Vomitting during meals

[Busy ECE mommy]

I have a vomit exclusion policy after 1 occurrence of vomitting, and the child must stay off for 24 hrs. I now have a situation with a child who is vomitting during meals about once a week. I'm pretty sure it's a sensory issue with food textures, but the parents don't seem concerned. Now that it's happening more frequently, I am worried about the child aspirating food in the lungs, and my liability. Would you send the child home after meal vomitting? Would you make them be excluded for 24 hrs even if you were sure the child wasn't truly ill? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Lee-Bee]

Are they gagging and spitting up what was in their mouth? Or are they vomiting a full stomach?

How old is the child. Are they doing it intentionally to get out of eating something or is it involuntary?

Does it happen at home?

[5 Little Monkeys]

I have the same vomiting policy as you. I've also had a child who did the same!!

She's been with me for 3 years and for the first 1-2 years, she would occasionally vomit at the lunch table. The first few times I sent her home but like yours, I realized it was likely a texture thing. I also noticed it would happen more often (but not always) after I said, "try one more bite". Now, when she says she's done, I believe her lol. I also don't send home anymore as I've learned it's not an illness and her staying causes no concerns. She did it at home too. It's been a long time since it's happened so hopefully she's outgrown it!

[torontokids]

My daughters both do this on occasion (more when they were younger). They both had acid reflux as babies so I don't know if it is connected with that or eating food they don't like. We clean it up and move on.

I have had a child throw up before and be fine otherwise. I didn't send them home because it was clear to me they weren't sick.

[Artsand crafts]

I just sent one home for vomiting, but that does not happen often. I think she has a stomach bug or something she ate last night.

It has never happened to me (a child vomiting that many times), but I think I would be sending them back home every time, maybe suggesting to take them to the doctor and see what they can do to avoid it. How am I going to differentiate when they are vomiting because of the stomach flu or just because it is usual?

[5 Little Monkeys]

I just sent one home for vomiting, but that does not happen often. I think she has a stomach bug or something she ate last night.

It has never happened to me (a child vomiting that many times), but I think I would be sending them back home every time, maybe suggesting to take them to the doctor and see what they can do to avoid it. How am I going to differentiate when they are vomiting because of the stomach flu or just because it is usual?

Normally, I'd agree! I always say it's not our job to be doctor but.....in my dcg's case, I feel pretty confident knowing when it's not a flu and it's just her texture/full issue. As soon as she starts gagging, I get nervous!!! Lol. I just tell her to breathe, be calm and swallow her mouthful. She eats well for me now but at home, she does tend to eat the same stuff and doesn't like trying new food. I have one boy who also gags from time to time but so far hasn't got to the vomiting stage. It's usually with new foods too. He used to always do it with sweet peppers but now loves them!

I think it just comes with time and knowing your kids. If they only do it when eating than it usually isn't an illness.

However, I just remembered....this past summer dcg came in with dad and threw up her oatmeal all over dad and my front entrance. He took her home just to be safe but she was fine all day and came back the next day with no issues. I think she just overate and than the ride over just made her vomit. It was a gross cleanup!! Lol