Newborns or infants spitting up milk is a common phenomenon, which can be managed properly to avoid potential risks. When a baby spits up, the first step is to ensure their safety: quickly elevate the baby’s upper body to prevent vomit from flowing into the windpipe causing choking. If you need to lay the baby flat, you can place a towel underneath to keep the head elevated. If you notice the baby spitting up while lying on their side, gently turn their head to the side.
Observing the baby’s reaction after spitting up is equally important. Although the baby may temporarily look unwell, if they recover quickly, there is usually no need to overly worry. It is also necessary to provide the baby with adequate hydration, but this should be done approximately 30 minutes after spitting up to avoid stimulating the stomach and causing vomiting again. Initially, you can slowly feed water with a small spoon and gradually try.
For subsequent feedings, the strategy should be adjusted accordingly. The first feeding amount after spitting up should be reduced to half of the usual amount, and you can meet the baby’s nutritional needs by increasing the feeding frequency until the baby fully recovers and shows a willingness to eat again.
Usually, babies may start spitting up around two weeks after birth, peaking around two months, and then gradually decreasing, with significant improvement by around six months. The reasons for spitting up are diverse, either due to overfeeding or bringing up milk while burping. The key lies in the proper handling after spitting up: careful observation, timely hydration, and appropriate feeding, all of which are effective measures to deal with spitting up.
