Regurgitation
Contents
Regurgitation (Spit up)
Your baby’s tummy is about the size of a cherry at birth. After 3 days, it’s about the size of a walnut, but still can’t hold much.
Until she’s about 4 months old, your baby’s stomach can hold only small amounts of milk at a time. This is one of the main reasons why you have to feed her so often early on. Too much milk during feedings can cause your baby to regurgitate or be fussy. Regurgitation is generally milk coming straight back up due to an overflow of that tiny tummy, or air bubbles swallowed during feeding.
Many babies regurgitate regularly. It is not painful, and she might not even realize she has done it. If your baby is healthy and gaining weight, it is just part of the development process.
Regurgitation—not what it seems
It might seem like a lot, but the amount of liquid your baby spits up might not be as much as you think.
One tablespoon is normal, but it looks like a lot.
If your baby regurgitates more than a tablespoon at a time (or if the spit-up is associated with respiratory symptoms such as choking, coughing, or wheezing), ask your health care professional if there is a reason to be concerned.
To help your baby regurgitate less often, try:
- Feeding your baby smaller amounts, but more often.
- Holding him in a more upright position both during and after feedings.
- Try using a different bottle or nipple.
- Burping her every five to 10 minutes while feeding.
How is baby regurgitation different from vomit?
If spitting up is making your baby uncomfortable, and gets more forceful with more volume than usual, it might be vomiting.
When should you be concerned?
Although it can be alarming, an occasional vomiting episode usually is not a reason to be concerned. Contact your health care professional if your baby's regurgitation:
- Increases in volume or force
- Causes choking episodes or respiratory difficulty (wheezing or coughing)
- Leads to other issues (discomfort, fussiness, poor weight gain, or weight loss)
- Is accompanied by a fever, diarrhea, bloody mucus in the vomit, or a bloated abdomen
- Is green or yellow
- Is frequently projectile
Because babies younger than 1 year old are at greater risk of dehydration, consult your health care professional immediately if you think your baby might be dehydrated. It is important that you replace the fluids your baby is losing with small, frequent feedings while she is ill. In many cases, an oral rehydration solution is recommended. Check with your health care professional for advice.
