Prevention

Babies

You may be able to prevent spitting up and vomiting.

• Feed your baby smaller amounts at each feeding.
• Feed your baby slowly.
• Hold your baby during feedings.
  • Do not prop your baby's bottle.
  • Do not hold your baby in an extreme upright position.
  • Do not place your baby in an infant seat during feedings.
• Try a new type of bottle or use a nipple with a smaller opening to reduce air intake.
• Limit active and rough play after feedings.
• Try putting your baby in different positions during and after feeding.
• Burp your baby frequently during feedings.
• Consider talking to your doctor about starting your baby on hypoallergenic formula. About 1% of babies who spit up are allergic to milk protein.
• Do not add cereal to formula without first consulting your child's doctor.
• Do not smoke when you are feeding your baby. Children who are exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to develop illnesses that cause vomiting. If you smoke, quit. If you can't quit, do not smoke when you are holding or feeding your baby or when you are in the house or the car. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.
• Consider getting your child the rotavirus vaccine.(What is a PDF document?)

Toddlers

• Limit active and rough play after feedings.
• Teach your children how to wash their hands well, especially if there is an illness in the house.

If you use child care, talk to the caregivers about their program or policies for sick children.