Baby's Tummy Troubles

So many new parents often worry about their baby vomiting every time they have a bottle.  Often however, the baby is not vomiting but possetting.  So what is possetting and what is the difference between this and vomiting!!

Vomiting is very common in the early weeks as your baby’s body is adjusting to feeding and their bodies continue to develop. When your baby ‘possets’ they only bring up a small amount of milk (possibly with wind). When your baby vomits they bring up a large volume of milk/liquid and this may frighten your baby into crying.   

So how do you deal with vomiting? Generally for most babies vomiting is due to a feeding problem for the first few months. However after this, their vomiting may be related to a stomach bug/virus. There are also times when your baby is vomiting due to a more serious reason; such as an ear, chest or urinary tract infection. If you notice that your baby has any of the symptoms listed below, it is important to take action immediately. If your baby is less than 6 weeks old, return to your  Maternity Hospital and seek medical advice from them. If your baby is older than 6 weeks, contact your doctor, 

Symptoms to watch for: 

·         Abdominal Pain 

·         Temperature 

·         Swollen tummy 

·         Tiredness or irritability 

·         Convulsions 

·         Strenuous, repeated vomiting or vomiting that continues past 24 hours 

·         Signs of dehydration; Dry mouth, lack of tears when crying, depressed fontanelle ( ‘soft spot’ on head) and/or decreased urination (fewer wet nappies) 

Because vomiting causes your baby to lose fluids they can become dehydrated quickly. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland recommends that you continue to give your baby full strength bottles to ensure they do not become dehydrated. Clear fluids such as cooled boiled water and dioralyte can be given. Diorlayte, which replaces lost electrolytes, can be purchased in most pharmacies.  Please don’t give your baby any over the counter anti-nausea medicines unless prescribed by your doctor. Contact your GP if your baby continues to vomit.

Grainne Grundy - Help Me to Parent