If your baby seems to spit up after nearly every feeding, you’re definitely not alone. Spit-up is extremely common because babies have immature digestive systems, small stomachs and a developing muscle that helps keep milk from flowing back up.
Babies can also swallow air while feeding, which can fill their stomachs quickly. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that when a full stomach is followed by movement or a change in position, milk can come back up easily.
The good news is that most babies gradually outgrow the problem as their digestive systems mature. Dr. Brown’s notes that noticeable improvement commonly occurs between 6 and 12 months, particularly as babies sit more upright and begin eating solid foods.
When Should Parents Worry About Spit-Up?
The biggest thing parents should watch is how their baby is doing overall, rather than simply counting the number of spit-ups. A baby who is comfortable, feeding well, gaining weight and producing plenty of wet diapers may simply be a “happy spitter.”
However, forceful or projectile vomiting is different from ordinary spit-up and deserves medical attention. Parents should contact their pediatrician if vomiting happens forcefully after every feeding or if there is blood in the vomit.
Other warning signs include poor weight gain, difficulty feeding, decreased urine output, significant irritability or green or bloody spit-up. Boys Town National Research Hospital advises parents to contact a physician promptly if these symptoms appear.
Simple Ways to Handle Baby Spit-Up
Parents can try several simple strategies to reduce everyday spit-up. Smaller, more frequent feedings, regular burping and keeping babies upright after eating can all help, while vigorous play immediately after meals may make things worse.
For bottle-fed babies, paced feeding and a slower-flow nipple may help reduce how quickly milk is consumed. Dr. Brown’s also recommends holding babies upright for about 15 minutes after feeding and burping during bottle feeds.
Most importantly, don’t put your baby to sleep in an inclined position to prevent reflux. Babies should continue to sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface, and parents should talk with their pediatrician whenever spit-up changes or something doesn’t seem right.
