Vomiting may not always be indicating that something is wrong. It is in fact said that you should never stop
toddler vomiting if you think it is coming as it is a way to get harmful things out of your body but sometimes it could be an indication to a serious unidentified condition. Vomiting may occur due to a viral, bacterial or any other infection, motion sickness, excessive crying or because of consumption of a toxic substance. Dehydration results in loss of water and fluids from the body due to vomiting.
Weight gain problem in your toddler could be as a result of the current illness as vomiting can cause your child to lose a lot of weight. However, if this condition prolongs for a long period of time it is important to diagnose the cause whether it is excess or less weight gain. There are a number of causes that could lead to this problem and the doctor will have to do a thorough examination and tests of your toddler’s health history, diet and so on. But the primary cause of your child not gaining weight could be the result of poor eating habits or inability to absorb nutrients well. Proper nutrition is extremely essential especially in the first 3 years of the child for his physical and mental development.
The best way to address this problem would be by encouraging your child to eat healthful and the diet should include eggs, pancakes, mashed potatoes and whole milk products like milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and so on. Make sure you do not force your child at any point to eat if not interested particularly if ill or suffering from diarrhea or vomiting.
The best thing to do when your child is vomiting is to give oral rehydration solution as this contains salt, sugar and essential nutrients which your toddler has lost due to vomiting. Once your toddler stops vomiting, you can introduce other fluids into the diet like clear soup and broth. To prevent scalding, you can brew a tummy friendly tea such as ginger, chamomile or pepper that is if your child likes it. Your toddler can also enjoy ice pops or slush made with electrolyte solutions or diluted juices. Once your child is able to keep these in the body, start feeding on solid food but make sure you avoid all milk and dairy products completely. In case of sever signs of dehydration it is advised you rush to the doctor immediately.
Submitted by P T on February 18, 2010 at 11:13
Read more questions in Toddler Illness