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Spitting up

Spitting up is when a baby spits out breast milk, formula, or other food during or shortly after feeding. It is different from vomiting, which is forceful. Spitting up is effortless and does not seem to cause the baby any discomfort.

Some babies spit up for no reason. Other babies spit up because the valve at the top of the stomach does not close completely (reflux). Spitting up caused by reflux usually goes away as the baby gets older.

Frequent burping during feeding helps reduce the amount of spit-up. Also, keeping the baby upright for 30 minutes after feeding can help.

Spitting up usually happens less often when the baby is older than 4 months and starts eating solid food. Most babies stop spitting up by the age of 9 months.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.