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Curdled formula spit up. Baby Spit Up: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

Why do babies spit up so much. What causes curdled milk spit up in infants. How to differentiate between normal spit up and concerning symptoms. When should parents be worried about baby’s spit up habits.

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Understanding Baby Spit Up: A Common Parenting Challenge

Welcoming a newborn into your life brings joy, but it also comes with unexpected challenges. One such challenge that often catches new parents off guard is the frequency and volume of baby spit up. Approximately half of all infants experience spit up during their early months, making it a widespread phenomenon that, while messy, is generally considered normal and expected.

Is your baby spitting up more than you anticipated? This comprehensive guide will explore the reasons behind infant spit up, help you distinguish between normal occurrences and potential concerns, and provide practical advice for managing this common issue.

The Science Behind Baby Spit Up: Why It Happens

To understand why babies spit up so frequently, it’s essential to look at the developing digestive system of an infant. The lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle responsible for keeping food in the stomach, is not fully functional in newborns for several months. This anatomical immaturity makes it easy for recently consumed milk or formula to make its way back up the esophagus and out of the mouth.

Several factors can trigger spit up in babies:

  • Overfeeding or a very full stomach
  • Sudden position changes after feeding
  • Burping, drooling, coughing, or crying
  • The liquid nature of an infant’s diet (breast milk or formula)

In rare cases, excessive spit up might be related to a milk-soy protein intolerance. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that about 5% of babies have difficulty digesting proteins in milk- or soy-based formulas, which can manifest as increased spit up among other symptoms.

Curdled Milk Spit Up: Should Parents Be Concerned?

One aspect of baby spit up that often alarms parents is the appearance of curdled milk. Why does spit up sometimes look curdled? The curdling process is a natural occurrence when milk mixes with stomach acid. As the milk begins to digest, it separates into curds (solid parts) and whey (liquid parts), giving it a chunky, curdled appearance when spit up.

Is curdled milk spit up a cause for concern? Generally, no. Curdled spit up is typically a sign that the milk has been in the stomach long enough to begin the digestion process. However, if you notice other concerning symptoms alongside curdled spit up, such as distress, fever, or changes in feeding habits, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician.

Factors Influencing Curdled Spit Up

  • Time elapsed since feeding
  • Amount of milk consumed
  • Individual baby’s digestive process
  • Feeding position and burping frequency

Normal Spit Up vs. Concerning Symptoms: When to Worry

While spit up is generally harmless, it’s crucial for parents to distinguish between normal occurrences and potentially concerning symptoms. Normal spit up typically looks similar to the milk or formula the baby has consumed. It often comes out through the mouth or nose without causing pain or distress to the infant.

When should parents be concerned about their baby’s spit up habits? Watch for these signs that may indicate a more serious condition:

  • Forceful or projectile vomiting
  • Green or bloody spit up
  • Refusal to feed or difficulty feeding
  • Signs of dehydration (dry diapers, sunken fontanelle)
  • Poor weight gain or weight loss
  • Excessive crying or irritability during or after feedings
  • Arching of the back during feedings

If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician promptly.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Infants: Beyond Normal Spit Up

While most cases of baby spit up are harmless, some infants may develop a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). How does GERD differ from normal infant reflux? In GERD, the lining of the esophagus becomes irritated and damaged due to frequent spit up, causing pain and discomfort for the baby.

Signs that your baby might be experiencing GERD include:

  • Excessive drooling
  • Uncontrollable crying, especially during or after feedings
  • Poor sleep patterns
  • Erratic feeding behaviors
  • Difficulty gaining weight
  • Frequent hiccups or wet burps

If you suspect your baby might have GERD, it’s crucial to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. They can provide guidance on management strategies or recommend further evaluation if necessary.

Spit Up vs. Vomit: Understanding the Difference

Parents often struggle to differentiate between spit up and vomit, as both involve the expulsion of stomach contents. However, there are key differences that can help distinguish between the two:

Spit Up Characteristics:

  • Effortless expulsion of milk or formula
  • Often dribbles out of the mouth or nose
  • Usually doesn’t cause distress to the baby
  • Typically occurs during or shortly after feeding

Vomit Characteristics:

  • Forceful expulsion, sometimes projectile
  • Often accompanied by retching or gagging
  • May cause distress or discomfort to the baby
  • Can occur at any time, not just after feeding
  • May have a different color or consistency than normal spit up

Why is it important to distinguish between spit up and vomit? While spit up is generally harmless, frequent or persistent vomiting can be a sign of various health issues, including infections, food intolerances, or more serious conditions like pyloric stenosis. If you’re unsure whether your baby is spitting up or vomiting, or if vomiting persists, consult your pediatrician for guidance.

Managing and Reducing Baby Spit Up: Practical Tips for Parents

While spit up is a normal part of infancy, there are several strategies parents can employ to help minimize its frequency and volume:

  1. Feed smaller amounts more frequently to prevent overfeeding
  2. Burp your baby during and after feedings
  3. Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding
  4. Avoid tight diapers or clothing around the waist
  5. Consider using slow-flow nipples if bottle-feeding
  6. Minimize activity and movement immediately after feeding
  7. For formula-fed babies, ensure you’re using the correct mixing ratio

Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It may take some trial and error to find the best strategies for your little one.

Coping with the Mess: Practical Advice for Parents

Dealing with frequent spit up can be challenging for parents. Here are some tips to help manage the mess:

  • Keep burp cloths or small towels handy during feedings
  • Use bibs during and after feedings to protect clothing
  • Consider using waterproof mattress covers for the crib
  • Have a change of clothes readily available for both baby and yourself
  • Use gentle, baby-safe stain removers for stubborn milk stains

When to Seek Medical Advice: Guidelines for Concerned Parents

While most cases of baby spit up are normal and resolve on their own as the infant grows, there are situations where medical advice should be sought. When should parents consult a pediatrician about their baby’s spit up?

  • If spit up is forceful or projectile
  • If your baby seems to be in pain during or after feeding
  • If spit up is green, yellow, or contains blood
  • If your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight
  • If there are signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, sunken fontanelle)
  • If your baby refuses to feed or shows signs of difficulty swallowing
  • If spit up is accompanied by fever, diarrhea, or other signs of illness

Remember, you know your baby best. If you’re concerned about your infant’s spit up patterns or overall health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and reassurance.

The Role of Diet in Managing Infant Spit Up

For breastfeeding mothers, dietary changes may sometimes help reduce infant spit up. Are there specific foods that can increase spit up in breastfed babies? While every baby is different, some mothers report that certain foods in their diet seem to increase their baby’s spit up. These may include:

  • Dairy products
  • Spicy foods
  • Caffeine
  • Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes
  • Gas-producing vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower

If you suspect that your diet might be contributing to your baby’s spit up, consider keeping a food diary to track any potential correlations. However, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet for your own health and milk production. Always consult with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant before making significant changes to your diet.

Formula Considerations for Spit Up Reduction

For formula-fed babies experiencing excessive spit up, your pediatrician might recommend trying a different type of formula. Options may include:

  • Hydrolyzed formulas for babies with milk protein sensitivities
  • Anti-reflux formulas that are slightly thickened to reduce spit up
  • Formulas with different protein sources, such as soy-based options

Never switch formulas without consulting your pediatrician first, as they can provide guidance based on your baby’s specific needs and health history.

The Developmental Timeline: When Does Spit Up Typically Improve?

Many parents wonder how long they can expect their baby to continue spitting up frequently. When do babies typically outgrow frequent spit up? While every child is different, most babies see a significant reduction in spit up around 3-4 months of age. This improvement often coincides with the maturation of the lower esophageal sphincter and the baby’s ability to sit upright.

By 6-7 months, when most babies start solid foods and spend more time in an upright position, spit up usually decreases further. However, some babies may continue to spit up occasionally until they reach 12-14 months of age.

Factors Influencing the Duration of Frequent Spit Up

  • Individual development of the digestive system
  • Feeding practices and techniques
  • Introduction of solid foods
  • Underlying conditions like GERD or food sensitivities

Remember that every baby develops at their own pace. If you’re concerned about your baby’s spit up patterns as they grow, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your pediatrician.

Long-Term Outlook: The Impact of Infant Spit Up on Future Health

Parents often worry about the long-term effects of frequent spit up during infancy. Does excessive spit up in babies lead to health issues later in life? The good news is that for most babies, frequent spit up during infancy does not lead to long-term health problems. As the digestive system matures and babies spend more time upright, spit up naturally decreases and eventually stops.

However, in rare cases where spit up is a symptom of a more serious condition like GERD, early intervention and proper management are crucial to prevent potential complications. These might include:

  • Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
  • Feeding aversions
  • Respiratory problems
  • Poor weight gain or failure to thrive

If your baby has been diagnosed with GERD or another condition related to frequent spit up, work closely with your pediatrician to develop an appropriate management plan. With proper care and monitoring, most babies with these conditions go on to thrive and develop normally.

Emotional Impact on Parents and Caregivers

While the physical effects of infant spit up are usually temporary, the emotional impact on parents and caregivers can be significant. Dealing with frequent spit up can be frustrating, messy, and sometimes worrying. It’s important for parents to:

  • Seek support from family, friends, or parent groups
  • Communicate openly with healthcare providers about concerns
  • Remember that this phase is temporary and normal for many babies
  • Practice self-care and stress-management techniques

By understanding that spit up is a common and usually harmless part of infancy, parents can approach this challenge with confidence and patience.

Why Does My Baby Spit Up So Much? Top Baby Spit Up Concerns & What’s Normal

There are some things about newborn care that no amount of parenting classes can prepare you for: cleaning your first diaper blowout, sucking snot from plugged-up infant nostrils and the sheer amount of baby spit up you’ll encounter.

About half of all babies spit up at some point during their early lives. While it might feel concerning to see your little one spitting up — you’re probably wondering whether she’s actually keeping enough breast milk or formula in her stomach — know that spit up is normal and expected.

Keep reading for the full lowdown on baby spit up, plus when to talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about how much your little one is spitting up.

Why do babies spit up?

Baby spit up, or the dribble of stomach contents that can come out after feeding, is messy, frustrating… and perfectly normal.

An infant’s digestive system is still developing, and her lower esophageal sphincter — a ring of muscle that keeps food in the stomach — isn’t fully functional for several months. This makes it very easy for food that she’s just eaten to come back up. If your baby’s stomach is very full after a feeding or you’ve changed her position suddenly after eating, for example, that can force food out of her stomach and up her esophagus in the form of spit up.

Babies also might spit up when they burp, drool, cough or cry. The fact that your infant is on an all-liquid diet (you know, breast milk or formula) also makes it easy for the contents of her stomach to come right back up.

In very rare cases, your baby’s formula might be contributing to excessive spit up. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an estimated 5 percent of babies have milk-soy protein intolerance, meaning that they cannot properly digest the proteins present in milk- or soy-based formulas. (Spit up is one of several signs that could indicate this condition.) If your baby is diagnosed with this condition, her doctor might recommend a hydrolyzed formula.

Possible causes for baby spit up

Although spit up is normal, there are a few reasons why your little one might be emptying the contents of her stomach.

Spit up 

Normal spit up looks a lot like whatever baby is eating, which is either breast milk or formula before she starts solids (usually sometime around 6 months). Both breastfed and formula-fed babies spit up, and the act of spitting up usually looks effortless. It often comes out through the mouth and/or nose, but doesn’t cause pain and isn’t forcefully done. In fact, most babies typically don’t mind or notice spit up. 

Reflux

 (infant GERD)

Technically, spit up is reflux. But sometimes, if it’s accompanied by other symptoms or poor weight gain, spit up might indicate that your baby has a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease in babies, also known as infant GERD.

With infant GERD, the lining of the esophagus becomes irritated and damaged by all of the spit up. It can cause pain and fussiness during and after feeding, and make it harder for baby to feed and gain weight. Other signs of GERD include excessive drooling, uncontrollable crying, poor sleep and erratic feeding patterns. Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you notice these symptoms.

Baby spit up vs. vomit: How can you tell the difference?

Spitting up and vomiting might seem similar. They’re both messy, and both involve your baby’s stomach contents ending up on your clothing.

But unlike spit up, vomit is forceful (and in more serious cases, even projectile). It is also caused by a virus, bacteria, food poisoning or some other kind of specific health issue. Sometimes, vomit can be green (which hints that there might be an infection) or red (which indicates there’s some kind of blockage or gastrointestinal bleeding). Other causes of baby vomit might be motion sickness, certain prescription medications, or disturbing sights or sounds.

In rare cases, true vomiting might indicate that your baby has something called pyloric stenosis, which is when a muscle in the stomach thickens, preventing food from moving to the small intestine. This can cause projectile vomiting and dehydration, and needs to be treated immediately. Symptoms typically start when baby is between 2 weeks and 2 months old.

How much baby spit up is normal?

Yes, spit up means laundry day happens a lot more often during baby’s first few months of life. But it’s usually perfectly normal. And while you might feel like your baby is spitting up all of her breast milk or formula, that is usually not the reality.

Some babies rarely ever spit up; others spit up after nearly every meal. And volumes of spit up can vary. Most often, spit up is a mix of food and stomach acid, and it’s hard to quantify how much is actually being spit up — which is why doctors rarely use volume on its own to tell whether spit up is normal or a sign of something more serious.

Instead, doctors typically consider the following when assessing a baby’s spit up: 

  • Is the spit up forceful? 
  • Is it colored red or green?
  • Does baby appear to be uncomfortable or in pain?
  • Is baby still feeding normally? 
  • Is baby still gaining weight normally? 

Those kinds of questions help practitioners figure out whether a baby is spitting up normally or if something else might be contributing to her spit up. But as long as your baby is still otherwise healthy and gaining weight, spit up is likely normal.

Some parents also wonder if it’s typical for babies to spit up hours after eating. While spitting up typically happens during or shortly after a feeding, if your baby is otherwise healthy, happy, gaining weight and doesn’t have any of the red flags above, this is also probably normal, but ask your child’s pediatrician if you have any concerns.

When do babies stop spitting up?

Spit up happens in most infants, so know that it’s normal — and it gets better as they get older!

Babies typically spit up until they’re around 12 months old. You can expect spit up to get more frequent until about 3 months of age, and then it should gradually start to get better as baby gets stronger and can sit up on her own.

However, if your baby starts spitting up for the first time after 6 months of age or her spit up turns to vomiting, that could be a sign that something more serious is going on.

Tips to minimize spitting up in babies

Again, spit up is normal — but to prevent it from happening as often, there are a few steps experts typically recommend.

  • Don’t overfeed. Babies’ stomachs are small, and it’s easy to overload them. (This tends to be more of an issue with bottle-fed babies, since it’s easier for babies to get milk from a bottle nipple than from the breast.) Try feeding more often at smaller volumes if you notice that your baby often spits up during feedings.
  • Hold baby upright for 30 minutes after feeding. Sitting chest-to-chest on you for at least a half hour after each feed might minimize the amount of spit up your baby experiences.
  • Burp frequently. Burping gently during and after feeds — for bottle-fed babies, at least once halfway through a feeding or after every 2 or 3 ounces, and when you switch from one breast to the other for breastfed babies — can help reduce spit up.
  • Limit post-feeding activity. Going straight from a feeding to playtime might cause milk to come back up, for example.
  • Use a slow-flow nipple. If you bottle-feed, try using a slow-flow nipple. These are designed to slow down feeding and reduce the amount of air baby takes in while eating — which may help reduce spit up risk. 

When to call the doctor about baby spit up

Spit up is usually normal and healthy. But in rare cases, your baby’s spit up habits might indicate a more serious health problem. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice any of the following: 

  • Not gaining weight well or losing weight
  • Crying or arching her back while feeding
  • Refusing to feed
  • Spit up that starts after 6 months or continues past 18 months
  • Yellow, green or red spit up
  • Frequent forceful or projectile vomiting 
  • Spit up accompanied by other symptoms such as bloody stools, wheezing or coughing, fewer wet or dirty diapers, lethargy and/or fever 

Like dirty diapers, spit up is a normal part of early parenthood. While you should keep an eye out for any abnormal symptoms, spit up is usually something to ride out. In the meantime, thank goodness for burp cloths and stain removers! 

Reflux (Spitting Up) | | Pediatrics Day and Night

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Baby Spit Up: How Much Is Too Much?

Everyone tells you you’ll be doing more laundry when baby arrives, but nobody tells you it’s because of baby spit up! You’ll wonder: Why is baby spitting up this frequently? Does baby have reflux? Is baby getting enough to eat?

New parents have enough to worry about, so let’s get to the bottom of these questions, and more. Read on to find out:


What Is Baby Spit Up?

First thing’s first: In most cases, spitting up is very common.

This is more of a laundry problem than a medical problem and seldom bothers baby. — Dr. Sears

Some experts estimate that nearly 40% of normal, healthy babies spit up after feedings. If baby spits up right away, it may look just like milk; if baby spits up once he/she has begun to digest it might look curdled and smell slightly sour. 

If you’re worried about the quantity of baby spit up, you’re not alone. Many parents see what looks like a lot of spit up and wonder if their baby is getting enough to eat. You might take comfort in knowing that baby spit up is made up mostly of saliva and gastric juices—there’s usually only a small amount of milk in spit up.

Although that puddle can still be off-putting, Dr. Sears estimates that most baby spit up is only about a teaspoon of liquid. To put your mind at ease, he suggests trying this simple experiment: Pour a tablespoon of milk on the countertop and compare the resulting puddle to the stain on your clothes from your baby’s spit up. You’ll likely notice that the puddle on the counter is much larger.

Baby spit up usually dribbles or spurts out of their mouth. Occasionally baby’s spit up looks forceful, like projectile vomiting. Without other signs of illness, more forceful baby spit up may be a sign of reflux, possibly as a result of food sensitivities (something mom is eating or from the type of formula) or an anatomical issue. (More on this below.)


Why Do Babies Spit Up?

Still, you’re probably wondering why this happens—and why some babies spit up as frequently as they do. The most common causes of baby spit up are:

1.

Immature Digestive System

It’s also important to remember that part of the reason your baby spits up is because…well, they are a baby. Baby’s digestive systems just aren’t as mature as ours are.

“In infants, the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach—the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—is not fully mature, allowing stomach contents to flow backward,” explains Dr. Andrew E. Mulberg, a pediatric gastroenterologist.

2. Improper Latch

Beyond basic biology, the simplest and most common cause of baby spit up is one that is actually relatively easy to fix. Sometimes a baby isn’t latched on snugly enough to the breast or bottle, and takes in an excessive amount of air. To reduce baby spit up, breastfeeding mamas can remedy this by ensuring baby has a deep, close latch; bottle-fed babies should have a tight seal around the nipple teat.

3. Fast Letdown

Likewise, a fast letdown during breastfeeding can make it difficult for a young baby to keep up with the flow of milk. This can cause some of that milk to come back up. It can also cause baby to take in excess air, as they struggle to swallow all of the milk. If you’re having trouble with an overactive letdown, try different breastfeeding positions (laid-back nursing works with gravity to help keep the flow at a manageable pace) or get help from a lactation consultant. If you are bottle-feeding, make sure you have a slow flow nipple and practicing paced bottle feeding.


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Baby Spit Up vs. Vomit

So we know that baby spit up is normal. But at some point you’ll probably wonder: Is my baby spitting up… or is he/she vomiting? Here’s how to tell the difference between baby spit up and vomiting: 

Quantity

Though it can look like much more, baby spit up is generally only about a teaspoon at a time. Vomit, on the other hand, is likely to be persistent, adding up to much more.

Force

If baby is sick, it is usually more forceful. In babies, vomiting is generally projectile. Spit up, on the other hand, is more likely to slide or dribble out of baby’s mouth.

Color

Vomit tends to be green or yellow (this indicates bile is present), whereas baby spit up is usually white, off-white, or light yellow in color.

Smell

You might argue that baby spit up doesn’t smell so great, but it’s usually just a bit sour. Vomit, on the other hand, has a more foul smell.

Mood

You will notice your baby cry or look sick (red, watery eyes and/or change in complexion) when they are about to vomit. She may also have a fever. If baby is generally happy and asymptomatic, it’s more likely that he/she is spitting up.

Spit Up

Vomit

Quantity
Spit up is generally only about a teaspoon at a timeVomit is more persistent, adding up to much more
Force
Spit up is more likely to slide or dribble out of baby’s mouthVomiting is more forceful and generally projectile
Color
Spit up is usually white, off-white, or light yellowVomit tends to be green or yellow
Smell
Spit up doesn’t smell so great, but it’s usually just a bit sourVomit has a more foul smell
Mood
Baby is generally happy and asymptomaticBaby may cry or look sick (red, watery eyes and/or change in complexion) when they are about to vomit


What to Do if It Seems Like Baby Is Vomiting Due to Illness

If your baby is less than 12 weeks old and seems to be vomiting, call your pediatrician immediately.  In rare cases this can be a sign of a serious condition called hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, which prevents food from reaching the intestines.

If your baby is a bit older, a viral infection is the most common cause of vomiting, and will usually pass on its own. Still, it’s always a good idea to give your doctor a call to discuss symptoms, concerns, and treatment, especially if it’s accompanied by a fever.

The most common complication in babies older than 12 weeks is dehydration. Here are the signs of dehydration in an infant:

  • Fewer wet diapers
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Lack of tears when crying
  • Sunken eyes or soft soft
  • Decreased saliva


My Baby Is Spitting Up More Than Usual

So your baby wasn’t spitting up, but now it seems like they can’t keep anything down? That’s normal, too. Sometimes babies will begin spitting up much more than usual, seemingly out of the blue.  Here are some reasons your baby may be spitting up more often:

1. Change in diet

Some babies spit up more frequently after starting solids, especially if they are eating too much too soon. Cut back on solids to see if that helps. Others will react to a change in a breastfeeding mom’s diet. Revert back to old eating patterns to see if that clears things up.

2. Teething

Sometimes teething babies, who are producing more saliva than usual, will spit up excess saliva along with their milk.

3. Illness

Babies may also spit up more when they have a cold, as baby is trying to rid his/her body of the extra mucus.


How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Getting Enough Food?

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Is your baby generally happy and healthy?
  • Is your baby gaining weight?
  • Is your baby wetting diapers?
  • Is your baby growing well?

If you answered yes to these questions, you probably don’t need to worry—even if you’re dealing with a lot of baby spit up. But remember: You know your baby best. If something seems off, call your pediatrician.

Otherwise, if your baby is unusually fussy, seems to lack energy, or if the baby spit up has blood in it, or looks and smells like vomit, it is time to call the doctor.


Can Babies Choke on Their Own Spit Up?

It’s very unlikely for a baby to choke on their own spit up. Babies have a reflex that causes them to cough out or swallow any fluid they spit up or swallow, even while sleeping.

If you are worried or simply want to ease baby’s discomfort, you can prop up the end of the entire crib with blocks to elevate baby’s head. (Never use pillows or anything inside the crib to prop up baby!)

Baby Spit Up: How Much is Too Much? – Crib Propped Up

(image source)


When Do Babies Stop Spitting Up?

Most instances of spitting up end with the conclusion of the “fourth trimester,” at about 3-4 months. (Paloma stopped spitting up around 4 months old.) Other babies begin spitting up less starting at 6 months, once they start solids, which can often help them “hold down” their food and settle their stomachs. Other babies decrease the instances of spitting up by 9-12 months. And some are late bloomers, and don’t stop spitting up until closer to a year. But don’t fret: By that one year mark, most babies are done spitting up on a regular basis.


Resist the Urge to Feed Baby Infant Rice Cereal

Some may recommend mixing milk with rice cereal as early as 6 weeks (!) to thicken baby’s food and help it stay down, it’s not a good idea—for lots of reasons. Mainly, rice cereal it’s low in nutrients and hard on digestion. Baby’s digestive system really isn’t ready for solids, and particularly grains, until at least 6 months. Rice cereal is also full of yucky preservatives and toxins. Read more about baby cereal here.


When to Call the Doctor

Although baby spit up generally isn’t cause for concern, excessive baby spit up can occasionally be tired to anatomical dysfunction or metabolic disorders. Call your pediatrician if: 

  • baby is losing or not gaining weight
  • baby spit up increases significantly
  • baby is coughing, gagging, or otherwise struggling to eat
  • spit up is green or has blood in it
  • normal baby spit up becomes projectile
  • baby is unusually fussy or, conversely, baby is lethargic


Could My Baby Have Reflux?

Sometimes babies can develop a condition like GERD, or acid reflux. In these cases, the backflow that often happens as a result of an immature digestive system can cause babies pain or discomfort.

There are two forms of reflux in babies: acid reflux and silent acid reflux. Acid reflux usually causes projectile vomiting and intense crying; silent reflux, a more subtle condition, usually causes sour breath, hiccups, and physical stiffness or discomfort.

Signs of reflux include:

  • Discomfort or crying after eating
  • Coughing
  • Refusing the breast/bottle
  • Arching back after eating
  • Resistance to laying on back
  • Gagging or choking
  • Excessive gas
  • Foamy bowel movements
  • Persistent crying or colic
  • Sour breath
  • Frequent burps and hiccups
  • Failure to gain weight

Read more about baby reflux, including my experience with it, here. 


Natural Ways to Relieve Baby’s Reflux

The good news is that if spitting up is becoming a serious issue for your baby—or if your baby is showing signs of reflux—there are things you can do to make your baby feel better.

1. Try probiotics

Some mothers report seeing positive changes once they give their baby a probiotic—or if they are breastfeeding, if they take a probiotic themselves. A 2014 study published in JAMA Pediatrics supported this claim. The researchers found that babies who took probiotics for the first three months of life showed improvements in colic symptoms, acid reflux, and constipation. 

I don’t normally suggest giving babies supplements, but L. reuteri, a probiotic that has been clinically shown to reduce crying time by 50% in colicky breastfed infants, made a big difference for Paloma. Here are other great probiotics for babies.

2. Keep baby elevated

A baby with reflux needs a little extra TLC during and after feedings. Keep baby in a sitting position while feeding them (a boppy pillow can offer extra support) and hold baby upright for at least 30 minutes after meals (babywearing can make this an easier task for mama). 

3. Try cell salts

Some newborns don’t make enough Nat Phos, a natural cell salt that helps with digestion. A tablet of Nat Phos 6X, a homeopathetic remedy, can be split in half and dissolved in breastmilk and administered with a syringe or dissolved under baby’s tongue. (It’s important to check with your doctor before administering cell salts to your baby.) 

Other simple “hacks” for naturally helping your baby deal with reflux or excessive spitting up include:

  • avoid putting excessive pressure on your baby’s belly
  • limit car rides, rocking, or other motion after feedings
  • burp your baby after feedings

Mostly, take note of what seems to bother your baby, and what soothes them. It is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach, and you know your baby best.

4. Try an elimination diet

When all else fails, a breastfeeding mama can try an elimination diet. The biggest culprit is usually dairy and cutting it out of your diet can make all the difference for your baby. (The proteins in dairy can irritate a baby’s underdeveloped digestive tract.)

That is usually all that is needed. However, some mothers may find that eliminating these foods and beverages also help:

  • Dairy (as mentioned above)
  • Soy
  • Gas-producing vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, onions, and peppers
  • Acidic food like coffee, tomatoes, and citrus
  • Wheat
  • Nuts
  • Eggs
  • Shellfish
  • Gluten

See how to start an elimination diet.

5. Try another formula

If baby is formula-fed, saying goodbye to all that baby spit up might be as simple as switching formulas. Try a cow-milk free formula if you think that might be the culprit. See the best baby formula here.

How About You?

Did you have a baby who spit up? What helped your baby feel better? And what would you tell a new parent who is worried about baby spit up?

What’s The Difference Between Spit-Up & Vomit? Experts Explain The Symptoms

I’m embarrassed to say that the first newborn I interacted with for any amount of time was my own. Sure, I’d held babies at showers and parties, but you really don’t know a thing about infancy until you spend at least 24 hours with an infant. And then, expect it to be a pretty harrowing 24 hours. Is she eating enough? Pooping enough? Everything that goes into, or comes out of, your baby’s body is a potential source of anxiety. I remember asking, “What’s the difference between spit-up and vomit?” It turns out the difference is stark.

“Generally babies are unconcerned after they spit up,” explains Kristin Gourley, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with Lactation Link, LLC, in an email interview with Romper. “It is white, but appearance can vary and can be curdled or look like straight milk.” Often, babies spit up directly after a feeding. Sometimes yellow mucus comes up, which sounds frightening. However, the key word here is unconcerned. As you may have noticed, babies are super chill after they spit up. It might even be their superpower.

“Spitting up is a relatively normal physiologic process in babies; it’s harmless,” writes pediatricain Dr. Jarret Patton, MD in an email interview with Romper. “The cause can be from overfeeding or inefficient burping.” He goes on to note that when a baby spits up, they throw up only a portion of what’s in their tummies. In contrast, vomiting is more forceful, with larger quantities coming up. While overfeeding can sometimes cause vomiting, viruses, formula intolerance, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also be behind it, according to Patton. “If at anytime the stomach contents appear bloody or green colored, your baby should be seen by a physician immediately,” he says.

According to BabyCenter, babies spit up so much because they’re still new to the world of eating, ingesting, and digesting. Essentially, they’re swallowing pockets of air with that breast milk or formula and coughing it up as a result. The medical term for spitting up is reflux, and on average, babies have the most reflux around 4 months. Mayo Clinic even calls spitting up “a rite of passage” for babies — at least, it’s certainly a test for your washing machine. But spitting up shouldn’t really bother your baby. Like I said, it’s a superpower.

Vomiting, on the other hand, is unpleasant for grown people and babies alike. When a baby is vomiting, they might heave without spitting up anything, and you’ll probably notice other issues, too. “In general, baby will likely feel unwell and may have diarrhea or other symptoms like a persistent cough as well,” writes Gourley.

So how much spit-up is normal, and how much is too much?

“Normal spit-up amounts range by a lot,” writes Gourley. “It can look like baby has spit up their whole feed, but it’s much more likely that it simply looks like a lot of milk when it really isn’t that much.” Gourley suggests pouring a tablespoon of water onto the table and comparing that with your baby’s usual spit-up. On a flat surface, even a tablespoon of fluid will look like a lot. Basically, you don’t have to worry about how much your baby is spitting up, as long as they seem relaxed and content.

Of course, there are some symptoms parents should always be on the lookout for. Here’s Gourley:

“Concerning symptoms might be extreme, inconsolable fussiness, abnormal bowel movements, not gaining weight, dehydration, or distress or fussiness while eating. If baby is happy, healthy, and growing well, then spit-up is generally just a laundry problem, even if it sometimes looks like a lot.”

The human race hasn’t lasted this long by keeping illness quiet and mysterious. When a baby is sick, chances are they’ll let you know — loudly, and throughout the night. When in doubt, however, it’s always OK to call your pediatrician. I promise you’re not the first parent to ask about the difference between vomit and spit-up, nor will you be the last.

Check out Romper’s new video series, Romper’s Doula Diaries:

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Baby Throw Up Curdled Milk

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Baby Spitting Up Curdled Milk: Causes and Healthline

8 hours ago Spit-up, just like vomit, can contain stomach acid. Babies’ spit-up becomes curdled when milk from breastfeeding or formula mixes with the …

Estimated Reading Time: 4 mins

Website: Healthline.com

MYTH

FACT

1.    

Formula is as good as human milk.

Human milk is far superior and cannot be duplicated.  The nutrients
and antibodies in human milk are uniquely suited to the
physical and mental development of the human baby.  Human
milk contains human growth factors while formula based
on cow’s milk contains bovine growth factors. The composition
of human milk changes during a feeding and as baby grows
to meet baby’s changing needs. 

2.    

Women should not breastfeed in front of other people.

Breastfeeding is normal and natural and in New Jersey, women have a legal
right
to breastfeed in public places.

Women who are shy about breastfeeding in public can practice how to
feed discretely in front of a mirror to gain confidence. 

3.    

If the mother has to go back to work or school, she should not start
out breastfeeding.

Many women continue to breastfeed after returning to work or school. 
They exclusively breastfeed while on maternity leave then
express or pump their milk to leave when they are separated. 
If the mother continues to breastfed after returning to
work or school, her baby will be healthier and she will
be doing something special that no one else can do for
her baby. Some women choose formula for when they are
separated and breastfeed when she and baby are together. 
Any breastfeeding is better than none. 

4.    

The breastfeeding mother has to change the way she eats.

There is no special “breastfeeding diet” or list of foods to avoid.

Most women can eat the same foods they are used to eating.

The mother will make good milk no matter what foods she eats.

Mothers around the world eat spicy, flavorful food.  Of course, it
is best for the mother to eat a variety of nutritious
foods to stay healthy.

5.    

If the mother is sick, she has to stop breastfeeding.

If mother gets sick, her baby has already been exposed to her illness
and mother’s milk will have antibodies to protect the
baby.  If baby does get sick, the illness is likely to
be less severe.  Mothers can breastfeed if they have a
cold or flu.  Mothers should not breastfeed if they have
HIV, active untreated tuberculosis, or HTLV‑1. 
Most over the counter and prescription medications are safe to take while breastfeeding.

6.    

Women who smoke should not breastfeed.

All women are encouraged to stop smoking or at least cut down.  It
is better for the baby if the mother smokes and breastfeeds
than it is if the mother smokes and does not breastfeed. 
It is the secondhand smoke that causes babies to have
more health problems than what is passed through the milk. 
No one should smoke while holding a baby or in a car or
the same room as a baby.  Mothers who smoke should time
it for after a feeding, not before.

7.    

Breastfeeding mothers cannot drink alcohol.

Breastfeeding mothers can have alcoholic beverages occasionally.

Women who abuse alcohol (more than two drinks a day or binge drinkers)
should not breastfeed.

8.    

Many women do not produce enough milk.

Milk is made whenever milk is removed from the breast.   The more effectively
the baby feeds, the more milk the mother will make.  Mothers
can exclusively breastfed twins and even triplets.  Mothers
naturally produce milk after babies are born and they
need confidence in their own bodies.  They also need information
and support to manage breastfeeding in the early days. 
Small breasts can make enough milk for the baby.  Supply
comes from the demand.  There are only two medical circumstances
that may result in a woman having a low milk supply (physical
anomaly and hormone imbalance).

9.    

Some mothers have milk that is not rich enough to satisfy baby.

Human milk has all the calories, nutrients and fats babies need.

Because human milk is so easy to digest and newborn stomachs are so
small, newborns feed 10 to 12 times in 24 hours.  Human
milk does not and should not look like formula or cow’s
milk.

10.    

Combination feeding ensures the baby is getting enough.

Babies are born to exclusively breastfeed.  Giving formula in normal
circumstances in addition to breastfeeding can result
in overfeeding, reducing the mother’s milk supply, and
increasing all the known risks of formula. 

11.    

There is no milk until the third day after delivery.

Milk is already in the breasts when the baby is born.  The first milk
is called colostrum (see the next myth).  Colostrum is
measured in teaspoons, not ounces.  The breasts are soft
in the first few days after delivery so the baby can learn
how to breastfeed.

12.    

The first milk (colostrum) is bad for the baby.

Colostrum is rich in the nutrients and antibodies essential to newborns.
 It is concentrated and helps the baby’s bowels to pass
the first stools.  Colostrum is the perfect first food
for human newborns. 

13.    

Breastfed babies need water bottles.

Human milk is about 87% water, just what a body needs.  Even in the
desert, breastfed babies do not need additional water.

14.    

Family members should give bottles so they can bond with the baby.

Family and friends can bond with the baby by holding, burping, bathing,
talking to and playing with baby.  Bottles can interfere
with the establishment of the mother’s milk supply and
the baby learning how to breastfeed. 

15.    

Breastfeeding makes the baby too dependent on the mother.

Loving, holding, and meeting baby’s needs make him feel secure and
help him to become independent.  All babies need to develop
a strong attachment to one person first before they expand
their circle of attachments.

16.    

Breastfeeding hurts.

Breastfeeding should not hurt.  It hurts when baby’s jaws close on
the nipple.  When correctly positioned, the baby’s tongue
covers the lower gum line, and his gums close on the areola
(the dark area).  Baby should not have to turn his head
to reach the nipple. When done correctly, mother may feel
a slight tug. 

17.    

Breastfeeding is hard work and makes the mother overly tired.

Just being a mother is tiring and stressful.  Breastfeeding saves work
and lets mother rest while feeding her baby.  The breastfeeding
hormones make the mother feel peaceful and relaxed.

18.    

A mother’s milk will go bad if it stays in her breast or if she gets
scared or angry.

Human milk is always fresh and cannot spoil in the breast. 

Feelings cannot change the composition of human milk.

If a mother is upset, her milk flow may be slower but the milk is fine.

19.    

Pumping is a good way of knowing how much milk the mother has.

Pumping only shows how much milk can be pumped with that particular
pump at that time.  Swallowing, wet diapers, frequent
stools and weight gain are better guides to baby’s intake.

20.    

Breastfeeding makes the breasts sag.

Pregnancy, heredity, and aging cause the breasts to sag, not breastfeeding. 

21.    

A mother needs to clean her nipples before breastfeeding.

The nipple area has natural protective oils to keep it germ free. 

Both soap and alcohol irritate the nipples and should be avoided. 
Mothers only need to rinse the breasts with water once
a day.

22.    

Breastfeeding causes sexual stimulation.

Breastfeeding is a pleasurable experience but does not cause sexual
feelings.

23.    

Breastfeeding is natural so there is no need to learn about it.

Breastfeeding is a skill learned by practice.  Mothers are more likely
to succeed when they have information, help from others,
and support.

24.    

All health care providers know a lot about breastfeeding.

Practical aspects of breastfeeding were not always included in medical
training.  Health care providers vary greatly in the advice
they give on breastfeeding.  Women are encouraged to learn
about breastfeeding by reading and attending breastfeeding
classes and support groups such as La
Leche League of New Jersey
.