Since Levi was born, JB has used the words “spit up” and “throw up” interchangeably. I would argue with him that they were different but couldn’t articulate how. Was it simply a matter of quantity? Consistency? How would we know if Levi was experiencing something more serious than a little bit of spit up?
I learned on Friday that the difference between spitting up and throwing up was obvious when Levi reenacted in our kitchen the famous vomiting scene from Poltergeist. The best part? It was orange, courtesy of the sweet potatoes (with butter) that he ate for lunch. It projected with such force that baby guy started coughing and choking on it, and I had to hold him over the sink so he could get it all out. He didn’t cry, but he did seem surprised or shocked by what was happening.
As this appeared to be our first case of baby puke, I immediately called his pediatrician. The nurse in the office instructed me to give him clear Pedialyte — .5 oz every 15-20 minutes — and not nurse or feed him until he went eight hours without vomiting. Levi whined and squirmed for the next couple hours, clearly upset or uncomfortable, and all I could do was try to comfort him by holding him close and letting him fall asleep in my lap.
Having a sick kiddo is the worst, isn’t it?
Ah, yes, the first time you see a baby vomit (especially on you…and the wall, sofa, dog) is pretty spectacular!
Take is easy little man 🙂
oh my, the day levi barfs on the dog… i’d have to throw them BOTH in the bathtub!
Poor baby (and mama)! Hope he feels better soon!
Thanks, Ashley! We both recovered pretty quickly 🙂
It really does rip your heart out to see your baby sick. I hope he feels better soon!
Thanks, Jenni! He’s all better now.
Sorry to hear this, the difference is obvious once you’ve seen the two. Spit-up becomes a no big deal factor, cleaned with a paper towel, wet wipe. Throw up is put multiple people in the tub, hose down the walls and get the washing machine running.
It’s amazing that much force and volume can come from such a tiny baby. Been there, done that, my three are teenagers and older now, but remember it well. Something you never forget.
Hope he feels better. Dawn
Yep, the difference is definitely obvious! Thanks for commenting–and welcome!