Kids throwing up: causes, treatments, and how to manage vomiting
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on February 23rd, 2026.
Seeing your child throw up is never easy and can be extremely stressful for parents. Vomiting or throwing up is when the stomach forcefully empties through the mouth. It’s very common in kids, partly because their stomachs are more sensitive and their immune systems are still developing. Most of the time, it doesn’t last long, but it's still worrisome.
Throwing up is a sign of something else going on, like foodborne illness, the stomach flu, or motion sickness. However, depending on the age of the child, frequent vomiting paired with other symptoms may require medical attention.
Common causes of throwing up in kids
Vomiting in children isn’t a disease in itself. Rather, there is usually another underlying cause. Determining the cause can help provide the right kids’ vomiting remedy so your child can feel better sooner. A few common causes may include:
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an umbrella term for a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection that impacts the stomach. This can come from contaminated food or contact with a sick person.
Food poisoning
Food poisoning can develop within hours of eating contaminated food. Children are more vulnerable because of their developing immune systems.
Strenuous coughing
A frequent cause of vomiting in children is intense or prolonged coughing, especially during colds, the flu, or other upper respiratory infections (URIs). Strong coughing fits can trigger the body’s gag reflex, leading to vomiting.
Overeating or eating too quickly
Children have smaller stomachs and cannot eat a lot in one sitting. Eating too much food in a short period of time can overwhelm the digestive system, causing the child to throw up.
Motion sickness
Motion sickness happens when the brain receives conflicting signals from the inner ear and the eyes, such as when riding in a boat or a car. This mismatch can cause nausea and vomiting, particularly in more sensitive children.
Nerves and anxiety
Strong emotions like anxiety, stress, or nervousness can trigger vomiting in children. When a child feels anxious before a stressful situation, the brain and stomach communicate through the gut-brain axis. This stress response can increase stomach sensitivity and lead to nausea or vomiting.
Symptoms
A kid vomiting is often not the only symptom they are experiencing. Other common symptoms of vomiting in children may include:
Diarrhea
Since a common cause of kids throwing up is gastroenteritis, an illness that impacts the stomach can also cause other digestive symptoms such as diarrhea. Frequent diarrhea can increase the risk of dehydration, particularly in babies and young children.
Fever
If the vomiting is caused by an illness, it is common for the child to also have a fever. While fever is a sign the body is fighting an infection, it can make your child feel weak, especially if they are also vomiting.
Abdominal pain or cramps
Stomach pain or cramping can happen when the digestive tract is irritated. Severe or worsening abdominal pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Dehydration
Vomiting and diarrhea can increase the risk of dehydration, especially in children who tend to have less body water. Signs may include dry mouth, reduced urination, dark urine, lethargy, or crying without tears. If these signs occur, please visit the nearest emergency department.
When to seek medical care
Vomiting in children typically resolves quickly. But if it gets worse or your child is showing signs of dehydration, you may want to seek medical attention. Here are some signs to look for and what to do when kids throw up.
Persistent vomiting
Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours in older children, or more than 12 hours in infants and toddlers, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Ongoing vomiting increases the risk of dehydration and can be a sign of a medical issue that needs evaluation and treatment.
Vomiting with blood or green bile
Blood in vomit may appear red or look like coffee grounds, which can be a sign of bleeding or injury in the digestive tract. Green or bright yellow vomit may indicate an intestinal blockage, which requires urgent medical care at a nearby emergency department.
Severe dehydration
Children are at greater risk of dehydration. Signs include very little or no urine output, extreme lethargy, sunken eyes, dry lips or tongue, and inability to keep fluids down. Dehydration can become dangerous quickly in children, so it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
High fever
A fever isn’t always a sign that the child needs medical care, but when it is persistent or above 102°F (39°C), it can indicate a more serious infection and may need evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Vomiting after a head injury
Vomiting after a head injury can be a sign of a concussion or a serious brain injury. Medical evaluation is vital if vomiting is paired with headache, drowsiness, confusion, or changes in behavior. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately visit your nearest emergency department.
How urgent care can help
A visit to urgent care provides reassurance and medical guidance when kids are throwing up, and you’re unsure how to help them feel better. Providers can evaluate your child, identify possible causes, and recommend the right treatment for vomiting in children based on age, symptoms, and medical history.
To get started, find a center near you and walk in or save your spot online.
Frequently asked questions
Here are frequently asked questions about what to do when kids throw up.
What are the most common reasons kids throw up?
The most common causes of kids throwing up include gastroenteritis, food poisoning, motion sickness, overeating, and food allergies or intolerances.
How can I tell if my child’s vomiting is serious?
Vomiting in children may be more serious if it is persistent, accompanied by severe abdominal pain, high fever, dehydration, blood or bile in vomit, or follows a head injury. If your child is lethargic, cannot keep fluids down, or symptoms are getting worse, it's important to see a healthcare provider.
What should I do at home when my child throws up?
Common home remedies for children vomiting may include rest, hydration, and bland foods until the symptoms resolve. If vomiting continues, a healthcare provider can advise on next steps.
When should I take my child to urgent care?
Take your child to urgent care for vomiting if symptoms become severe, are persistent, are accompanied by a high fever, or the child is showing signs of dehydration.
Can urgent care treat vomiting and related symptoms?
Yes, urgent care providers can treat vomiting in children and related symptoms. For cases requiring specialized care, urgent care can quickly connect you to emergency services or specialists.
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