At a glance
- Go for emergency assessment now for green vomit, blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, severe or persistent belly pain, or a swollen belly with vomiting. Call local emergency services if the child is difficult to wake, collapses, has trouble breathing or appears critically ill.
- Seek prompt assessment for much less urine, a very dry mouth, fewer tears, unusual sleepiness, inability to keep fluids down, blood in stool or worsening symptoms. Contact the clinician promptly for a young infant with repeated vomiting or diarrhea, or a child with significant medical problems.
- A baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment. Do not assume fever is only a stomach infection or delay assessment while trying home treatment.
- When fluid replacement is needed, use a commercial oral rehydration solution (ORS) as directed. It contains a suitable balance of water, sugar and salts. Offer small, frequent amounts; get medical advice if the child cannot keep them down.
- Continue breastfeeding. Offer the baby's usual formula as tolerated and ask the clinician about ORS for an infant. Prepare formula exactly as instructed; never add extra water. Plain water must not replace an infant's milk feeds or ORS.
- Do not give anti-diarrhea or anti-vomiting medicines without advice from the child's clinician. Antibiotics do not treat a viral intestinal infection. If a prescribed medicine is vomited, ask for advice before repeating the dose.
What vomiting and diarrhea can mean
Vomiting and diarrhea often occur with an intestinal infection, but other illnesses can cause them. Losing fluid and salts can cause dehydration, especially in babies and young children.
Diarrhea means stools that are much looser or more frequent than usual for that child. A breastfed baby's normally loose stools alone do not establish an illness; consider the change from their usual pattern and how they are feeding and behaving.
Warning signs and young infants
Go for emergency assessment now for green vomit, blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, severe or persistent belly pain, or a swollen belly with vomiting. Call local emergency services if the child is difficult to wake, collapses, has trouble breathing or appears critically ill.
Seek prompt assessment for much less urine, a very dry mouth, fewer tears, unusual sleepiness, inability to keep fluids down, blood in stool or worsening symptoms. Contact the clinician promptly for a young infant with repeated vomiting or diarrhea, or a child with significant medical problems.
A baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment. Do not assume fever is only a stomach infection or delay assessment while trying home treatment.
Fluids and milk feeds
When fluid replacement is needed, use a commercial oral rehydration solution (ORS) as directed. It contains a suitable balance of water, sugar and salts. Offer small, frequent amounts; get medical advice if the child cannot keep them down.
Continue breastfeeding. Offer the baby's usual formula as tolerated and ask the clinician about ORS for an infant. Prepare formula exactly as instructed; never add extra water. Plain water must not replace an infant's milk feeds or ORS.
Juice, soda and sports drinks do not have the same balance as ORS and sugary drinks can worsen diarrhea. Avoid homemade rehydration recipes; follow product instructions and the clinician's age-specific advice.
Food and medicines
As vomiting settles and appetite returns, offer the child's usual age-appropriate foods as tolerated. Do not force food, fast the child for prolonged periods or use a restrictive bananas-rice-applesauce-toast diet as the sole diet.
Do not give anti-diarrhea or anti-vomiting medicines without advice from the child's clinician. Antibiotics do not treat a viral intestinal infection. If a prescribed medicine is vomited, ask for advice before repeating the dose.
What to observe and share
Recheck drinking, urine, comfort and alertness regularly. Seek advice if symptoms persist or worsen, or whenever you are concerned. A diary cannot confirm adequate hydration, diagnose gastroenteritis or show that staying home is safe.
Common questions
What should a child with vomiting and diarrhea drink?
When fluid replacement is needed, use a commercial oral rehydration solution (ORS) as directed. It contains a suitable balance of water, sugar and salts. Offer small, frequent amounts; get medical advice if the child cannot keep them down.
Should I stop breastfeeding or dilute formula?
Continue breastfeeding. Offer the baby's usual formula as tolerated and ask the clinician about ORS for an infant. Prepare formula exactly as instructed; never add extra water. Plain water must not replace an infant's milk feeds or ORS.
Which symptoms need emergency help?
Go for emergency assessment now for green vomit, blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, severe or persistent belly pain, or a swollen belly with vomiting. Call local emergency services if the child is difficult to wake, collapses, has trouble breathing or appears critically ill.
When can my child eat normally again?
As vomiting settles and appetite returns, offer the child's usual age-appropriate foods as tolerated. Do not force food, fast the child for prolonged periods or use a restrictive bananas-rice-applesauce-toast diet as the sole diet.
Sources
- AAP — Diarrhea in children
- AAP — Drinks for a vomiting child
- NIDDK — Gastroenteritis symptoms and dehydration
- NIDDK — Gastroenteritis treatment
- AAP — Fever in babies
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.