It's normal for babies to spit-up in the first few months. Spitting-up is a result of acid reflux, undeveloped digestive system, and overstimulation of the infant after feeding. Parents become overly concerned when their babies spit up, and you probably are. Luckily, this reflex does not cause discomfort to your child. However, there are home remedies that can help you reduce the number of times your baby spits-up. This article features nine useful tips.
Avoid Slouched & Curled Positions During Feeding
Did you know that a feeding position can increase or decrease the number of your baby’s spit-ups? Feeding your baby in a curled position puts your newborn at a higher risk of spitting-up. An upright position is the best and recommended way to feed your child.
Express Breastmilk Before Feeds
When your baby consumes breastmilk in short spurts, they are likely to spit up. Any time you feel your breasts are full or have powerful letdowns, try expressing milk before breastfeeding. This will manage the amount of milk your little one consumes. What if you bottle-feed your little one? First Cry Parenting advises parents to ensure the nipple hole delivers milk flow that is comfortable for the baby.
Avoid Overfeeding
As much as you want your baby fed, avoid overfeeding. When your infant’s stomach is too full, they are more likely to spurt out curdled milk. To reduce the number of spit-ups, have smaller feeds at regular intervals.
Burp Your Baby
Babies gulp air down when feeding, which can lead to a spit-up during an escape. Burping, however, frees this trapped air. Patting your baby on their back helps them belch to release gas. The best time to burp is during or after a feeding session.
Avoid Distractions When Feeding Your Baby
Babies ingest lots of air when feeding in loud environments resulting in spitting up. For this reason, ensure you feed your baby in a calm and quiet space.
Limit Play After Feedings
Your baby’s stomach will be full after a feed. Therefore, avoid overstimulating your baby through play, particularly the tummy. Healthy Children explains that pressing their belly will only force out milk from their undeveloped digestive system. Therefore, avoid spit-ups by postponing play and tummy time after breast or bottle-feeding.
Substitute Rice Cereal With Oatmeal
Babies with acid reflux or dysphagia need to consume thicker food to reduce spit-ups. Most parents feed their babies rice cereal. However, the American Academy of Pediatricians recommends the use of oatmeal. Its high-fibre content reduces constipation and acid reflux.
Watch What You Eat
Breastfeeding moms need to observe what they eat as it can affect their baby. Spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and carbonated drinks can interfere with breastmilk to cause reflux. Moms should avoid foods that cause acid reflux as it increases the number of times their baby will spit-up.
Keep Baby’s Stomach Free Of Extra Pressure
Would you like it if someone applied pressure on your belly? Well, your baby's stomach does not enjoy it either. Extra pressure from tight diapers and clothes can result in spit-ups. Therefore, always check that the diapers and baby clothes are well-fitting.
When To Consult A Doctor
Babies do not seem bothered when they spit-up. However, if you notice any of the following signs, you need to call or visit your pediatrician.
Baby Looks Dehydrated
Babies spit up a small fraction of their milk consumption. However, if your baby hurls more curdled milk, they can become hydrated. A sunken fontanelle, tearless crying, less than six wet diapers a day, and irritability are signs that your newborn is dehydrated. If your infant exhibits the above symptoms, you need to consult a doctor.
Change In Your Infant’s Skin Color
Your baby’s skin color should not change after a normal spit-up. But if you notice that your baby’s skin turned blue during this reflex, visit your doctor. Emedicine notes that the color change happens when the baby stops breathing. You should consult your pediatrician when your child develops breathing difficulties.
Green Or Brown Spit-up
Spit-up milk should look like regular milk or have a curdled texture. What if your baby retches out a green or brown looking content? Visit the doctor. This is a sign that your baby’s intestines have a blockage. Seek medical attention if the spit-up is bloody too.
Regular Spit-ups After 6 Months
Babies have a more developed digestive system at six months. This means that the number of spit-ups reduces at this stage. If your child experiences regular spit-ups after six months, you need to talk to your pediatrician.
Weight Changes
Spit-ups should not interfere with a baby's weight. Nevertheless, if you feel your baby is losing weight or not gaining any from spitting-up, you should call the doctor.
Sources: First Cry Parenting, Healthy Children, Emedicine,