McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Spanish version

What is spitting up?

Spitting up is the effortless loss of one or two mouthfuls of stomach contents. Milk just rolls out of the mouth, often with a burp. It usually happens shortly after feedings. Spitting up usually happens between birth to 1 year of age. More than half of all infants spit up to some degree.

Babies spit up because the valve (ring of muscle) at the top of the stomach does not close very well. Your baby will stop spitting up as he gets older.

How can I help my child?

• Feed smaller amounts.

  Overfeeding always makes spitting up worse. If the stomach is completely full, spitting up is more likely. Give smaller amounts (at least 1 ounce less than you have been giving). Wait at least 2 and 1/2 hours between feedings.

• Avoid pressure on your child's stomach.

  Avoid tight diapers. They put added pressure on the stomach. Don't let people play roughly with your baby right after meals.

• Keep your child in an upright position after meals.

  After meals, try to keep your baby in an upright position using a frontpack, backpack, or swing for 30 minutes.

• Use a proper sleep position.

  Most babies with spitting up problems can still sleep on their backs. This is the recommended position to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Talk to your doctor if your child is choking or having breathing problems.

• Add rice cereal to formula.

  If your baby still spits up large amounts after you have tried the suggestions above, you can try thickening the formula with rice cereal. Add 1 level teaspoon of rice cereal to each ounce of formula. You also need to make the nipple opening bigger.

• Acid blockers or liquid antacids.

  Children with a severe problem or heartburn may need medicine. Your child's oral medicine is ___________________. Give ________ every _________ hours for _________ days.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

• You see blood in the spit-up material.
• The spitting up causes your child to choke or cough.

Call your child's doctor during office hours if:

• Your baby doesn't seem to improve with this approach.
• Your baby does not gain weight normally.
• You have other concerns or questions.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.