Spitting up small amounts of milk (formula and/or breastmilk) is common and usually a normal symptom in babies.
Up to half of young babies spit up some feeds. In most cases, this will not require special tests or treatment.
This happens when there is a transient relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter at the lower end of the ‘food pipe’, which normally tightens up to prevent milk to flow out.
It occurs in healthy young babies form birth about 6-8 months.
Normal “Spitting Up”:
– No effort or pain
– Baby looks well, acts happy and is hungry
– No diarrhoea
– Begins in the first week of life and present for days or weeks
– Usually required no treatment
Your paediatrician can help you to differentiate normal spitting up and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, which may require treatment.
Small positional adjustments and feeding advise settles most babies. In more severe cases, your paediatrician may prescribe medication.
