Breastfed Baby Spitting Up

Is your breastfed baby spitting up frequently?

Don’t worry—this is very common and usually normal, especially for a young baby.

Many babies spit up because, as babies, they have immature digestive systems that make it easy for food to flow back up the esophagus.

Spitting up is also a reaction to getting too much milk too fast, either from being an aggressive eater or if your breasts are overfull.

Also, babies who pull away from the breast may swallow air that causes them to spit up. Teething and illness may also leave your breastfed baby spitting up.

There are ways to minimize spit-up in the breastfed baby.

Breastfeed often so your baby can have smaller, easier to digest feedings. Nurse your baby in a semi-upright position and make sure you have a good latch. Make sure your baby finishes one breast (either pulling away, falling asleep, or otherwise showing signs of fullness) before offering the other. Relax and eliminate any exposure to tobacco smoke. You may also want to cut down on caffeine, a common irritant.

Another tip? Keep baby upright after feedings by holding them close to your body in a sling. Babies who are ‘worn’ have less issues with reflux. Babywearing seems to help them regulate their system.

Even though a breastfed baby spitting up is common and usually normal, it can also be a sign of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER). If your baby is inconsolably fussy and has poor weight gain, speak to your pediatrician.

Otherwise, if your baby is spitting up and is seemingly happy and gaining weight, then you’re facing more of a laundry problem than anything else.

See Also:

Breastfed babies with excess gas

Tags: babywearing, reflux