Infant spitting up is a common phenomenon that involves various factors:
The structure of an infant’s stomach is different from that of an adult; it is not oriented vertically but remains horizontal. This physiological structure results in a relatively small stomach capacity, leading to limited food storage and making spitting up more likely.
Additionally, illness can also cause infants to spit up. For example, coughing during a cold can increase abdominal pressure, accompanied by vomiting. Other illnesses, such as viral diarrhea, hepatitis, otitis media, pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis, may also contribute to spitting up. Abdominal bloating due to constipation can similarly lead to spitting up.
Improper feeding and care practices are also significant factors. Incorrect breastfeeding positions, allowing the baby to engage in vigorous activity or cry immediately after feeding, and overfeeding can all promote spitting up. Improvement measures include:
Adjusting the feeding position so that the baby’s head is slightly elevated above the body, which helps reduce milk reflux.
After feeding, gently patting the baby’s back to help release gas can reduce the likelihood of spitting up.
Controlling the feeding amount, offering small amounts frequently to accommodate the baby’s limited stomach capacity.
Keeping the baby’s abdomen warm to avoid gastrointestinal cramps and spitting up caused by cold.
For mothers with abundant milk supply, learning to control the flow of milk appropriately can prevent the baby from swallowing too quickly, which can lead to spitting up.
By using these methods, it is possible to effectively alleviate spitting up in infants. Over time, as the baby’s stomach gradually shifts to a vertical position and the strength of the lower esophageal sphincter increases, spitting up will naturally decrease and eventually stop around 7 to 8 months. Mastering these caregiving techniques can help parents manage the issue of spitting up more confidently.
