The similarities and differences between spit-up, reflux, and vomit—and when to see your doctor.
Spit-up and vomit may look similar, but there are some clear differences. While spit-up is typically nothing to worry about, vomit can indicate a health concern. Here’s a deeper look at these tummy issues, including their potential causes and triggers, tips for identifying them, and when to talk to your pediatrician.
Spit-up—also called reflux—and vomit all involve stomach contents coming up from a baby’s esophagus and out of their little mouth. Let’s explore a breakdown of these digestive issues.
Spit-up is a common occurrence in healthy babies under a year old. You may also hear the condition called reflux, acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER).
When spit-up is severe, it’s called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is not considered typical reflux, and if you suspect your baby may have it, it’s important to see your pediatrician.
Spit-up occurs when a tablespoon or two of breastmilk or infant formula flows out a baby’s mouth (and sometimes their nose) and dribbles down their chin. The gentle rush of liquid may be preceded by a burp.
A baby may spit up within two hours after eating, but often reflux occurs right after feeding. The good news is that, in most cases, spit-up won’t bother your baby. In fact, they may be what’s known as a “happy spitter.” Your baby may give you a big smile as you wipe off their face. The mild regurgitation, which could occur once or several times a day, shouldn’t interfere with your baby’s development either. The spit-up stage typically subsides by the time a baby reaches their first birthday.
Mild spit-up and reflux are common in babies, but severe spit-up is not. If your little one is experiencing extreme or worsening reflux or if the issue continues past 12 months, it could point to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition to spitting up, babies with GERD may:
Reach out to your pediatrician if your baby is experiencing the above or if you suspect they may have GERD. The condition can usually be managed with some behavior and dietary changes and sometimes medication. Avoid giving your baby any medicines or making dietary changes to your diet or your baby’s without consulting your doctor first.
Vomiting is more forceful than spit-up. Your baby may projectile vomit, meaning the stomach contents will shoot out fast and furious and land a few inches away from their mouth. Unlike spit-up, vomit can be uncomfortable, and your baby may appear ill or unhappy. If your baby is vomiting, it could indicate a potential virus, food allergy or sensitivity, or other health issue, so you’ll want to talk to your pediatrician to figure out what’s going on.
A newborn’s gastrointestinal system is still learning to work on its own, so some digestive functions are not quite developed yet.
Babies spend a lot of time on their backs, which can exacerbate reflux.
Bouncing, tummy time, and other playful activities right after feeding can lead to reflux.
Your baby’s tiny tummy can fill up fast. What can’t fit may come back up.
Swallowing too much air while feeding can trigger reflux.
Your little one’s belly may be a bit unsettled from their all-liquid breast milk or infant formula diet. Spit-up sessions often start to ease as they begin to eat solid foods.
A newborn’s gastrointestinal system is still learning to work on its own, so some digestive functions are not quite developed yet.
Preemies have a narrow and shorter esophagus that may not close properly yet, allowing gastric fluids from the stomach to come back up.
Cow’s milk protein allergy, the most common food allergy in infants, is a potential GERD contributor.
An inflammation of the esophagus may lead to GERD.
Some spit-up is normal, but vomiting and serious spitting up could indicate a more serious health issue. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice the following, as these could indicate GERD, a potential food allergy, or other medical concern.
While mild reflux is a normal part of baby development, call your pediatrician if your little one is spitting up profusely or if you have any questions or concerns. If you’re using infant formula, consider asking your doctor about switching to one designed to help ease spit-up issues. Enfamil A.R. formula is specially formulated with added rice starch for a thicker consistency to reduce reflux and spit-up by over 50%* in one week.
Enfamil has a range of infant formulas tailored to help ease tummy troubles, such as spit-up. Talk to your doctor about how our infant formulas could help your baby feel better and be sure to join Enfamil Family Beginnings to earn rewards on Enfamil purchases and get discounts, free baby formula samples, and baby freebies! You’ll also get custom baby content and tips delivered to your email.
*Based on a clinical study of Enfamil A.R. infant formula before the addition of DHA, ARA, and prebiotics with infants who spit up frequently (5 or more spit-ups per day), comparing frequency and volume of spit-up after feeding Enfamil A.R. to the same babies at the beginning of the study.
Toda la información de Enfamil, incluyendo, pero no limitada a la información sobre la salud, condiciones médicas y nutrición, está destinada a tu conocimiento en general y no substituye la identificación del cuidado médico de un profesional de la salud, consejos o el manejo para condiciones médicas específicas. Debes buscar atención médica y consultar a tu médico o pediatra por cualquier problema específico de salud o nutrición. Nunca ignores el consejo médico profesional ni retrases la búsqueda de tratamiento, atención o ayuda médica debido a la información que hayas leído en Enfamil
.png&w=3840&q=75)
