Why Does My Baby Spit Up After Every Feeding? – Causes, Tips & Warning Signs

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Is your baby spitting up after every feeding? Learn why it happens, how to reduce spit-up, and when to see a doctor.

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baby spit up after feeding, newborn spitting up, baby reflux, how to stop baby from spitting up

Understanding Baby Spit-Up

Many newborns spit up milk after feeding, and while it can be worrying, it’s often completely normal. This is usually due to immature digestive systems—specifically, a weak muscle between the stomach and esophagus that allows milk to come back up.

The medical term for this is gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which typically improves by 12 months.

Common Causes

Immature Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)
This muscle isn’t fully developed, so it doesn’t always keep milk in the stomach.
Overfeeding
Too much milk stretches the stomach and increases the chance of spit-up.
Air Swallowing
Gulping milk too quickly can cause air to mix with milk, leading to reflux.
Lying Flat After Feeding
Gravity helps keep milk down, so lying flat too soon may cause spit-up.

How to Reduce Spit-Up

Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Avoid overfilling your baby’s stomach.
Keep Baby Upright for 20–30 Minutes Post-Feeding: This uses gravity to your advantage.
Burp Often: Every few minutes during feeding helps release trapped air.
Avoid Tight Clothing Around the Stomach: This reduces pressure on the tummy.

When Is Spit-Up a Problem?

While occasional spit-up is normal, consult your pediatrician if:

Spit-up is forceful (projectile vomiting).
It contains green or yellow fluid.
Baby is not gaining weight.
Spit-up is accompanied by fever, lethargy, or breathing problems.

Possible Medical Concerns

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): More severe and persistent reflux.
Pyloric Stenosis: A rare condition causing forceful vomiting in young infants.
Food Allergies or Intolerances: May cause vomiting and discomfort.

Final Thoughts

Most babies spit up because their digestive system is still developing. With patience, feeding adjustments, and careful observation, this phase usually passes on its own. Always monitor for warning signs to ensure your baby’s health and comfort.