Friday, November 23, 2012

How to Handle Vomit - A Guide for First-Timers

Yesterday, I had the absolute joy of seeing my family in Michigan via Skype. I love Skype! My little brother and his wife are expecting their first child next Spring. When my mom asked how my little Rose was, after all she's been through and her tummy bug last weekend (and another round last night), the questions of an excitedly nervous expectant daddy started coming out. Questions about vomit.

Ironically, the eve of Thanksgiving is the anniversary (not that I celebrate) of our first bout with what's commonly (if not incorrectly) known as the stomach flu. Imagine a night of an 18-month old who couldn't keep anything down, a screaming 3-month-old and a panicked Papa all in one night. Apparently, babies don't get sick in France (wink, wink). Fortunately, he learned to relax after the first few experiences.

To help you and your partner keep calm your first time (and possibly second and third), here's my unofficial guide to handling vomit.

Photo by me. 
A. Get Prepared: 

You'll need:  
- listening skills;
- a large, unbreakable bowl;
- towels (not your good ones)
- spare lovey (optional, but recommended)

1. Listen to Your Child - if they say their tummy isn't feeling good, don't push them to eat. If they are uncharacteristically grumpy or just feeling off (poorly, as they say here in England), ready yourself just in case.

2. Keep a "barf bowl" nearby - The younger the child, the bigger the bowl (more for aim than content). Have the child take it with them wherever they go. Leave it by their bedside at night and make sure they know where it is. Leave a nightlight in their room or the hall. Trust me, you don't want to deal with vomit in the dark.

3. Towel the floor - lay a large towel out alongside their bed. If they don't throw up, no problem - just one semi-dirty towel that can be used as a bathmat. If they do, you've just saved your carpet and the effort it takes to clean vomit out of it.

B. Once it's Started:

1. No Food or Drink for 1 Hour - No, not even a sip. Don't feel bad because they're thirsty; they won't dehydrate in an hour, I promise.* Once your child has thrown-up, expect it to happen again. If you cave and give them fluids too soon they will just come out again. Hold off on food for at least 3-hours.

2. Small Sips - My rule of thumb is a teaspoon of water every 5 to 10 minutes. Just enough to wet their lips. If after 1-hour they haven't thrown up again, go ahead and let them drink...water.

3. Avoid colored food or drink - skip the juice, stick with water. Watermelon might seem like a good first food choice, but it comes out red. Go for applesauce, plain toast or white grapes instead. Your child is suffering, but you have to consider the clean-up. You'll thank me.

4. Get the dirties in the wash ASAP - Vomit stains. The sooner you rinse the chunks and get it in the machine, the better. The last thing either of you want is to be reminded of the night's events every time you look at her favorite blanket. If she missed the towels, treat carpet the second you get your sweetie settled.

Points to remember: 

- A single episode of vomiting is rare. Typically, in my experience, once it starts you're looking at one round per hour for approximately 3 hours. Stick to the food/drink rule and hopefully after that the vomiting will cease.

- It isn't uncommon for your child to feel OK during the day after a rough night, manage to eat and drink, only to toss it all again once or twice the following evening; be prepared!

- Each child has their own unique vomiting style. Some are neat and tidy most of the time and some spray the room, bowl or not. Know your child; good prep will make your clean-up easier.

- Curiously, 90%** of childhood vomiting occurs after 9pm. Don't expect to sleep much that night.

- One vomiting child usually wakes another. Prepare to deal with multiple children crying, but do your very best to keep healthy ones far from sick ones! Two criers is one thing, two vomiters  (I know that isn't a word) is another!

- You usually won't need to consult your doctor for a case of gastroenteritis (the real name for it). But please do so if your child appears dehydrated or the vomiting persists for more than 8 to 12 hours. Visit Kid's Health for more on when to call the doctor.

The good thing about tummy bugs is that they are typically short-lived. Keep calm, be prepared, cuddle your kiddo and you'll both be feeling fine soon!


*I'm not a doctor, so don't sue me. Always check with your pediatrician if you're concerned.
**I made up this statistic based on personal experience.
*** My guide is meant for children ages 1+

16 comments:

  1. I had to share this - so perfectly written!

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  2. Honestly ... as must as I understand this post I really hate it. I cannot stand vomit and my only means of preparing for it is to avoid it as fast as I can. My husband knows how it affect me (I immediately throw up!!!) So he usually does all the work. Thanks for the tip and I will definitely forward it to him.
    I am following you now and would love for you to follow along.
    Jillian
    http://puzzlemecomplete.blogspot.com/2012/11/ww-smile-for-me-and-smile-for-you.html

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    1. Love your honesty! My hubby can't stand it - he can't even bother with cat pee! I'll happily visit your blog and follow along. Thanks for a great comment!

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  3. I used to make my kids "camp out" on the bathroom floor. At least if they missed the toilet or bowl, then I could mop the floor.

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    1. Very good idea! I surround mine in towels if it's during the day and they just want to veg on the couch.

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  4. I think these are great tips. I also suggest having the cleaning supplies ready to go so you can easily sanitize in the middle of the night. Once my boys were old enough to get to the bathroom by themselves, I made sure I left a light on in the bathroom and in the hallway so that they could easily run to the toilet. I tell them that I'll meet them in the bathroom to help!

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    1. Smart thinking! I like to keep supplies on each both levels of the house!

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  5. Oh, what a great spin on a how to! I think this is great advice! :) Stopping by from SITS Sharefest.

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  6. Great tips! My 3 year old was sick with the bug about at year ago, and yes, wash the vomit out right away!

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    1. Seems like they hit at least one of my kids once a year!!! Thank you for your visit. You have a lovely blog. I used to live in S'pore and loved KL!!

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  7. Newest follower from the blog hop, would love it if you could come by and follow back?
    Erica
    www.ericastartwalking.com

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Erica. I promise a follow back after you watch my bloggy pet peeves and tell me what you think!!! :)

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  8. What great tips! It's so hard watching a teeny little one be sick, but easier if your well prepared.

    Thanks for sharing with my NO RULES Weekend Blog Party :)

    Paula
    lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Paula! For your visit, comments and your rockin' blog hop every weekend!

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Go on, tell me what you think!