It is common for babies to spit up, and the reasons can be summarized into two aspects: one is as a manifestation of certain diseases; the other is that the special structure of the baby’s digestive system is prone to spitting up. In most cases, the latter is the more common cause. Food enters the stomach through the esophagus, where the stomach receives the food through the cardiac orifice and connects to the intestine through the pylorus. If a baby frequently spits up, attention should be paid to their temperature, bowel movements, and mental state, as this may signal gastrointestinal issues or other systemic diseases, and medical attention should be sought promptly.
The correct feeding method is crucial to prevent spitting up. Frequent changes in formula or the living environment are not conducive to the maturation of the baby’s digestive system and may lead to increased spitting up. After feeding, it is important to burp the baby to ensure gas is released rather than simply patting them mechanically.
Positioning the baby on their side can help reduce the frequency of spitting up while protecting their ears. When placing the baby in bed, the movements should be gentle, and they can be kept in a side position for several hours, adjusting their sleeping position as needed to avoid affecting the shape of the head or putting pressure on the internal organs.
Swimming can be very beneficial for enhancing digestive function, as it allows for comprehensive movement in water, where the buoyancy provides a gentle massage that helps alleviate spitting up. If conditions permit, parents are encouraged to allow their babies to participate in swimming.
When a baby spits up, ensure that their upper body is elevated to prevent the vomit from entering the trachea and causing choking. A side-lying position is favorable for handling sudden spitting up situations. After spitting up, it is essential to carefully observe the baby’s condition, keeping their head slightly elevated and replenishing fluids as necessary. As long as the baby’s condition stabilizes afterward, there is usually no need for excessive worry.
