Vomiting in Children Can Mean More Than Just a Stomach Bug
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
When Your Child Throws Up and You Are Not Sure What to Do Next
Your child vomits suddenly. It may come after a meal, during the night, or with little warning. As a parent, it is hard not to feel concerned, especially if it happens more than once. You may wonder if it is something they ate, a virus going around or a sign of something more. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we help parents understand vomiting with care that is calm, clear and compassionate.
Vomiting is common in childhood. Most cases are caused by short-term viral infections and settle with rest and fluids. But sometimes, vomiting may be linked to other causes that require closer observation. Our role is to help you understand the signs, what to expect and when to seek help.
What Is Vomiting
Vomiting is the forceful emptying of stomach contents through the mouth. It may occur with or without other symptoms, such as fever, tummy pain or diarrhoea.
Common causes of vomiting in children include:
Viral infections (such as stomach flu or respiratory infections)
Food poisoning or reactions to spoiled food
Motion sickness during travel
Reactions to medication or stress
Overeating or swallowing air
Underlying digestive or metabolic issues (less commonly)
Understanding the cause of vomiting is key to deciding the best course of action. Most cases improve within a day or two, but some require medical review.
What You Might Notice
Vomiting may happen once or several times, and your child’s behaviour afterwards can offer helpful clues. Here are a few things to observe:
Frequency and Appearance
Your child may vomit once after a meal or several times over the day. The vomit may be partially digested food, bile (yellow or green), or clear liquid if their stomach is empty.
Associated Symptoms
You may notice tummy pain, diarrhoea, fever or fatigue. Some children may refuse food, feel nauseated or become more withdrawn.
Signs of Dehydration
Watch for a dry mouth, sunken eyes, fewer wet nappies or reduced tears when crying. These signs suggest a need for medical care to restore fluids and prevent complications.
How We Support Your Child at Joyful Seeds
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we offer a calm, thoughtful approach when your child is unwell. We take the time to understand the full picture, how long symptoms have lasted, what your child is eating, and how they are behaving in between episodes.
Your child’s care may include:
A thorough history of vomiting pattern, food intake and accompanying symptoms
A physical examination to check hydration, temperature and abdominal comfort
Urine or stool tests if needed to identify possible infection or cause
Safe rehydration plans with clear instructions on what and how to offer fluids
Anti-nausea medication if appropriate, based on your child’s age and symptoms
Follow-up guidance on when to return to normal feeding and activities
Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu provide steady, supportive care for vomiting and related digestive concerns. They help parents feel reassured and prepared, even in the middle of a messy, unsettling moment.
Supporting Parents Through Sick Days
Vomiting can feel scary, especially when it comes on suddenly or affects sleep, school or feeding. At Joyful Seeds, we are here to make sure you feel supported at every stage. We explain what is happening in ways that are easy to understand and offer guidance that fits your child’s age and your family’s needs.
We also help you know when to seek further review, such as if vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, if there is blood or bile in the vomit, or if your child becomes increasingly tired or unresponsive.
Let Us Help You Care With Confidence
If your child is vomiting and you are feeling unsure about the next step, we welcome you to visit us. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we offer child-focused, family-supportive care that helps you understand what is going on and how to help your child feel better. You do not have to face it alone, we are here to walk with you through every stage of recovery.
