Spitting up

Most babies will bring up small amounts of milk along with air when they are burped. It is especially common in newborns. Spitting up does not cause the baby discomfort and it may seem your baby is not even aware of it. Often by 2 months of age, spitting up is less of a problem.

Here are some things you can do to decrease spitting up:

• feed your baby smaller amounts at a time
• check the size of the bottle nipples to make sure they are not too large or too small
• feed your baby slowly
• limit active and rough play after feedings
• try different positions during and after feedings and
• burp your baby frequently

Although spitting up is usually not a serious problem, talk with your baby's pediatrician if you have any concerns. Besides your baby's spitting up incidents, report any definite change or decrease in bowel movements or urination, as well as any signs of discomfort or pain.

Spitting up is different from vomiting. Vomiting is forceful and disturbs the baby. It could be a sign of illness. If the baby seems well and is eating normally, watch him for any other signs of illness.

Call the baby's provider immediately if your baby:

• vomits persistently or
• has a fever or diarrhea along with vomiting (Young babies can get dehydrated quickly with vomiting and diarrhea and may need emergency treatment.)

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File NEWB4810.RF2 VRS# 4810 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.