Why do kids throw up so much?
When children are ill, they tend to vomit more than adults.
Suckling infants throw up because they swallow a lot of air along with the milk. So, rather than vomiting, they are really just doing very wet burps. But slightly older children do seem to be more prone to vomiting than adults, and it’s likely this has evolved as a protective strategy.
For adults, the calorie value of slightly gone-off food or weird berries may have outweighed the risk from the toxins. But children are more vulnerable to food poisoning and disease because of their lower body weight and less developed immune systems. Throwing up at the first sign of trouble represents a better-safe-than-sorry approach.
Read more:
- Why do young children pick their noses and eat it?
- Why do children dislike vegetables?
- Why do kids love slime so much?
- Why do newborn babies cry?
Asked by: Nick Hunter, Norfolk
To submit your questions email us at questions@sciencefocus.com (don't forget to include your name and location)
- This article first appeared in issue 373 of BBC Science Focus Magazine – find out how to subscribe here
Authors
Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.
Sponsored Deals
May Half Price Sale
- Save up to 52% when you subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine.
- Risk - free offer! Cancel at any time when you subscribe via Direct Debit.
- FREE UK delivery.
- Stay up to date with the latest developments in the worlds of science and technology.
