Why Babies Often Spit Up After Feeding
Dear parents, seeing your baby spit up after feeding might cause anxiety. This is actually a common physiological phenomenon in infancy, mostly due to an immature digestive system. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2021 guidelines, about 50% of infants experience spitting up in the first few months after birth, which usually improves with growth. Rest assured, this does not mean your baby has a serious problem – you're already doing great!
Possible Causes
- Small stomach capacity and immature lower esophageal sphincter in infants (per post-2020 AAP guidelines, this can cause milk reflux).
- Swallowing too much air during feeding (e.g., improper bottle-feeding position or sucking too fast).
- Overfeeding or feeding intervals that are too short (the baby's stomach cannot hold excess milk).
Home Care Suggestions
- Gently pat the back after feeding to help burping (keep baby upright for 10-15 minutes).
- Adopt smaller, more frequent feedings (reduce the amount per feeding, increase feeding frequency).
- Ensure correct feeding position (head slightly higher than the body, avoid feeding while lying flat).
When to Seek Medical Attention
- ⚠️ If persistent vomiting occurs (e.g., projectile vomiting or frequent vomiting), seek medical attention immediately.
- ⚠️ If there is no weight gain or weight loss, seek medical attention immediately.
- ⚠️ If there is difficulty breathing, refusal to eat, or blood in the stool, seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
Spitting up is usually a small episode in a baby's growth journey, naturally decreasing for most after 6-12 months. As new parents, your care and patience are the warmest harbor for your baby. Remember, every gentle wipe after spitting up is an expression of love – you are doing an excellent job! Stay confident; your baby will grow healthy and strong.
The information provided in this article is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment advice. If your child exhibits any health problems or the warning signs mentioned, please consult qualified medical personnel immediately.