Vomiting
Should I worry about vomiting or diarrhea?
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Key takeaways
- Go to the ER if: go to the er now
- Call your doctor if: call during office hours
- Usually safe to monitor at home: monitor at home
- When in doubt, call your pediatrician — they would rather hear from you than have you worry alone
How old is your baby?
This is not medical advice. When in doubt, always call your pediatrician.
Quick Reference Guide
Call 911 / Go to ER
Go to the ER now
Projectile vomiting in newborns, green vomit, or blood in vomit/stool needs immediate evaluation.
- Go to the emergency room
- Do not give any food or fluids until evaluated
- Note the color, frequency, and any blood
Call your pediatrician now
Persistent vomiting with signs of dehydration or fever needs prompt attention.
- Call your pediatrician or after-hours line
- Try small sips of Pedialyte or breast milk every 5-10 minutes
- Track wet diapers carefully
Call Your Pediatrician
Call during office hours
Worth checking in with your pediatrician if you're unsure about dehydration.
- Call your pediatrician at their next office hours
- Keep offering small, frequent feeds
- Track wet diapers - aim for at least 4-6 in 24 hours
- If symptoms worsen before the office opens, call the after-hours line
Monitor at Home
Monitor at home
Mild vomiting or diarrhea is common with stomach bugs and usually resolves in 1-3 days.
- Keep offering breast/bottle or Pedialyte frequently in small amounts
- Avoid juice or sugary drinks
- Track wet diapers - call if fewer than 4 in 24 hours
- Call if vomiting lasts more than 24 hours or diarrhea lasts more than 5 days
Vomiting — When to Seek Care Decision Guide
Urgency: Emergency / ER
Scenario: Go to the ER now
What to Do: Projectile vomiting in newborns, green vomit, or blood in vomit/stool needs immediate evaluation.
Key Actions: Go to the emergency room; Do not give any food or fluids until evaluated; Note the color, frequency, and any blood
Urgency: Emergency / ER
Scenario: Call your pediatrician now
What to Do: Persistent vomiting with signs of dehydration or fever needs prompt attention.
Key Actions: Call your pediatrician or after-hours line; Try small sips of Pedialyte or breast milk every 5-10 minutes; Track wet diapers carefully
Urgency: Call Doctor
Scenario: Call during office hours
What to Do: Worth checking in with your pediatrician if you're unsure about dehydration.
Key Actions: Call your pediatrician at their next office hours; Keep offering small, frequent feeds; Track wet diapers - aim for at least 4-6 in 24 hours; If symptoms worsen before the office opens, call the after-hours line
Urgency: Monitor at Home
Scenario: Monitor at home
What to Do: Mild vomiting or diarrhea is common with stomach bugs and usually resolves in 1-3 days.
Key Actions: Keep offering breast/bottle or Pedialyte frequently in small amounts; Avoid juice or sugary drinks; Track wet diapers - call if fewer than 4 in 24 hours; Call if vomiting lasts more than 24 hours or diarrhea lasts more than 5 days
| Urgency | Scenario | What to Do | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency / ER | Go to the ER now | Projectile vomiting in newborns, green vomit, or blood in vomit/stool needs immediate evaluation. | Go to the emergency room; Do not give any food or fluids until evaluated; Note the color, frequency, and any blood |
| Emergency / ER | Call your pediatrician now | Persistent vomiting with signs of dehydration or fever needs prompt attention. | Call your pediatrician or after-hours line; Try small sips of Pedialyte or breast milk every 5-10 minutes; Track wet diapers carefully |
| Call Doctor | Call during office hours | Worth checking in with your pediatrician if you're unsure about dehydration. | Call your pediatrician at their next office hours; Keep offering small, frequent feeds; Track wet diapers - aim for at least 4-6 in 24 hours; If symptoms worsen before the office opens, call the after-hours line |
| Monitor at Home | Monitor at home | Mild vomiting or diarrhea is common with stomach bugs and usually resolves in 1-3 days. | Keep offering breast/bottle or Pedialyte frequently in small amounts; Avoid juice or sugary drinks; Track wet diapers - call if fewer than 4 in 24 hours; Call if vomiting lasts more than 24 hours or diarrhea lasts more than 5 days |
Based on AAP and CDC symptom management guidelines. Always call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
Frequently asked questions
When should I take my baby to the ER for vomiting?
When should I call the doctor about baby vomiting?
When can I monitor vomiting at home?
Bottom line
Most cases of vomiting in babies can be managed at home with monitoring. Seek emergency care if you notice go to the er now. When in doubt, call your pediatrician.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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