Infant Spits Up Through the Nose – Causes & Solutions

Creator: Aliya Khan
Published: 2018-08-28 11:54:31

Learn why babies spit up through the nose, how to reduce reflux episodes, and ways to keep safe and calm.

By Aliya Khan | Updated: 24/02/2026

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arti Sharma (Paediatrician)

As you embrace motherhood, you will come to the realization that raising a child is not an easy task. Over time, you will get acquainted with the different problems that your baby might face. His cries will be different, his poop colour will change, and he may even vomit occasionally. As you start coming to terms with all of this, a new problem of spitting up of milk can make you worry about your baby’s health. Babies spit up milk generally after burping, but sometimes you may observe your baby spit up through nose. Is this a serious condition, and should you worry about it? Let’s find out what it means and what you should do if your infant spits up through nose.

Is It Normal for an Infant to Spit up Through the Nose?

For a newborn baby, spitting up is a common activity since the substance that comes up is usually nothing but reflux. Most babies do not know how to feed correctly, and they often end up taking in a lot of air along with the milk. Hence, when you try to burp the baby, a little milk also gets thrown up with it (1).

Since this activity of spitting up is based on reflex, the baby has barely any control over how fast and from where the spit up will appear. The throat and the nose are connected internally within the mouth, somewhere closer to the roof. Therefore, if any spit up emerges quickly, it could enter the nose from the connection and come outside.

Difference Between Spit Up and Vomit

Most parents also notice that if their baby vomits, it comes out through the nose as well. In this case, the parents might get confused about whether it is vomit or spit up.

The cardinal rule in this regard is to look at your baby. Vomiting is a forceful expulsion of food–the stomach muscles contract and forcefully push the food outside. This may irritate your baby, and he might cry when it happens. On the other hand, spitting up is reflexive. It happens on its own and, once the baby spits up, he will feel more relaxed and might even doze off once he’s done (2).

Why Do Babies Spit Up Through Their Nose?

Babies are adorable little creatures, but they sure can make a mess! One common issue that many parents face is the age-old question: Why do babies spit up through their nose? It’s not exactly the most pleasant thing to deal with, but understanding the science behind it can make clean-up a little less gross. So, let’s dive into the world of baby bodily functions and figure out why their spit-up sometimes takes the nasal route (3).

1. Presence of Various Distractions

Improper feeding remains the primary cause for spitting up. This usually happens if the baby gets distracted by something else present in the same room where he’s feeding. It can divert his attention from drinking the milk, which might result in him swallowing a lot of milk in a single gulp and choking on it, causing it to come out of the nose accidentally.

2. Swallowing Air With Milk

This is one of the common reasons for milk or formula showing up in your little one’s nose. Sometimes, babies tend to feed hurriedly if they are really hungry, and this results in taking in air along with the milk. After a while, the air tries to escape, and it also pulls some milk with it, which might show up in the mouth or the nose.

3. Spit up Combined With Coughing or Sneezing

Babies rarely have proper control over their body parts and other reflexive activities. At times, the spit up may emerge up the throat and all of a sudden, the baby might start hiccupping, coughing or even sneezing. All these reflexes open up the nasal cavity, causing the milk to emerge out of the nose instead.

4. Immature Stomach Valve

The oesophagus and the stomach are connected with a valve present in between. In babies, this valve is still developing, which is why it lacks the strength to hold back any excess food. Therefore, when a baby drinks milk in large quantities, the excess milk could easily rise back up and emerge from the nose.

5. Lying Flat During or After Feeding

Feeding a baby while they are lying flat on their back can increase the likelihood of spit-up exiting through the nose. When a baby is horizontal, milk pools in the back of the throat. Combined with the open connection between the throat and nasal passages, gravity can easily pull the fluid forward and out through the nostrils, especially if the baby moves or stirs.

How Does Spitting Up Through the Nose Affect a Baby?

Most of the time, the quantity of spit up is very minimal. And even if it emerges from the nose, there’s no reason to worry since it is simply milk or formula. However, if the quantity seems a lot more than usual, then there are chances your baby isn’t getting as much nourishment as he should.

How to Reduce Your Baby’s Spit-Ups?

Taking appropriate steps to reduce the frequency of spitting up in your child is not a difficult task. Here are a few ways you can help prevent your baby from spitting up too much (4).

Reducing Spit Up While Feeding

Feeding time can be a messy business, especially when you have a little one who likes to spit up more than they swallow. But don’t despair, there are ways to reduce the amount of spit up your baby produces while feeding. So, grab a bib and let’s explore some tips and tricks to keep those cute little outfits clean and dry.

Adjust the feeding position : Try keeping your baby in a more upright position during feeding to prevent milk from flowing back up. You can also try holding them at a slightly inclined angle.
Take frequent burp breaks : Burping your baby frequently during feeding can help release any trapped air in their tummy, reducing the likelihood of spit up. Try burping them every few minutes or after every ounce or two of milk.
Create a Distraction-Free Environment : Babies can easily get distracted while eating, which can lead to swallowing air and causing more spit up. Try to create a calm and quiet environment while feeding your baby. Turn off the TV and put your phone away, so you can focus on your little one.
Feed on Time : A hungry baby is more likely to gulp down their milk too quickly, leading to more spit up. Try to feed your baby on a regular schedule to avoid them becoming too hungry.
Never Overdo the Feeding: It can be tempting to encourage your baby to finish the whole bottle, but overfeeding can cause them to spit up even more. Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues and stop feeding them when they seem full.
Use a Proper Nipple : The nipple on the bottle can make a big difference in how much air your baby swallows. Look for a nipple that matches your baby’s age and development level, and make sure it’s the right size and shape for their mouth.

Reducing Spit Up After Feeding

Ah, the joys of parenthood! One of the most challenging aspects can be feeding your baby, especially when, constantly, your newborn spit up through nose afterwards. Here are a few tips to help reduce the amount of spit up and make feeding time a little less messy:

Watch His Sleeping Position : If your baby sleeps on his back, he may be more prone to spitting up. Try changing his position by propping him up slightly with a rolled-up towel under his shoulder blades.
Refrain From Using Tight Clothes : Tight clothing can put pressure on your baby’s tummy, which can cause him to spit up more. Stick to loose-fitting clothes that won’t restrict his movement.
Burp After Feeding : Burping is an important part of the feeding process, as it helps release any air your baby may have swallowed while eating. Gently pat your baby’s back or rub it in a circular motion to help release any trapped air.
Maintain an Upright Position : After feeding, keep your baby in an upright position for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This can help prevent any milk from coming back up and causing spit up coming out of baby’s nose.
Take Your Time : Rushing through feedings can cause your baby to swallow air, which can lead to more spit up. Make sure to take your time and allow your baby to feed at a comfortable pace.
Try Smaller, More Frequent Feedings : Some babies may be more prone to spit up if they’re given large meals all at once. Consider offering smaller, more frequent feedings throughout the day to help your baby digest the milk more easily.

At What Age Do Babies Stop Spitting Up?

Typically, infants outgrow spitting up around the six-month mark or once they can sit independently. However, for some, this reflex may persist until their first birthday. Even after spitting up ceases, fluid may occasionally escape through the nasal passages. This occurs because an infant’s swallowing mechanism is not yet fully controlled. As the gastrointestinal tract matures and the associated muscles gain strength, the baby will eventually be able to retain feedings effectively.

When to Consult a Doctor

Baby spitting up through the nose is not a problem. But you may need to contact your doctor if (5):

Your baby keeps spitting up even as he’s approaching the one-year mark.
Your child tends to choke or cough when he spits up.
The spitting up through the nose happens regularly.
The spit-up contains weird colours or even blood.
Your child spits up a lot and isn’t gaining weight properly.
Your baby cannot suck or swallow milk properly.
Your little one starts crying each time after spitting up.

FAQs

1. Can nasal spit-up increase the risk of ear infections?

Yes. A baby’s nasal passages are connected to their ears. If milk gets trapped near these openings, it can sometimes cause inflammation or lead to an ear infection.

2. Does the thickness of the milk (breastmilk vs. formula) affect nasal spit-up?

Yes. Thin breastmilk flows back out through the nose more easily than thicker formula. However, thicker formula can be more irritating to the nasal lining if it comes out.

3. Could a tongue-tie be a hidden cause of nasal regurgitation?

Yes. A tongue-tie prevents a good latch, causing the baby to swallow excess air while feeding. This extra air can push milk back up and out through the nose.

Seeing a baby spit up milk through the nose could be bothersome. However, there is no need to fret about it, as most of the time this condition fades away with time. Make sure you burp your child after every feed and follow the right tips to reduce the spit-up. Very soon, he will be able to keep his food down, and he will grow up to be a healthy child.

Also Read:

Why do Babies Spit Up
Infant Spit up with Mucus
Baby Spitting up Curdled Milk

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