms worse. Encourage him to rest until he's feeling better. Have him stay on the couch or in bed until his symptoms improve.^[6]
5. Ask a pharmacist about over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea medications may help with nausea. However, many options are not safe for children. Ask a pharmacist for a recommendation for an over-the-counter medication that might help a child with an upset stomach. Make sure to follow all instructions on the package when giving your child the medication.^[7]
6. Give your child bland foods. After 24 hours, you can start giving your child solid foods. Stick to foods with little taste or texture might be easier for a child to keep down.
   
   • Many pediatricians used to recommend what is the BRAT diet. This stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods were believed to be easier to digest, allowing the gut a chance to rest and recover. Modern pediatricians feel the diet lacks enough nutrients to promote healing. However, for the first few days a child is sick the BRAT diet may help. Such foods may be easier to keep down due to nausea. Try feeding your child these foods when and after a day, resume a normal healthy diet filled with healthy carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables.^[8]
   • Gelatins and crackers may also be easier for a child to keep down. If he's able to eat such foods, try cereal, fruit, and salty or high protein foods.^[9]
   • High fat, spicy foods should be avoided as they can worsen symptoms. You should not try to feed your child solid foods until about six hours after vomiting.^[10]

EditSeeking Medical Care

1. Know when medical care is necessary. Nausea is usually the result of a mild bug or flu and does not require medical attention. However, under certain circumstances you should make an appointment with a pediatrician.
   • If your child appears to be vomiting blood or has bloody stools, take him to the ER immediately. This could be a sign of a serious medical condition.^[11]
   • If your child cannot keep clear liquids down, he made need an IV to rehydrate. If you believe is the cause of something your child ate, you should take him in to make sure he doesn't have food poisoning.^[12]
2. Take your child in for a physical. If your child's inability to keep food down does not clear up on its own, take him in for a physical. Your doctor will take a basic medical history and perform an exam. The doctor will also ask about existing medications and health conditions. Depending on your child's condition, extra tests such as blood work may be ordered.^[13]
3. Ask about medication. Your doctor may suggest putting your child on medication to treat the vomiting. Ask the doctor any questions you have about dosage and side effects.
   • Some medications are used to stop or slow down the attacks. They include anti-nausea medications, anti-anxiety medications, and sometimes sedatives.^[14]
   • Preventative therapies are designed to reduce or eliminate bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. They're more likely to be prescribed if your child gets sick frequently.^[15]
4. Consider stress management training. If your child frequently has problems holding down food, stress might be an issue. Stress management training can help address underlying factors that may cause vomiting.
   • Stress management training helps a person become aware of stress reactions on their early signs. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, are usually taught early on. A therapist may also teach your child behavioral strategies to reduce stress.^[16]
   • If you're interested in stress management therapy for your child, talk to your doctor. He or she can give you a referral to a therapist. You might also be able to find a therapist by going through your insurance provider.
5. Try nutrition therapy. Nutrition therapy addresses what your child has been eating with the goal of finding any food triggers that might cause vomiting. Usually, a registered dietician would work with you and your child to find meal plans that work for his specific needs. Ask your pediatrician about nutrition therapy. He or she should be able to recommend a dietician for you and your child.^[17]

EditTips

• Encourage rest time and quiet activities like watching a movie, coloring or looking at books.
• If in the middle of the night your child needs to vomit keep a large plastic bowl by his or her bedside table so that your child doesn't have to race to the bathroom.

EditSources and Citations

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