Who would have thought spit up would deserve it's own intro? Haha! Spit up is typically normal and nothing to be concerned about but there are cases where it's definitely a symptom to a bigger problem. It can be thin/watery or thick/custardy and anywhere from white to even almost clear. This doesn't mean anything- it looks different based on how far into digestion it got before making a trip back up. Many parents do not realize how incredibly common it is for a baby to spit up regularly. Let's talk statistics for a moment.
According to kellymom.com,
For most, spit up is JUST a laundry problem. As long as baby is gaining well, not showing signs of discomfort while spitting up, and generally content then it's not worrisome. But what causes it?
Most common:
I know what you're thinking now. :) "How can we MINIMIZE or STOP spit up?" It's important to remember that these steps may help minimize it but usually it just takes time for baby to outgrow.
- Spitting up usually occurs right after baby eats, but it may also occur 1-2 hours after a feeding.
- Half of all 0-3 month old babies spit up at least once per day.
- Spitting up usually peaks at 2-4 months.
- Many babies outgrow spitting up by 7-8 months.
- Most babies have stopped spitting up by 12 months.
For most, spit up is JUST a laundry problem. As long as baby is gaining well, not showing signs of discomfort while spitting up, and generally content then it's not worrisome. But what causes it?
Most common:
- It's often the result of a simply immature digestive system and esophagus that makes it easy for breastmilk and/or formula to come back up.
- Babies dealing with a forceful let-down or oversupply tend to swallow more air while trying to keep up with the flow while nursing. Swallowing air creates air bubbles that eventually come out whether it's flatulence or spit up that may or may not be accompanied by a burp. More details on oversupply here:
- More info on forceful let-down here:
- A baby that is fussing and crying a lot also tends to swallow a lot of air causing air bubbles like mentioned above.
- A poor latch, causing extra air to be swallowed.
- Starting solids. A common offender is baby cereal.
- A baby drinking from a bottle- depending on the type of bottle and the flow of the nipple, baby may swallow a lot of air while drinking.
- A distracted baby that pops on and off the breast often.
- TEETH!!! Swallowing extra saliva and spitting it back out with milk.
- Learning to crawl and becoming more active.
- Vitamins given to mom or baby.
- A cold or allergies causing baby to swallow mucous and spit it back up with milk.
- Tongue tie/lip tie.
- Switching sides when one breast is not emptied well.
- Reflux. (GERD, see your doctor!)
- Food sensitivites. (Work on an elimination diet.)
- Rarely, pyloric stenosis. (See your doctor!)
- Mom has sufficient supply but baby is not gaining well.
- Spitting up blood or non-milky colors.
- Frequent spitting up accompanied by OBVIOUS discomfort while spitting up. (There can also be silent reflux where baby spits up and swallows it again before it's out of the mouth.)
- Extreme fussiness associated with feedings.
- Insufficient sleep.
- Weight LOSS or FTT (failure to thrive).
- Breast refusal.
- Discomfort while swallowing and persistent congestion.
- Breathing problems.
I know what you're thinking now. :) "How can we MINIMIZE or STOP spit up?" It's important to remember that these steps may help minimize it but usually it just takes time for baby to outgrow.
- Ensure you have a good latch!
- Frequent nursings instead of scheduling or stretching feeds. Kind of like doctors recommend for adults- frequent snacking instead of large meals. It's easier to digest a little at a time than a lot.
- Encourage comfort sucking. This reduces irritation and speeds up their digestion.
- Burp baby frequently.
- Keep baby upright for 30 minutes after feedings.
- Try nursing baby upright when they have good head control. Before then, try semi-reclined and tummy to tummy nursing.
- Switching sides ONLY when first breast is empty.
- More skin to skin for reluctant nursers to calm them before nursing.
- In some cases, eliminating caffeine can help.
- Rolling baby to side instead of legs up for diaper changes. (Less pressure on belly)
