Evie Summers
It is not uncommon for babies to vomit, and it usually resolves within 1-3 days. However, if your 2-month-old baby is vomiting in their sleep, it could be due to various reasons such as acid reflux, GERD, motion sickness, or a viral infection. If your baby is vomiting frequently and forcefully, it is important to seek medical advice as it could indicate a blockage or an allergy. To prevent dehydration, ensure your baby is getting enough fluids, and if symptoms persist or you are concerned, contact your healthcare provider for further advice and guidance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dehydration | Symptoms include a dry mouth, crying without tears, decreased urination, and drowsiness |
| Fever | A fever in a baby less than 12 weeks old warrants caution; do not give your baby fever medicine before being seen by a doctor |
| Acid reflux | Vomiting from acid reflux happens when the muscles at the top of the stomach are too relaxed, causing vomiting shortly after feeding |
| Motion sickness | Some babies may experience motion sickness after a car ride or being twirled around, especially if they have a full stomach |
| Gastroenteritis | Also known as a "stomak bug" or "stomach flu," it is an infection of the digestive tract caused by a virus that typically resolves within a week |
| Feeding habits | Frequent, smaller feeds may help stop vomiting |
| Treatment | Ensure the baby continues to drink fluids to prevent dehydration; breastfeeding or giving milk feeds is recommended |
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What You'll Learn
Reflux or GERD
Reflux is a common condition in infants, with about 50% of babies up to 3 months old showing signs of reflux at least once a day. It is characterised by the regurgitation of food from the baby's stomach back up into the oesophagus, which may lead to spitting up or vomiting. This usually occurs after feedings and can be harmless. However, if your baby is mostly vomiting rather than spitting up, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another condition.
GERD is a more serious and long-lasting type of reflux. It occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle, which acts as a valve between the oesophagus and stomach, becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn't. This muscle normally stays closed to prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the oesophagus. Babies with GERD may have symptoms that prevent them from feeding or cause reflux to last more than 12 to 14 months.
The main symptoms of GERD include frequent spitting up and/or vomiting after feedings. Additional symptoms, such as refusing to eat or coughing, could also indicate GERD. It is important to note that GERD symptoms can be nonspecific, and it may be difficult to determine if your baby definitely has GERD. If you suspect your baby has GERD, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
There are some feeding changes that may help with your baby's reflux and possible GERD. These include adding rice cereal to your baby's bottle of formula or breast milk (consult your doctor first), burping your baby frequently, avoiding overfeeding, and holding your baby upright for 30 minutes after feedings. If feeding changes do not help, your doctor may recommend medications to lower the amount of acid in your baby's stomach. In rare cases, surgery may be suggested if the baby is experiencing severe breathing problems or has a physical problem causing GERD symptoms.
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Motion sickness
It is uncommon for children under 12 months to experience motion sickness. However, it is possible for a 2-month-old baby to have motion sickness. Motion sickness is caused by an increased sensitivity of the inner ear, which helps maintain balance. It is a normal reaction that occurs in 25% of people and can be triggered by car, boat, train, or plane rides, as well as amusement park rides.
If your 2-month-old baby is experiencing motion sickness, there are several things you can do to help alleviate their discomfort:
- Stop the activity: If possible, stop the activity that is causing the motion sickness. For example, if you are driving, pull over and take a break.
- Lie down and rest: Have your baby lie down and rest in a cool, well-ventilated area. If they fall asleep, that's even better.
- Provide clear fluids: Give your baby small sips of clear fluids, like water, to help prevent dehydration. Avoid fruit juice and fizzy drinks.
- Medical treatments: Consult your doctor, who may suggest over-the-counter medications or prescribe medicines like antihistamines or anticholinergics to prevent motion sickness. Antihistamines that cause drowsiness are effective, but both antihistamines and anticholinergics can have side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth. These medications are not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
- Alternative remedies: Some alternative remedies to help with motion sickness include sucking on a ginger lolly or wearing an acupressure wristband.
It is important to monitor your baby's hydration and overall well-being during and after an episode of motion sickness. Symptoms of dehydration include a dry mouth, crying without producing tears, decreased urination or fewer wet nappies, and drowsiness. If you are concerned about your baby's health or dehydration, seek medical advice or contact a healthcare professional.
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Dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration include a dry mouth, crying without tears, reduced urination, and drowsiness. In babies, you may also notice a sunken soft spot on their head. If you suspect dehydration, it is important to give your baby extra fluids. Small sips of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte are recommended, with 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 milliliters) given every few minutes. Breastfeeding or formula feeding can continue as long as your baby is not vomiting repeatedly.
If vomiting persists, you may need to temporarily stop formula feeding and switch to ORS. After 4 hours without vomiting, you can gradually reintroduce formula, starting with small amounts. For babies who are bottle-feeding breast milk, if they vomit once, offer half the regular amount every 1-2 hours. If they continue to vomit, reduce the amount to 1-2 teaspoons every 30-60 minutes. If your baby is vomiting repeatedly and unable to keep any milk down, contact your doctor as they may have an underlying health condition.
It is important to avoid sports drinks, soda, and full-strength juice, as these can make dehydration worse due to their high sugar content. Similarly, medicines for diarrhea or vomiting should only be given under medical advice. If your baby is dehydrated and has a fever, take their temperature and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
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Allergies
While it is normal for babies and children to vomit occasionally, and it usually lasts no longer than 1-2 days, allergies can be a cause for concern.
If your 2-month-old baby is puking in their sleep, it could be due to a food allergy. Vomiting can be the only symptom of a food reaction, and it typically occurs soon after eating the food in question. Although uncommon in infants, eggs and peanut butter are the main culprits. In addition to vomiting, other symptoms of a food allergy include a raised, red, itchy skin rash (hives) and swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, or the roof of the mouth.
Children with asthma or allergies are more likely to snore due to stuffy noses and congested airways. This can lead to sudden waking, a choking sensation, panic, coughing, and ultimately, vomiting. Additionally, coughing can sometimes worsen at night, triggering your child's gag reflex and causing them to vomit in their sleep. A productive cough, often associated with a cold or flu, can bring extra fluid into the stomach, leading to waves of nausea and vomiting.
If your child has asthma, pay attention to their coughing and wheezing at night, as the airways are more sensitive during sleep. Nighttime asthma symptoms can sometimes lead to vomiting, especially if they also have a cold or allergies.
If you suspect that your child is having difficulty breathing or exhibiting signs of anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical attention.
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Gastroenteritis
It is not uncommon for babies and children to vomit occasionally, and in most cases, it is not a cause for concern and will last no longer than 1-2 days. However, if your 2-month-old baby is vomiting in their sleep, it could be a symptom of gastroenteritis, a common digestive problem in infants.
If your baby is displaying symptoms of gastroenteritis, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor as soon as possible. In the meantime, it is crucial to focus on rehydration and continue to feed your baby with breast milk or their usual milk. Due to the risk of dehydration, it is recommended to divide meals into smaller, more frequent feedings to ensure the baby is getting adequate nutrition and fluids. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are excellent for rehydration as they contain water, carbohydrates, and mineral salts, and their sweet-and-sour flavour is often accepted by infants. If your baby is still being fed with milk, continue providing their usual milk in smaller amounts. It is also important to monitor your baby's behaviour. If they seem weaker, cry intermittently without producing tears, or are not acting like their usual self, it is advisable to call your doctor.
In terms of solids, it is recommended to avoid solid foods for 8 hours after vomiting and then gradually reintroduce them, starting with easily digestible, starchy foods such as cereals, crackers, and bread. Additionally, it is advised to stop using any over-the-counter drugs for 8 hours, as some of these can make vomiting worse.
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Frequently asked questions
Puking in babies can be caused by a number of factors, including acid reflux, gastroenteritis, motion sickness, or a stomach bug. If your baby is vomiting while sleeping, it is important to monitor them for other symptoms and contact a healthcare professional if you are concerned.
If your baby is vomiting, it is important to keep them hydrated. Continue breastfeeding or giving them milk feeds, and offer small sips of clear fluids like water or broth. Avoid fruit juice and fizzy drinks. If your baby is formula-fed, offer smaller feeds more frequently, and consider switching to pumped breast milk if the vomiting persists.
Vomiting in babies can be a concern if it is frequent, forceful, or accompanied by other symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider if your baby is vomiting multiple times, has a fever, shows signs of dehydration, or exhibits abnormal behaviour such as constant crying, lethargy, or confusion. Seek immediate medical attention if your baby's vomit is bright green, as this could indicate a blocked intestine.
