The baby vomits milk along with a substance similar to phlegm; what could be the cause? One possibility is “excess heat,” and the solution is to increase the baby’s intake of fluids. Gently patting the baby on the back after feeding can help alleviate this. If the baby frequently vomits large amounts that seem to contain a phlegm-like substance, it may be due to incomplete resolution of respiratory inflammation or retained cold in the body. In such cases, the following measures can be considered: using expectorant medications, such as carbocisteine tablets or Murshutan, to help expel phlegm; using anti-inflammatory medications as advised by a doctor; utilizing home remedies by crushing and heating ginger, wrapping it in gauze, and gently applying it to the baby’s fontanel and neck area to help dispel cold; and ensuring the baby is kept warm, particularly around the knees, as warmth in this area is closely related to the health of the respiratory system. Cold can cause nasal congestion and runny nose, which can lead to mucus flowing back into the throat and forming phlegm.
Additionally, it is necessary to distinguish between vomiting and spitting up, which are two common but somewhat different phenomena. Vomiting is generally due to the structural characteristics of a newborn’s stomach—the pylorus being narrower and the connection with the esophagus being relatively loose—leading to the milk refluxing into the esophagus during strong peristalsis and being forcefully expelled, often appearing more intense or even projectile. In contrast, spitting up occurs due to an underdeveloped lower esophageal sphincter, resulting in a slight reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus and leaking out of the mouth corners, typically in small amounts, usually happening shortly after feeding, and the baby is relatively comfortable without much discomfort.
For newborns, vomiting is quite common and is a normal phenomenon in their growth process. Most infants experience several episodes of vomiting daily in the early stages. Nevertheless, parents should still pay attention to the frequency and amount of vomiting, as well as the overall comfort of the baby, to ensure they receive adequate nutrition to support healthy growth.
