What does it mean when your newborn vomits a lot?

Spitting Up vs. Vomiting

Your newborn may spit up small amounts of milk or formula after feeding. Most of the time, this is normal. True vomiting, on the other hand, is much more forceful. It may even occur when your baby hasn’t eaten recently.

In most cases, there’s no need to be concerned about a little bit of spit up. Vomiting can be a sign of an underlying health problem, especially if your baby is also showing other signs of illness, such as fever, diarrhea, or dehydration.

How Often Should Newborns Spit Up?

Newborns typically spit up between 1 and 4 ounces after feeding. This is usually no cause for concern. Spitting up usually peaks at around 2 months of age and then gradually decreases. By the time your baby is 12 months old, he or she should spit up very rarely, if at all.

What Causes Newborns To Spit Up?

There are a few reasons why newborns spit up:

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)

The tube that connects your baby's mouth to their stomach (esophagus) has a muscle at the bottom called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscle acts like a valve, keeping stomach contents from moving up into the esophagus. In newborns, the LES is still developing and can sometimes allow stomach contents to come back up.

Full Stomach

Sometimes, newborns spit up simply because they have eaten too much. Their little stomachs can only hold a small amount of milk or formula at a time.

Gas in the Stomach

Newborns swallow a lot of air when they eat. If they have too much gas in their stomachs, it can push stomach contents up into the esophagus.

When Should I Be Concerned About My Newborn Spitting Up?

In general, there’s no need to be concerned about newborn spitting up unless your baby:

Is spitting up forcefully or more than 4 ounces at a time

Is spitting up more than once an hour

Is having trouble gaining weight

Is showing signs of dehydration

Has other symptoms, such as fever, diarrhea, or abdominal pain

If you are concerned about your baby's spitting up, talk to your pediatrician. They can evaluate your baby and determine if there is an underlying health problem that needs to be treated.

Can I Prevent My Baby from Spitting Up?

There are a few things you can do to try to prevent your baby from spitting up:

Feed your baby smaller amounts more often.

Burp your baby frequently during and after feeding.

Keep your baby upright for 30 minutes after feeding.

Avoid overfeeding your baby.

Do not let your baby suck on a bottle or pacifier for too long.

Use a slow flow nipple.

Thicken the milk or formula with a little rice cereal.

If your baby is spitting up frequently, talk to your pediatrician about whether any of these measures may help.

Treatment for Newborn Spitting Up

In most cases, newborn spitting up does not require treatment. However, if your baby's spitting up is severe or is causing problems, your pediatrician may recommend medications to help reduce it.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your pediatrician immediately if your newborn:

Vomits forcefully

Vomits more than 4 ounces at a time

Vomits more often than once an hour

Has trouble gaining weight or is losing weight

Has a fever

Has diarrhea

Has stomach pain

Is lethargic or unresponsive

You think your newborn is spitting up blood or bile