Why does my baby spit up after feedings. Is spitting up normal for breastfed babies. How can I prevent my baby from spitting up. What’s the difference between spitting up and vomiting. How to handle gagging and biting during breastfeeding.

Understanding Baby Spit-Up: Causes and Concerns

Spitting up is a common occurrence in infants, especially after feedings or during burping. Many parents wonder why their babies spit up after burping and if it’s a cause for concern. Let’s delve into this topic to provide clarity and reassurance.

Is spitting up normal for babies? In most cases, yes. Babies often spit up due to their immature digestive systems. This can happen after some or all feedings, as well as during burping sessions. It’s important to note that the amount of spit-up often appears more substantial than it actually is.

When should parents be concerned about spit-up? As long as your baby is growing, gaining weight, and doesn’t seem uncomfortable, occasional spit-up is generally not a cause for worry. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between spitting up and vomiting.

Spitting Up vs. Vomiting: Key Differences

• Spitting up is a gentle flow of stomach contents
• Vomiting is a forceful projection of stomach fluids
• Babies usually don’t react to spitting up
• A vomiting baby typically looks upset or cries

If you’re concerned that your baby is vomiting rather than spitting up, it’s advisable to consult your pediatrician. In rare cases, vomiting may indicate an allergy, digestive problem, or other medical issue that requires attention.

Preventing and Managing Baby Spit-Up

While some spit-up is normal, there are several strategies parents can employ to minimize its occurrence and manage it effectively:

1. Burp your baby after feeding from each breast
2. Consider smaller, more frequent feedings
3. Keep your baby upright for at least 30 minutes after feedings
4. Avoid jiggling, bouncing, or active play immediately after meals
5. Ensure your baby’s head is above their feet during feeding
6. Slightly elevate the head of your baby’s crib or bassinet

For babies who receive bottle feedings in addition to breastfeeding, consider these tips:

• Burp after every 1-2 ounces consumed from a bottle
• Avoid bottle-feeding while the baby is lying down
• Ensure the nipple hole size and flow rate are appropriate for your baby’s age

Many infants outgrow frequent spitting up by the time they can sit up independently, typically around 6-7 months of age.

Addressing Gagging During Breastfeeding

Some babies may gag or pull away from the breast during feeding, often due to a strong milk flow. This can be concerning for mothers, but there are ways to manage this issue:

Techniques to Reduce Gagging:

• Nurse in a more upright position
• Try side-lying nursing to slow milk flow
• Prevent breast engorgement by nursing every 2-3 hours
• Express a small amount of milk before feeding if breasts are very full

If your baby gags or coughs during feeding, sit them up in a seated burp position and gently pat their back to help them calm down before continuing. For persistent issues, consult a lactation consultant or your pediatrician.

Bottle-Feeding Challenges: Gagging and Choking

Babies who receive expressed breast milk in bottles may sometimes gag or choke during feeding. To address this:

• Try a nipple with a slower flow rate
• Practice “paced” bottle feeding to slow milk flow and allow pauses

These techniques can help reduce the risk of gagging and make bottle-feeding more comfortable for your baby.

Dealing with Biting During Breastfeeding

As babies grow and begin teething, some may bite down during breastfeeding. This can be painful for mothers and may discourage continued breastfeeding. Understanding why babies bite and how to prevent it is crucial.

Why do babies bite during breastfeeding?

• Teething discomfort
• Playfulness or boredom at the end of a feeding
• Attempting to re-latch when milk flow slows
• Congestion making it difficult to breathe while nursing

To prevent biting, pay attention to your baby’s cues. When you sense that your baby is finished feeding and may become playful or bored, end the feeding session. Break the suction by gently inserting your finger between your baby’s gums and your breast.

Strategies to Discourage Biting:

1. React calmly but firmly, saying “No biting” and immediately ending the feeding
2. Avoid laughing or making it seem like a game
3. Offer a teething toy or cold washcloth before feeding to soothe gums
4. Praise your baby for proper latching and gentle nursing

With consistency and patience, most babies learn that biting means the end of a feeding session and will stop the behavior.

Breastfeeding Positions to Reduce Spit-Up and Gagging

Certain breastfeeding positions can help minimize spit-up and reduce the likelihood of gagging. Consider trying these positions:

Laid-Back Breastfeeding (Biological Nurturing)

This position involves reclining comfortably and placing your baby on top of you, allowing gravity to slow milk flow. It can be particularly helpful for babies who gag due to fast letdown.

Upright Nursing (Koala Hold)

In this position, your baby sits straddling your thigh, facing your breast. This upright posture can help reduce reflux and spit-up.

Side-Lying Position

Lying on your side with your baby facing you can slow milk flow and make it easier for your baby to control the pace of feeding.

Experiment with different positions to find what works best for you and your baby. Remember that what’s comfortable may change as your baby grows.

When to Seek Professional Help for Feeding Issues

While most feeding challenges can be managed at home, there are times when professional help is necessary. Consider consulting your pediatrician or a lactation specialist if:

• Your baby consistently refuses to nurse or seems frustrated at the breast
• You experience persistent pain during breastfeeding
• Your baby isn’t gaining weight adequately
• Spit-up is projectile or appears forceful
• Your baby seems uncomfortable or cries excessively after feedings
• You notice blood in your baby’s spit-up

Early intervention can help resolve feeding issues and ensure both you and your baby have a positive breastfeeding experience.

Nutritional Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers

A mother’s diet can sometimes affect her baby’s digestion and tendency to spit up. While most foods are safe during breastfeeding, some babies may be sensitive to certain foods in their mother’s diet.

Foods That May Increase Spit-Up in Some Babies:

• Dairy products
• Caffeine
• Spicy foods
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Chocolate

If you suspect a food in your diet is causing excessive spit-up or discomfort for your baby, try eliminating it for a few weeks and observe any changes. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes while breastfeeding.

Remember that staying hydrated is crucial for milk production. Aim to drink water whenever you feel thirsty and with each feeding session.

Supplements for Breastfeeding Mothers

Some healthcare providers recommend certain supplements for breastfeeding mothers:

• Multivitamin with iron
• Vitamin D (especially if you have limited sun exposure)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA)

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements while breastfeeding.

The Emotional Aspect of Breastfeeding Challenges

Dealing with feeding issues like spit-up, gagging, or biting can be emotionally taxing for new mothers. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support when needed.

Coping Strategies for Breastfeeding Mothers:

1. Join a breastfeeding support group
2. Connect with other mothers facing similar challenges
3. Practice self-care and stress-reduction techniques
4. Communicate openly with your partner or family about your needs
5. Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor specializing in postpartum issues

Remember that every breastfeeding journey is unique, and it’s okay to ask for help. Your mental and emotional well-being is crucial for both you and your baby.

Long-Term Benefits of Breastfeeding Despite Challenges

While dealing with issues like spit-up, gagging, or biting can be frustrating, it’s important to remember the numerous benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby:

Benefits for Babies:

• Enhanced immune system
• Reduced risk of allergies and asthma
• Lower risk of obesity later in life
• Improved cognitive development

Benefits for Mothers:

• Faster postpartum recovery
• Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer
• Enhanced bonding with baby
• Convenient and cost-effective feeding option

Persevering through breastfeeding challenges can lead to a rewarding and beneficial experience for both you and your baby. However, it’s essential to balance these benefits with your overall well-being and your baby’s health.

If breastfeeding becomes overly stressful or challenging despite seeking help, remember that fed is best. Your mental health and your baby’s nutrition are the top priorities, regardless of the feeding method you choose.

Transitioning to Solid Foods and Its Impact on Spit-Up

As your baby grows and begins to transition to solid foods, you may notice changes in their spitting up patterns. Understanding this transition can help you navigate this new phase of feeding.

When do babies typically start solid foods?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid foods around 6 months of age, while continuing to breastfeed. However, every baby is different, and your pediatrician can provide personalized advice based on your baby’s development.

How does introducing solids affect spit-up?

When you begin introducing solid foods, you might notice:

• A decrease in spit-up frequency as the digestive system matures
• Changes in the appearance of spit-up due to the introduction of new foods
• Potential new digestive issues as your baby adapts to different textures and ingredients

To minimize spit-up during this transition:

1. Introduce new foods gradually, one at a time
2. Offer small portions to prevent overfeeding
3. Continue to keep your baby upright after meals
4. Be patient as your baby learns to swallow and digest new textures

Remember that some spit-up is normal during this transition period. If you have concerns about your baby’s reaction to solid foods, consult your pediatrician for guidance.

The Role of Growth Spurts in Feeding Patterns

Growth spurts can significantly impact your baby’s feeding patterns and may temporarily increase the frequency of spit-up. Understanding these phases can help you navigate changes in your baby’s behavior and feeding needs.

When do babies typically experience growth spurts?

While every baby is unique, common times for growth spurts include:

• 7-10 days old
• 3-4 weeks old
• 6-8 weeks old
• 3 months old
• 6 months old

During these periods, you may notice:

1. Increased frequency of feedings
2. Longer feeding sessions
3. Changes in sleep patterns
4. Increased fussiness or clinginess

These changes can sometimes lead to more frequent spit-up as your baby adjusts to increased milk intake. To manage this:

• Feed your baby on demand
• Ensure proper burping after feedings
• Be patient and understand that this phase is temporary

Remember that growth spurts are a sign of healthy development. If you have concerns about excessive spit-up or your baby’s growth, consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.

Breastfeeding FAQs: Spitting Up, Gagging, and Biting (for Parents)

en español: Preguntas más frecuentes sobre la lactancia materna: regurgitación, arcadas y mordidas

Medically reviewed by: Jamila H. Richardson, BSN, RN, IBCLC

Breastfeeding is natural, but it takes practice to get it right. Here’s what you need to know about spitting up, gagging, and other concerns during breastfeeding.

Is it Normal for My Baby to Spit Up After Feedings?

Sometimes, babies spit up when they eat too much, or when they burp or drool. Many infants will spit up a little after some — or even all — feedings or during burping because their digestive systems are immature. That’s perfectly normal.

As long as your baby is growing and gaining weight and doesn’t seem uncomfortable with the spitting up, it’s OK. The amount of spit-up often looks like more than it actually is. But spitting up isn’t the same as forcefully vomiting all or most of a feeding.

What’s the Difference Between Spitting Up and Vomiting?

Vomiting is a forceful projection of stomach fluids. Spitting up is a more gentle “flow” of fluids that come up. Babies don’t usually react to spitting up, but a vomiting baby will usually look upset or cry.

If you’re concerned that your baby is vomiting, call your doctor. In rare cases, there may be an allergy, digestive problem, or other problem that needs medical care. It helps to keep track of how often and how much your baby is vomiting or spitting up.

How Can I Keep My Baby From Spitting Up?

If the doctor says your baby’s spitting up is normal, here are some things you can do to help lessen it:

• Burp your baby after each feed from each breast. Sometimes giving smaller feeds more often can help, rather than giving larger-volume feeds.
• Keep your baby upright after feedings for at least 30 minutes. Holding your baby is best, since the way your baby sits in an infant seat may actually make spitting up more likely.
• Don’t jiggle, bounce, or actively play with your baby right after feedings.
• Keep your baby’s head above the feet while feeding. Don’t hold your baby in a dipped-down position when feeding.
• Raise the head of your baby’s crib or bassinet. Roll up a few small hand towels or receiving blankets (or you can buy special wedges) to place under — not on top of — the mattress. Never use a pillow under your baby’s head. Make sure the mattress doesn’t fold in the middle, and that the incline is gentle enough that your baby doesn’t slide down.

If your baby also gets bottles of breast milk or infant formula supplements:

• Burp after your baby drinks 1–2 ounces from a bottle.
• Don’t give the bottle while your little one is lying down.
• Make sure the hole in the nipple is the right size and/or flow for your baby. For example, fast-flow nipples may cause babies to gag or may give them more milk than they can handle at once. Many breastfed babies do well with the slow-flow nipple until they are 3 months old, or even older.

Many babies outgrow spitting up by the time they’re sitting up.

How Can I Keep My Baby From Gagging?

Sometimes the force of your milk (especially when it “lets down”) is so strong that it can cause your baby to gag and pull off of the breast. If this happens during feeding:

• Try nursing your baby in a more upright position (head above the breast). This may ease the force of the milk.
• Nurse in a side-lying position, which also might help slow the flow of milk. 
• Make sure your breasts are not engorged or over-full. Nursing every 2–3 hours can help prevent engorgement. If your breasts are too full and you’re concerned about a forceful letdown, express or pump a little bit of milk a few minutes before feeding time to avoid a strong letdown.

If your baby is pulling off and gagging or coughing during feeding, sit your baby up in a seated burp position. Gently pat the back to help your baby calm down before continuing feeding. If you’ve tried the steps above and this continues to happen, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. 

If your baby sometimes gags or chokes while taking a bottle of breast milk: 

• Try a different nipple with a slower flow.
• Practice “paced” bottle feeding. This is where you slow down the milk flow from the bottle by holding it at less of an angle and allowing your baby to pause for breaks.

My Baby Bites During Breastfeeding. What Can I Do?

Babies will often play with their mothers’ nipples with their gums, not meaning to cause any harm. But once they start teething, a baby might bite down, not knowing this is hurting mom.

Sometimes you can tell when your baby’s about ready to bite down — usually when satisfied and starting to pull away from the breast. When you sense that your baby is finished feeding and may be bored or feeling playful, end the feeding. Break the suction by slipping your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth.

If your baby is already biting down, pull your baby closer to you to make it more difficult to pull off easily. Then, break the suction. React calmly without raising your voice. 

Here are more ways to make baby less likely to bite:

• Before a feed, give your baby something to chew on. Make sure it’s big enough that it can’t be swallowed or choked on and that it can’t break into small pieces. A wet washcloth placed in the freezer for 30 minutes makes a handy teething toy. Be sure to take it out of the freezer before it becomes rock hard — you don’t want to bruise those already swollen gums. Wash after each use.
• Say, “Mommy is not for biting. You can bite this.” Then, offer your little one a teething toy or ring.
• Praise your baby — with a hug, kiss, or cuddle — whenever they nurse without biting or trying to bite.

Usually this is enough to stop the biting, but if your baby continues, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant for advice.

Medically reviewed by: Jamila H. Richardson, BSN, RN, IBCLC

Date reviewed: January 2021

Share:

Why Babies Spit Up – HealthyChildren.org

​

By: Alejandro Velez, MD, FAAP & Christine Waasdorp Hurtado, MD, FAAP

All babies spit up. Some babies spit up more than others, or at certain times.

Typically, babies spit up after they gulp down some air with breastmilk or formula. A baby’s stomach is small and can’t hold a lot, after all. Milk and air can fill it up quickly.

With a full stomach, any change in position such as bouncing or sitting up can force the flap between the esophagus (food pipe) and stomach to open. And when that flap (the esophageal sphincter) opens, that’s when some of what your baby just ate can make a return appearance.

So, what can you do―if anything―to reduce the amount of your baby’s spit up? How do you know if your baby’s symptoms are part of a larger problem? Read on to learn more.

Common concerns parents have about spit up

My baby spits up a little after most feedings.

• 
  Possible cause:
  Gastroesophageal reflux (normal if mild)

• 
  Action to take: None. The spitting up will grow less frequent and stop as your baby’s muscles mature—especially that flap we talked about earlier. It often just takes time.

My baby gulps their feedings and seems to have a lot of gas.

• 
  Possible cause: Aerophagia (swallowing more air than usual)

• 
  Action to take: Make sure your baby is positioned properly during feeds. Also be sure to burp the baby during and after feeds. Consider trying a different bottle to decrease your baby’s ability to suck in air.

My baby spits up when you bounce them or play with them after meals.

My baby’s spitting up has changed to vomiting with muscle contractions that occur after every feeding. The vomit shoots out with force.

I found blood in my baby’s spit-up or vomit.

• 
  Possible cause: Swelling of the esophagus or stomach (esophagitis or gastritis), or another health problem that requires diagnosis and treatment.

• 
  Action to take: Call you pediatrician right away so they can examine your baby.

Remedies for spitty babies

Regardless of whether or not your baby’s spit up warrants watchful waiting or medical intervention, there are some simple feeding suggestions that can help you deal with the situation at hand.

5 tips to reduce your baby’s spit up

• 
  Avoid overfeeding. Like a gas tank, fill baby’s stomach it too full (or too fast) and it’s going to spurt right back out at you. To help reduce the likelihood of overfeeding, feed your baby smaller amounts more frequently.

• 
  Burp your baby more frequently. Extra gas in your baby’s stomach has a way of stirring up trouble. As gas bubbles escape, they have an annoying tendency to bring the rest of the stomach’s contents up with them. To minimize the chances of this happening, burp not only after, but also during meals.

• 
  Limit active play after meals and hold your baby upright. Pressing on a baby’s belly right after eating can up the odds that anything in their stomach will be forced into action. While
  tummy time is important for babies, postponing it for a while after meals can serve as an easy and effective avoidance technique.

• 
  Consider the formula. If your baby is
  formula feeding, there’s a possibility that their formula could be contributing to their spitting up. While some babies simply seem to fare better with one formula over another without having a true
  allergy or intolerance, an estimated 5% of babies are genuinely unable to handle the proteins found in milk or soy formula―a condition called Cow Milk Protein Intolerance/Allery (CMPI and CMPA). In either case, spitting up may serve as one of several cues your baby may give you that it’s time to discuss alternative formulas with your pediatrician. If your baby does have a true intolerance, a 1- or 2-week trial of hypoallergenic (hydrolyzed) formula designed to be better tolerated might be recommended by your baby’s provider.

• 
  If breastfeeding, consider your diet. Cow’s milk and soy in your diet can worsen spit up in infants with Cow Milk Protein Intolerance/Allergy (CMPI and CMPA). Removing these proteins can help to reduce or eliminate spit up.

• 
  Try a little oatmeal. Giving babies cereal before 6 months is generally not recommended—with one possible exception. Babies and children with dysphagia or reflux, for example, may need their food to be thicker in order to swallow safely or reduce reflux. In response to concerns over
  arsenic in rice, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends parents of children with these conditions use of oatmeal instead of rice cereal.
  See
  
  Oatmeal: The Safer Alternative for Infants & Children Who Need Thicker Food for more information.

Vomit vs. spit up: what’s the difference?

There is a big difference between vomiting and spitting up:

Vomiting is the forceful throwing up of stomach contents through the mouth. This typically involves using the abdominal muscles and is often uncomfortable, leaving you with a crying child.

Spitting up is the easy flow of stomach contents out of the mouth, frequently with a burp. Spitting up doesn’t involve forceful muscle contractions, brings up only small amounts of milk, and doesn’t distress your baby or make them uncomfortable.

What causes vomiting?

Vomiting occurs when the abdominal muscles and diaphragm contract vigorously while the stomach is relaxed. This reflex action is triggered by the “vomiting center” in the brain after it has been stimulated by:

• Nerves from the stomach and intestine when the gastrointestinal tract is either irritated or swollen by an infection or blockage (as in the stomach bug)

• Chemicals in the blood such as drugs

• Psychological stimuli from disturbing sights or smells

• Stimuli from the middle ear (as in vomiting caused by motion sickness)

Always contact your pediatrician if your baby vomits forcefully after every feeding or if there is ever blood in your baby’s vomit.

Remember

The best way to reduce spit up is to feed your baby before they get very hungry. Gently burp your baby when they take breaks during feedings. Limit active play after meals and hold your baby in an upright position for at least 20 minutes. Always closely supervise your baby during this time.

More information

• 
  How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained
• 
  Gastroesophageal Reflux & Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Parent FAQs
• 
  How Much and How Often Should Your Baby Eat

Last Updated

10/5/2022

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (Copyright © 2022)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Reflux and belching | Nestlé Health Science

1. Nestlé Health Science
2. health care
3. Reflux and belching

Regurgitation is the flow of milk from the stomach into the mouth, which is often ‘spit out’ by the baby. Spitting up is not the same as vomiting , which forces milk out of the baby’s stomach. Symptoms of infantile reflux and regurgitation are typical and usually subside by 12 months of age.

Why is my baby refluxing or spitting up?
Occasionally, infantile reflux and regurgitation can be caused by a food allergy , such as cow’s milk protein allergy (CMP) . An immature gastrointestinal tract, lying down most of the time, and eating almost entirely liquid food can also lead to infantile reflux and regurgitation.

Can my child be allergic to cow’s milk protein?

Infantile reflux and regurgitation are typical symptoms in infants with CMPA.
Children with CMPA usually have more than one symptom, and these symptoms can be very different from each other.

If you think your child has symptoms of reflux or regurgitation , it could be CMPA.
You may have noticed other symptoms (besides reflux or regurgitation) that may affect other parts of your baby’s body.

For a simple and easy way to check for typical symptoms associated with CMPA, you can use our Symptom Checker.

Symptom Analysis

This will allow you to select all cow’s milk related symptoms your baby may have. You can then discuss this with your doctor.

In any case, if you have any doubts or concerns about the health of your child, you should consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible

Other symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy

ANAPHILACTIC SHOCK

View product

CRYING AND COLIC

View product

CONSTIPATION

View product

COUGH

View product

DIARRHEA

View product

ECZEMA

View product

GROWTH DISTURBANCE

View product

urticaria

View product

REFUSAL TO FOOD

View product

RASH

View product

Runny nose and sneezing

View product

EDITEC

View product

VOMITING

View product

HRIP

View product

IMPORTANT NOTE: : It is possible to continue breastfeeding if the infant is allergic to cow’s milk protein. To do this, the mother needs a special diet with the exclusion of all sources of cow’s milk protein. Only if these measures do not bring the desired effect, the doctor recommends the use of a special therapeutic mixture intended for children from 0 to 1 year old.
It is important to follow the correct methods of preparing the mixture: using boiled water, sterilized bottles and following the rules for diluting the mixture. Medicinal mixtures intended for diet therapy of CMPA should be used under the supervision of a physician.

Regurgitation in newborns – when to see a doctor?

We treat children according to the principles of evidence-based medicine: we choose only those diagnostic and treatment methods that have proven to be effective. We will never prescribe unnecessary examinations and medicines!

Make an appointment via WhatsApp

Prices

Doctors

The first children’s clinic of evidence-based medicine in Moscow

No unnecessary examinations and drugs! We will prescribe only what has proven effective and will help your child.