Spitting up in newborns

Spitting up in newborns: Normal and what helps

A small "milk puddle" on your shoulder after feeding is such a familiar sight for infant parents that it has become almost a symbol of the first months of life. Spitting up is a gentle, passive leakage of a small amount of milk from the baby's mouth that occurs without muscle strain. It is important to distinguish this completely normal process from vomiting.

Spitting up vs. Vomiting: Key differences

Characteristic	Spitting up (Normal)	Vomiting (Needs attention)
Process	Passive, milk flows out easily	Active, with strong abdominal muscle contractions
Amount	Small (1-2 tablespoons)	Significant, sometimes the entire feeding volume
Baby's condition	Baby is calm, content	Baby cries, looks ill, distressed

Causes of spitting up

The causes of this phenomenon are the same as those of physiological reflux: an immature sphincter between the esophagus and stomach, liquid food, and swallowing air. Swallowing air is one of the key reasons, so proper feeding technique and burping play an important role in reducing the frequency of spitting up. If the baby is on breastfeeding, it is important to monitor proper latch. If on formula feeding — make sure the bottle nipple is always filled with formula, not air.

Spitting up is normal if the baby feels well and gains weight normally. However, if spitting up is very frequent, abundant, accompanied by intense crying or poor weight gain, it warrants a consultation with a pediatrician.