Phone Numbers
Directory assistance
(203) 688-4242
Patient information
(203) 688-4177
Adult emergency
(203) 688-2222
Children's emergency
(203) 688-3333
Admitting
(203) 688-2221
Children's admitting
(203) 688-3331
Psychiatric admitting
(203) 688-9907
Spit up
When babies are very young, they often spit up a small amount of their last feeding. The medical term for this condition is gastroesophageal reflux. Usually, it is only a teaspoon or so of formula or breast milk, and does not cause much concern.
However, if your child often vomits and is in pain or is not gaining weight properly, it is a serious condition. Your baby should be seen by your pediatrician or health care provider. By not getting enough to eat, your baby may get dehydrated.
What causes spit up?
Babies spit up because a small muscle between the esophagus and the stomach
that keeps food in the stomach does not work properly to keep food in
the stomach. After a baby eats, a small amount of liquid can go back up
the esophagus and out of the baby's mouth. In rare cases, the food or
liquid may enter the baby's lungs, resulting in coughing or even a lung
infection.
What can help?
You can minimize mild spit up by burping a baby during the feeding, as
well as immediately after the feeding. Before you burp the baby, place
a cloth on your shoulder. Babies can be burped by holding the baby against
your shoulder and gently patting the baby with your hand between the shoulder
blades. Or position the baby in a sitting position, then gently pat the
back. Some find their babies spit up less when placed in an infant seat
for 10-15 minutes after a feeding.
Also remember, spit up usually looks like more than it really is. Also try feeding your baby more often, but in smaller amounts. Don't wait until he or she is crying hard to feed her. Also, try feeding him or her after a bath rather than before (if practical).
For more serious cases, ask your doctor about alternatives.
Need a pediatrician or pediatric specialist? Click here for physician referrals.
Sign up for breaking pediatric news through HealthLINK.
Reviewed: Greg Germain, MD, December 1999
Last revised: May 30, 2007 (dh)
