There are various reasons that can cause your baby to feel sick and vomit, like indigestion, car sickness, prolonged crying or coughing. And it is very common for babies to frequently vomit in early weeks and first few years of life. This is the time they are getting adjusted to the feeding and their bodies are developing. If only a few teaspoons of milk is coming out, it’s just spitting and not vomiting. Vomiting attack usually subsides within 6 to 24 hours, even without treatment. There is no need to worry about baby throwing up no fever if baby seems healthy and continues to gain weight.
Possible Causes for Baby Throwing Up No Fever
Vomiting can be caused due to various reasons and some of the common causes are given below:
1. Eating Too Fast and Too Much
Eating too much food in one meal or at one time will cause vomiting.
2. Motion Sickness
Travelling in car, on a boat or rides in theme parks can cause motion sickness. Anything that spins or even a swing can cause vomiting. If it is occasional, it should not be a problem. However, for persistent vomiting, doctor should be consulted.
Other symptoms of motion sickness include queasiness, yawning, sweating, paleness and disinterest in food.
3. Food Allergy
Certain foods are known to cause reactions or allergies, which leads to nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Foods which are known to cause allergies are eggs, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, nuts, wheat and fish.
Other symptoms of allergies are skin rashes, hives, and swelling (especially around the mouth), shortness of breath and loss of consciousness.
4. Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is also called gastro-esophageal reflux (GER). It occurs when the food from the stomach goes back into the esophagus. This happens due to weak esophageal muscle or sphincter and causes irritation in the throat. A doctor should be informed to get the baby’s checkup done.
Other symptoms of this condition are non-forceful spitting that occurs frequently as the baby grows, fussiness after being fed, slow weight gain and heartburn.
5. Gastroenteritis
This condition can be caused by bacteria or virus or parasites and causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The other symptoms of gastroenteritis are:
- Watery stools
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle ache or headache
- Low fever (sometimes)
Bloody diarrhea can indicate severe infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
6. Food Poisoning
Ingestion of foods which are spoilt can cause food poisoning. Foods like dairy products, undercooked meats are more susceptible to spoiling.
Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, watery stools, abdominal pain and cramps and occasional fever.
Home Remedies for Baby Throwing Up No Fever
It is normal for babies to fall sick at some point of time and is not a reason to worry a lot. As a parent, you will tend to get worried. But you will soon get used to it. There are some basic steps you can take to improve the health of your baby.
- Keep him hydrated. Vomiting causes the baby to lose fluids from the body, which can lead to dehydration. To replenish body fluids, regular sips of oral rehydration solution should be administered along with breast milk or baby formula.
- Help him rest. The stomach usually empties into the intestine during sleep and reduces vomiting. Letting the baby sleep will help the baby get better.
- Ease him back into his eating routine. Getting the baby back to regular food habits is essential. You can start feeding your baby digestible foods like bananas, formula or yogurt easily. Popsicles made from frozen clear liquids can also be given to baby over 1 year of age.
- Hold off on solid foods. Getting the baby back on solid foods is a step which should be taken slowly. You should not be in a hurry to let your baby eat solid foods as much as they want, as it could lead to indigestion again. Solid foods should be introduced 6 hours after the last vomiting episode. Foods like crackers, toast, gelatin which are bland and easy to digest should be given. Once these are tolerated, foods like cereals and rice can be given. Avoid giving spicy or fatty foods.
- Avoid specific triggers. Strong, pungent odors, flickering lights and driving can also trigger nausea and vomiting. You should avoid these triggers like perfume, smoke and sitting in a stuffy room.
- Don't give your child anti-nausea medicines. Over-the-counter anti-nausea medicines should not be given to children without consulting the doctor.
When to See a Doctor
The baby’s pediatrician should always be informed if the baby is suffering from vomiting, nausea or stomachache. You should contact the doctor immediately if the following symptoms are seen:
- Dehydration in babies
- Traces of blood in vomit
- Vomiting and fever for over 72 hours
- Vomiting with abdominal pain, as is seen in appendicitis
- Pain in chest, severe pain or cramping in abdomen
- Blurring of vision, dizziness, confusion
- Cold, clammy and pale skin
- High fever, stiffness in the neck
- Presence of fecal matter or fecal odor in vomit
Vomiting if left unchecked can lead to dehydration. Kids will not be able to recognize the symptoms of dehydration and hence, the parents need to ensure that they are kept well hydrated. Symptoms like dry lips and mouth, sunken eyes, rapid breathing or pulse and decreased urination indicate dehydration in babies. In babies, sunken fontanel (soft spot in the skull) should also be checked as this is also a sign of dehydration.
