Why do babies spit up after feeding. How can you prevent spitting up. What’s the difference between spitting up and vomiting. How to handle gagging during breastfeeding. What to do when your baby bites while nursing.

Understanding Baby Spit-Up: Causes and Concerns

Spitting up is a common occurrence in infants, often happening after feedings or during burping. This phenomenon is typically linked to the immaturity of a baby’s digestive system. But why exactly does it happen?

Babies may spit up for several reasons:

• Overfeeding
• Swallowing air during feeding
• Immature lower esophageal sphincter
• Lying flat after feeding

Is spitting up a cause for concern? In most cases, it’s perfectly normal and doesn’t indicate a serious problem. As long as your baby is gaining weight appropriately and doesn’t seem distressed by the spitting up, there’s usually no need to worry.

Spitting Up vs. Vomiting: Knowing the Difference

While spitting up is common, it’s crucial to distinguish it from vomiting. How can you tell them apart?

• Spitting up is a gentle flow of stomach contents
• Vomiting is a forceful ejection of stomach contents
• Babies typically don’t react to spitting up
• Vomiting often causes distress or crying

If you notice your baby is frequently vomiting or seems uncomfortable, it’s advisable to consult your pediatrician. In rare cases, this could indicate an allergy, digestive issue, or other medical concern that requires attention.

Strategies to Reduce Baby Spit-Up

While spitting up is often unavoidable, there are several strategies you can employ to minimize its frequency and volume. Here are some effective techniques:

1. Burp your baby regularly during and after feedings
2. Keep your baby upright for at least 30 minutes after feeding
3. Avoid vigorous play immediately after meals
4. Ensure proper positioning during feeding
5. Consider smaller, more frequent feedings

For babies who receive bottle feedings in addition to breastfeeding, there are additional considerations:

• Burp after every 1-2 ounces consumed
• Avoid feeding while the baby is lying down
• Use appropriate nipple sizes and flow rates

By implementing these strategies, you can help reduce the frequency and volume of spit-up, making feeding times more comfortable for both you and your baby.

Tackling Gagging During Breastfeeding

Gagging during breastfeeding can be distressing for both mother and baby. What causes this, and how can it be addressed?

Gagging often occurs due to a forceful let-down of milk, overwhelming the baby. Here are some techniques to manage this issue:

• Nurse in a more upright position
• Try side-lying nursing positions
• Prevent breast engorgement through regular feeding or pumping
• Express some milk before feeding to reduce initial flow

If gagging persists despite these measures, it’s advisable to consult a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and ensure there are no underlying issues contributing to the problem.

Addressing Gagging During Bottle Feeding

For babies who experience gagging while bottle feeding, consider these strategies:

• Use a slower-flow nipple
• Practice paced bottle feeding
• Hold the bottle at a less steep angle
• Allow frequent pauses during feeding

These techniques can help regulate the flow of milk, reducing the likelihood of gagging and making feeding more comfortable for your baby.

Dealing with Biting During Breastfeeding

As babies grow and develop, they may begin to explore their world through biting – including during breastfeeding. How can mothers manage this behavior?

Biting during breastfeeding often occurs when:

• Babies are teething and exploring sensations
• The baby is finished feeding and becoming playful
• The baby is distracted or bored during feeding

To prevent and address biting:

1. Pay attention to your baby’s cues indicating they’re finished feeding
2. End the feeding session if you sense your baby is no longer actively nursing
3. Firmly say “no” and remove the baby from the breast if biting occurs
4. Offer teething toys or cold washcloths for relief if teething is the cause

Remember, consistent and calm responses to biting can help your baby understand that it’s not acceptable behavior during breastfeeding.

Understanding and Managing Forceful Letdown

A forceful letdown of milk can lead to various feeding issues, including gagging, choking, and excessive spitting up. What causes this phenomenon, and how can it be managed?

Forceful letdown occurs when milk is released from the breast with excessive pressure. This can happen due to:

• Oversupply of milk
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Stress or anxiety
• Engorgement

To manage forceful letdown:

1. Try laid-back breastfeeding positions
2. Express some milk before feeding to reduce initial pressure
3. Use breast compression to control milk flow
4. Consider block feeding to regulate milk supply

If forceful letdown continues to cause issues, consulting with a lactation specialist can provide additional strategies tailored to your specific situation.

The Role of Proper Latch in Preventing Feeding Issues

A proper latch is crucial for successful breastfeeding and can help prevent many common issues, including spitting up, gagging, and nipple pain. How can you ensure a good latch?

Key elements of a proper latch include:

• Wide mouth opening
• Lips flanged outward
• Chin touching the breast
• Nose free for breathing

To encourage a good latch:

1. Position your baby with their nose level with your nipple
2. Wait for a wide mouth opening before bringing baby to breast
3. Ensure your baby takes in a large portion of the areola, not just the nipple
4. Listen for swallowing sounds to confirm effective milk transfer

If you’re struggling with latch issues, seeking help from a lactation consultant can provide valuable guidance and support.

The Impact of Diet on Breastfeeding and Infant Digestive Issues

A mother’s diet can sometimes influence her breast milk and potentially affect her baby’s digestion. While most foods are safe during breastfeeding, some babies may be sensitive to certain elements in their mother’s diet. How can you identify and manage these sensitivities?

Common foods that may cause sensitivity in some babies include:

• Dairy products
• Caffeine
• Spicy foods
• Cruciferous vegetables

To identify potential food sensitivities:

1. Keep a food diary and note any changes in your baby’s behavior or digestion
2. Eliminate suspected trigger foods for 2-3 weeks and observe any improvements
3. Gradually reintroduce foods one at a time to confirm sensitivity
4. Consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes

Remember, every baby is different, and what affects one may not affect another. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet while breastfeeding and only eliminate foods if there’s a clear pattern of sensitivity.

The Importance of Maternal Hydration

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining milk supply and overall health while breastfeeding. How much should a breastfeeding mother drink?

• Aim for about 16 cups (128 ounces) of fluid per day
• Water, milk, and non-caffeinated beverages all count towards this goal
• Listen to your body’s thirst cues
• Urine should be pale yellow, indicating good hydration

Adequate hydration can help ensure a steady milk supply and may contribute to smoother digestion for both mother and baby.

The Evolution of Infant Feeding Patterns

As babies grow and develop, their feeding patterns naturally evolve. Understanding these changes can help parents navigate the breastfeeding journey more smoothly. What are some typical feeding milestones?

Key developmental stages in infant feeding include:

• Newborn stage: frequent, shorter feedings
• 1-3 months: longer feeding sessions, possible cluster feeding
• 3-6 months: more efficient feeding, longer intervals between feeds
• 6+ months: introduction of solid foods alongside breastfeeding

To adapt to these changes:

1. Follow your baby’s cues for hunger and fullness
2. Expect variations in feeding patterns during growth spurts
3. Gradually introduce solids around 6 months, as recommended by pediatricians
4. Continue breastfeeding alongside solids for as long as mutually desired

Remember, every baby is unique, and these milestones are general guidelines. Always consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice on your baby’s feeding journey.

The Role of Comfort Nursing

Comfort nursing, or non-nutritive suckling, is a normal part of breastfeeding behavior. How does it differ from nutritive feeding, and what purpose does it serve?

• Comfort nursing involves shorter, shallower sucks
• It may not involve significant milk transfer
• Serves to soothe and calm the baby
• Can help with bonding between mother and child

While some may worry about overfeeding or creating bad habits, comfort nursing is a natural and beneficial aspect of the breastfeeding relationship. It can provide emotional security and help regulate the baby’s developing nervous system.

Addressing Common Breastfeeding Concerns

Breastfeeding, while natural, can come with its share of challenges. Addressing these concerns promptly can help ensure a positive breastfeeding experience. What are some common issues that breastfeeding mothers face?

Frequent breastfeeding concerns include:

• Sore or cracked nipples
• Engorgement
• Mastitis
• Low milk supply
• Oversupply

To address these issues:

1. Ensure proper latch and positioning
2. Use cold compresses for engorgement
3. Seek medical attention for signs of mastitis
4. Practice frequent feeding or pumping to maintain supply
5. Consider block feeding for oversupply issues

Remember, most breastfeeding challenges have solutions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

The Importance of Self-Care for Breastfeeding Mothers

Breastfeeding can be physically and emotionally demanding. How can mothers prioritize self-care while nurturing their babies?

• Ensure adequate rest and sleep when possible
• Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet
• Stay hydrated
• Seek support from family, friends, or support groups
• Take time for relaxation and stress-relief activities

Remember, taking care of yourself is crucial for being able to care for your baby effectively. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed, and prioritize your well-being alongside your baby’s needs.

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.