Most healthy babies will outgrow the spitting-up stage within four to six months,” she adds. Many times, the reason for the spitting-up can’t be determined. “Symptoms commenced in the first month of life in 50% of the cases and was resolved by six months for 75% of infants.”Īnne concurs, saying that babies spit up for a variety of reasons, including gagging when the milk lets down too quickly, an oversupply of milk, immature muscle control, allergy, or illness.
“It can be difficult to distinguish between colic – excessive, frequent crying in an otherwise healthy baby – and GOR, GORD, or “fussy eating” because of the overlap of symptoms and the lack of useful investigations,” adds Dr Chanchlani, who cites one Australian study that revealed GOR was reported in almost a quarter of babies. Especially if the symptoms interfere with the baby’s quality of life and cause complications like poor weight gain, difficulty sleeping, and recurrent chest infections. However, it is recommended that doctors investigate further if gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is suspected. “As the lower oesophageal sphincter has not yet matured, milk refluxes through the opening into the oesophagus, causing discomfort for the infant.” He adds that this usually resolves without further investigation or treatment. Symptoms include refusal to feed, crying, and back arching. This common occurrence is known as gastro-oesophageal reflux or (GOR). Dr Chanchlani explains that your young baby may regurgitate or vomit shortly after feeding several times.
Baby projectile vomiting free#
What the experts sayĪccording to research conducted Dr Neil Chanchlani, a specialist trainee in paediatrics for the Royal Free London NHS Foundation and his associate, the involuntary passage of a baby’s stomach contents back up the oesophagus, “is a common, normal psychological event”. “In a healthy baby who is gaining weight well and has good urine output (six to eight wet cloth nappies or five to six disposable nappies) and at least three bowel movements in 24 hours, spitting up is more of a laundry problem than a medical one. Anne Smith, founder of Breastfeeding Basics, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and a mother of six who has over 35 years’ experience in lactation counselling explains that nearly all babies will spit-up or vomit after some feedings. Usually, after you have dressed them, and yourself, ready to go out, and you have to start the process all over again. Have you ever worried about your baby vomiting? What other questions do you have for Katie, our educator and lactation consultant? Please join the conversation below or on our Medela Australia Facebook page.Before you panic at the sight of your baby’s vomit, know this: There’s a reason why bibs and spit-up cloths were invented! Because babies spit up. If your baby’s vomiting pattern changes or you notice any of the signs highlighted above then speak with your health care provider for more information. If your baby is vomiting occasionally but is otherwise content, happy, growing well and gaining weight according to the child health growth charts and is breastfeeding as per usual then the vomit you’re seeing is likely nothing to be concerned about. Is the vomit any colour other than milk colours i.e.Is baby losing weight or not gaining weight efficiently?.Projectile vomiting – is baby vomiting where it flies out of their mouth and lands a fair distance away from them?.There are some rare vomiting patterns which if you think your baby is doing should be investigated by your baby’s GP or paediatrician: Understanding the Warning Signs When it Comes to Vomiting Try not to worry! Most vomiting though is still in the realms of normal, despite what it may look like!
These are usually the situations which get parents worried! Some baby’s vomit what seems like loads of milk after feeds. This is normally only a little bit of milk, likely just a few millilitres and will cause baby no problems. The sphincter or band at the top of the stomach is really loose in babies and it doesn’t take much for them to posit after feeds. This normally happens when you pick them up from breastfeeding and the movement causes any excess milk to spill over and come out! Oops! After all, it can be scary to see your baby vomit! Also, it can look like a lot of vomit for such a small baby too! So how do you know what is normal?įirstly, nearly all babies will “posit.” This is where they spit up a bit of excess milk. This is a really common question from many parents.