Why do babies vomit after feeding. What are the signs of reflux in infants. How can you tell if baby vomiting is normal or concerning. When should you seek medical attention for a baby’s vomiting. What are effective ways to manage infant reflux and spit-up.

Understanding Baby Vomiting: Normal vs. Concerning

Many parents become alarmed when their baby vomits, but in most cases, it’s a common and harmless occurrence. Babies often spit up small amounts of milk or formula, especially in the first few months of life. This is known as posseting or dribbling and is typically nothing to worry about.

However, there are instances when vomiting can indicate a more serious issue. It’s crucial for parents to recognize the difference between normal spit-up and problematic vomiting.

When is baby vomiting considered normal?

• Small amounts of spit-up during or shortly after feeding
• Occasional dribbling of undigested food
• Mild spit-up that doesn’t seem to bother the baby
• Gradual improvement as the baby grows older

Signs that baby vomiting may be concerning:

• Large amounts of vomit
• Forceful or projectile vomiting
• Yellow or green vomit (indicating presence of bile)
• Vomiting accompanied by other signs of illness
• Frequent vomiting that leads to dehydration
• Poor weight gain or weight loss

Reflux in Babies: Symptoms and Management

Reflux is a common condition in infants where stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. This can cause babies to spit up or vomit during or shortly after feeding. While reflux can be uncomfortable for babies, it’s usually not a cause for major concern and often resolves on its own by the time the baby reaches one year of age.

Common symptoms of reflux in babies:

1. Frequent spit-up or vomiting during or after feeds
2. Coughing or hiccupping while feeding
3. Irritability or fussiness during feedings
4. Arching of the back during or after feeds
5. Swallowing or gulping after burping
6. Difficulty gaining weight

Is reflux always visible in babies? Not necessarily. Some infants experience what’s known as “silent reflux,” where they show signs of discomfort but don’t actually spit up or vomit. This can be more challenging to diagnose and manage.

Managing reflux in babies:

• Feed smaller amounts more frequently
• Keep baby upright for 30 minutes after feeding
• Burp baby frequently during feeds
• Consider thickening feeds (under medical guidance)
• Avoid overfeeding
• Try different feeding positions

Causes of Vomiting in Babies

While occasional spit-up is normal, persistent or severe vomiting can have various causes. Understanding these can help parents determine when to seek medical attention.

Common causes of vomiting in babies:

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
2. Food allergies or intolerances
3. Viral or bacterial infections
4. Overfeeding
5. Pyloric stenosis (a condition affecting the stomach)
6. Motion sickness
7. Intestinal obstruction (rare but serious)

Can teething cause vomiting in babies? While teething can cause increased drooling and sometimes gastrointestinal discomfort, it typically doesn’t directly cause vomiting. If your teething baby is vomiting, it’s more likely due to another cause and should be evaluated.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Baby Vomiting

While most cases of baby vomiting are not serious, there are situations where prompt medical attention is necessary. Parents should be aware of the warning signs that indicate a need for professional evaluation.

Seek immediate medical care if your baby:

• Shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, fewer wet diapers)
• Has blood in the vomit
• Is vomiting forcefully (projectile vomiting)
• Has green or yellow vomit
• Appears lethargic or unresponsive
• Has a fever along with vomiting
• Is under 3 months old and vomiting persistently

How can you tell if your baby is dehydrated? Look for signs such as a sunken soft spot on the head, dry mouth and lips, lack of tears when crying, and fewer wet diapers than usual. If you notice these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Preventing and Managing Baby Vomiting

While it’s not always possible to prevent baby vomiting, there are steps parents can take to minimize its occurrence and manage it effectively when it does happen.

Tips for preventing and managing baby vomiting:

1. Feed your baby in an upright position
2. Avoid overfeeding by watching for signs of fullness
3. Burp your baby frequently during and after feeds
4. Keep your baby upright for 30 minutes after feeding
5. Consider smaller, more frequent feeds
6. If bottle-feeding, ensure the nipple hole is the right size
7. For formula-fed babies, make sure you’re using the correct formula concentration

What should you do if your baby vomits? First, stay calm. Clean your baby gently and change their clothes if necessary. If they seem hungry, offer small amounts of fluid. For breastfed babies, continue to offer the breast. For formula-fed babies, you can offer small amounts of oral rehydration solution between regular formula feeds.

Differentiating Between Spit-Up and Vomit

It’s important for parents to understand the difference between normal spit-up and actual vomiting. This distinction can help determine whether medical attention is necessary.

Characteristics of spit-up:

• Usually occurs during or shortly after feeding
• Small amount of milk dribbles out of the mouth
• Baby doesn’t seem distressed
• Typically doesn’t project far from the mouth

Characteristics of vomit:

• Can occur at any time, not just after feeding
• Larger amounts of stomach contents expelled
• Often more forceful, sometimes projectile
• Baby may seem uncomfortable or cry before vomiting
• May contain partially digested food

How can you tell if your baby is vomiting or just spitting up? Pay attention to the amount, force, and frequency of the expulsion. If it’s a small amount that dribbles out without much force, it’s likely spit-up. If it’s a larger amount that comes out forcefully, it’s more likely to be vomit.

Impact of Diet on Baby Vomiting

A baby’s diet can play a significant role in the frequency and severity of vomiting. For breastfed babies, certain foods in the mother’s diet may cause digestive discomfort, while formula-fed babies might react to specific types of formula.

Dietary considerations for breastfeeding mothers:

1. Keep a food diary to identify potential trigger foods
2. Consider eliminating common allergens like dairy, soy, or eggs
3. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
4. Avoid excessive caffeine intake
5. Consult with a lactation specialist if problems persist

Considerations for formula-fed babies:

1. Ensure proper mixing of formula according to instructions
2. Consider trying a different type of formula if vomiting persists
3. Discuss hypoallergenic or specialized formulas with your pediatrician
4. Avoid switching formulas too frequently without medical advice

Can changing formula cause vomiting in babies? While it’s possible for a baby to have a sensitivity to a particular formula, sudden vomiting is not typically caused by a formula change alone. If vomiting occurs after switching formulas, consult your pediatrician to rule out other causes.

Long-Term Outlook for Babies with Frequent Vomiting

Most cases of baby vomiting are temporary and resolve as the baby’s digestive system matures. However, persistent vomiting can sometimes indicate underlying issues that require ongoing management.

Potential long-term considerations:

• Growth and development monitoring
• Nutritional supplementation if needed
• Ongoing management of GERD or other digestive issues
• Monitoring for food allergies or intolerances
• Regular check-ups to ensure proper weight gain

Will frequent vomiting affect my baby’s development? In most cases, occasional vomiting doesn’t impact a baby’s overall development. However, persistent, severe vomiting can lead to nutritional deficiencies or dehydration if not properly managed. Regular pediatric check-ups can help ensure your baby is growing and developing appropriately despite any vomiting issues.

As babies grow and their digestive systems mature, most vomiting issues tend to resolve naturally. However, it’s crucial for parents to stay vigilant, monitor their baby’s symptoms, and seek medical advice when necessary. By understanding the causes and appropriate management of baby vomiting, parents can ensure their little ones stay healthy and comfortable as they navigate the early stages of life.

Vomiting in Babies – Baby being sick after a feed | Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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how to cope with your baby vomiting

Usually an episode of vomiting doesn’t last for long and although it can be alarming in a young child, it is seldom a sign of serious illness.

Vomiting can cause babies and young children to become dehydrated, especially if they are also suffering from diarrhoea – and this can be dangerous.

Why is my baby being sick after a feed?

Most babies spit up or bring up sick from time to time. This is called posseting, or dribbling of undigested food is normal and nothing to worry about.

It is common for babies to bring up a little sick frequently in the early weeks as they adjust to feeding. However, you should seek a same day appointment with your doctor if:

• Your baby vomits large amounts
• The vomiting is forceful or projectile
• The vomit is yellow or green in colour (bile)
• Your baby seems unwell

What is reflux in babies?

Reflux is when a baby brings up milk, or is sick during or shortly after feeding. This is very common in babies and usually gets better on its own. Reflux in babies tends to begin before a baby is 8 weeks old and will get better by the time they turn one.

What are the symptoms of reflux in babies?

The symptoms of reflux in babies are:

• Bringing up milk or being sick during or shortly after feeding
• Coughing or hiccupping when feeding
• Being unsettled while they are feeding
• Swallowing or gulping after burping
• Crying and not settling
• Not gaining weight due to them not being able to keep food down

It’s important to see your GP if your baby’s symptoms don’t improve or if their symptoms are severe. Read more about reflux in babies…

What is silent reflux in babies?

Silent reflux is when a baby is showing the signs of reflux but isn’t bringing up milk or being sick.

Why is my baby vomiting?

Everything from car sickness to prolonged bouts of crying or coughing can trigger the vomiting reflex.

Vomiting can also be triggered by colds where the baby swallows too much mucus, or other infections, particularly ear and urine infections.

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut, usually caused by a virus. It often causes diarrhoea with vomiting, tummy cramps and fever which comes on suddenly. Vomiting usually only lasts for one or two days while the diarrhoea can continue for between five and seven days.

The main risk of gastroenteritis is dehydration (see below). Good hygiene habits such as washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling dirty nappies can help prevent gastroenteritis from spreading because the germs which cause it are usually passed from hand to mouth.

When should I worry about my baby vomiting?

Rarely, vomiting can be a sign of more serious illnesses such as meningitis, other infections or a blocked gut.

Call your GP to get medical help or take your baby to the nearest hospital A&E if your baby develops any of the following warning signs of serious illness:

• Repeated vomiting where your baby cannot keep down fluids or forceful vomiting (projectile)
• A rash that does not fade when the skin is pressed
• Abnormal sleepiness or irritability
• A tense or bulging soft spot on their head
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen tummy
• Blood or bile (green or yellow coloured liquid) in the vomit
• Refusal to feed
• High temperature or fever

What is pyloric stenosis?

This is a condition that causes persistent and forceful (projectile) vomiting within half an hour of feeding.

It affects one in 400 babies and affects boys more than girls from 3-6  weeks after birth but can occur until around four months of age.

The pylorus is the section of your baby’s digestive system between the stomach and small bowel.

Pyloric stenosis occurs when the muscle in this area thickens, causing the pylorus to become narrower. As a result of this narrowing, milk can’t get through to be digested.

It causes vomiting after feeds which may start with only a small amount of vomit but becomes more severe with time. Babies with this condition can appear constantly hungry,  may be constipated, will not gain weight and can become seriously dehydrated.

If you think your baby may have pyloric stenosis contact your GP. Treatment involves admission to hospital where a small operation under general anaesthetic is performed to split the pylorus muscle to widen it and allow passage of feed.

Can dehydration be caused by vomiting?

Vomiting can give rise to dehydration, particularly if combined with diarrhoea. Babies under six months of age are more at risk of dehydration than an older child.

If you suspect your baby is becoming dehydrated get them checked that day by your GP.

What are the signs of dehydration in babies?

Signs of dehydration in babies include:

• Fewer wet nappies than usual and strong yellow urine
• A sunken soft spot
• Dry skin or lips
• Sunken eyes
• Excessive drowsiness

What can I do to help my baby if they are vomiting?

Keep your baby hydrated as when your baby vomits they are losing precious fluids and it is important to replace them. Try to encourage your baby to drink small amounts frequently as a small amount of fluid will be absorbed more easily from an upset stomach.

If your baby is breastfed continue to breastfeed as breast milk is better tolerated than any other fluid and antibodies in your milk will help them to fight the illness.

Your GP may prescribe rehydration drinks to help replace lost fluid, these must be made up exactly as instructed on the sachets and nothing must be added to them as they contain exactly the right amount of sugar and salt when dissolved in water to rehydrate.

Medication to stop vomiting and diarrhoea is not given to children under the age of 12 years.

If your baby is on solids you should give them a bland diet (for example, banana, rice and toast) for 24 hours, once they have stopped vomiting. Avoid fruit juices and carbonated drinks. After 24 hours your baby can return to their usual diet but you should keep giving them plenty of fluids. Don’t worry if your child does not want to eat much for several days.
Fluids are much more important for recovery and their appetite will improve in a few days.

In extreme cases, admission to hospital may be necessary to treat dehydration. Treatment may involve giving rehydration fluids by a drip until baby’s condition improves and they are able to keep fluids down without vomiting.  

If your child attends childcare or nursery keep her at home for at least 48 hours after their last episode of vomiting  or diarrhoea to prevent the spread of the virus which caused the illness.

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Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 6, 2023.

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What is overfeeding?

Overfeeding happens when you try to get your baby to keep feeding after he or she is full. This often starts in the newborn period. Overfeeding is more common during bottle feeding than during breastfeeding. It is easier for your baby to drink from a bottle than from a breast. Your baby may take in large amounts of formula or breast milk with each draw from the bottle. He or she may also be encouraged to finish so formula or breast milk is not wasted. Overfeeding can become a pattern that continues into adulthood. This increases your child’s risk for obesity as an adult.

What increases my baby’s risk for overfeeding?

• A bottle is given every time your baby cries instead of only when he or she is hungry
• A bottle is given to distract your baby or keep him or her busy
• Use of bottle nipples that have large holes, allowing liquid to flow through quickly and easily
• Cereal added to a bottle in an attempt to keep your baby full or sleeping longer during the night
• Concern about lack of weight gain, especially if your baby was premature or had a low birth weight
• Allowing your baby to take a bottle to bed or keep a bottle with him or her all day

How will I know if I am overfeeding my baby?

• Many wet diapers in a day is often a sign that a baby is getting too much liquid. Your baby’s pediatrician can tell you how many wet diapers are normal for your baby’s age. Tell the pediatrician if the diapers are very wet and heavy.
• Diarrhea is a sign your baby is getting more than his or her digestive system can handle.
• Spitting up often during feedings can be a sign of overfeeding. Some spit-up is normal. It is not normal for your baby to spit up often or in large amounts.
• Fussy or irritable behavior after a feeding may mean your baby is uncomfortable from a full stomach. He or she may also swallow air along with the liquid. This can cause painful gas or make colic worse.
• Weight gain may be a sign of overfeeding if it continues. Your baby may gain more weight or look chubby at certain points. A growth spurt may happen soon after weight gain. Your baby’s pediatrician can tell you if your baby is gaining too much weight. He or she can tell you the amount of weight your baby should safely gain each month.

What can I do to prevent overfeeding?

• Breastfeed your baby, if possible. He or she will take smaller, slower draws of liquid. This gives his or her body time to know that it has had enough. The milk may change during a breastfeeding session and help your baby feel satisfied. You will not have to worry about wasting leftover breast milk or formula. Breastfeeding may help you recognize when your baby has had enough during any feeding. He or she may fall asleep after feeding. His or her face, arms, and hands may look relaxed. Your baby will seem calm and satisfied. You will notice the same signs during bottle feedings.
• Check the nipple hole of your baby’s bottle. Turn a filled bottle upside down. The hole should only be big enough to let 1 or 2 drops out each second. The hole is too big if liquid pours out faster than that.
• Stop a bottle-feeding session when you see signs your baby is full. Babies naturally know when they are full. Longer pauses between sucks is a sign your baby is getting full. He or she will then give signs of being full. Depending on your baby’s age, he or she may turn away from the bottle or close his or her mouth. Your baby may also try to wriggle away.
• Stay focused on the current feeding. The amount of formula or breast milk your baby needs may change with each feeding and each day. The amount depends on his or her weight, growth rate, and hunger. Your baby may want a lot one day and not much the next. Do not expect your baby to finish a bottle just because he or she did during another feeding. If you often have leftover liquid after feedings, you are putting too much in the bottle. Try putting fewer ounces of breast milk or formula in the bottle. Feed your baby smaller amounts more often during the day.
• Do not add cereal to your baby’s bottle. Young babies are not ready for baby cereal. When your baby is old enough to have cereal, do not add it to breast milk or formula in a bottle. Feed the cereal to your baby with a spoon. Your baby may get too many calories if you add cereal to a bottle.
• Make sure care providers know how to feed your baby. This includes babysitters, family members, and daycare providers. Give feeding instructions to each care provider. Include when to feed your baby and how much to put in a bottle for each feeding. Explain when it is okay to give your baby more if he or she is still hungry. Also explain the signs your baby gives that he or she has had enough. Ask others not to continue feeding your baby. Also ask them not to feed your baby just to get him or her to stop crying. You may need to explain ways to soothe your baby, such as playing music or going for a walk in a stroller.

How can I help my baby develop healthy habits?

• Teach your baby healthy eating habits early. You can model healthy eating habits by limiting your portion sizes and eating a variety of healthy foods. Include vegetables, fruits, whole-grain breads and cereals, lean meats and fish, low-fat dairy, and cooked beans. Your baby will be more interested in trying vegetables and other healthy foods if they are a regular part of your meals. Limit foods high in fat, sugar, and salt. As your baby gets older, help him or her understand that some foods are only for occasional treats. Do not give fruit juice to your baby until he or she is at least 1 year old.
  
• Always encourage activity. You can set a good example for your baby when he or she is very young. Make activity a part of your daily routine. Your baby will watch you and learn from your behavior. As he or she gets older, be active together. For example, go for a walk as a family after dinner. Your child should get at least 1 hour of activity each day.
  
• Limit your child’s screen time. Screen time is the amount of television, computer, smart phone, and video game time your child has each day. It is important to limit screen time. This helps your child get enough sleep, physical activity, and social interaction each day. Your child’s pediatrician can help you create a screen time plan. The daily limit is usually 1 hour for children 2 to 5 years. The daily limit is usually 2 hours for children 6 years or older. You can also set limits on the kinds of devices your child can use, and where he or she can use them. Keep the plan where your child and anyone who takes care of him or her can see it. Create a plan for each child in your family. You can also go to https://www.healthychildren.org/English/media/Pages/default.aspx#planview for more help creating a plan.

When should I call my baby’s pediatrician?

• Your baby has new or worsening diarrhea or spit-up episodes.
• Your baby starts vomiting after feedings.
• You have questions or concerns about your baby’s condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child’s care. Learn about your child’s health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child’s healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.