#asktheexpert baby is crying and not drinking milk..even if drinking, immediately vomiting..what could be the reason???

Question

Accepted Answer

If your baby is crying, refusing to drink milk, and vomiting immediately after drinking, there could be several possible reasons. Here are a few common ones to consider:

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

Babies can experience acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and vomiting after feeding.

Symptoms may include frequent vomiting, fussiness during or after feeding, and arching of the back.

2. Teething

Teething can cause discomfort in the gums, making it painful for your baby to drink. This discomfort could also lead to irritability and vomiting due to the crying and swallowing extra air.

3. Milk Intolerance or Allergy

If your baby has an allergy or intolerance to cow's milk or formula, this could lead to vomiting after drinking.

Other symptoms may include diarrhea, rash, and gas.

4. Overfeeding

Overfeeding can cause your baby to vomit due to an overloaded stomach.

Babies have small stomachs, so it's important to offer smaller, more frequent feedings.

5. Infection (e.g., Stomach Bug or Cold)

If your baby has a viral or bacterial infection, especially in the stomach (gastroenteritis), this can cause vomiting, discomfort, and refusal to feed.

Look for other symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or lethargy.

6. Ear Infection

An ear infection can cause discomfort while sucking or swallowing, making it painful for your baby to drink milk.

Signs of an ear infection include tugging at the ear, irritability, and fever.

7. Colic or Gas

Colic or trapped gas can cause crying, fussiness, and discomfort, leading to your baby refusing to feed and vomiting.

Babies with colic often cry for long periods and have difficulty calming down.

8. Stomach Discomfort

If your baby has an upset stomach or indigestion, they may vomit after feeding. This could be due to a reaction to something they ate or drank earlier.

What You Can Do:

Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or signs of discomfort to share with your pediatrician.

Keep Baby Upright: After feeding, keep your baby in an upright position for at least 20-30 minutes to help reduce vomiting.

Frequent Burping: Burp your baby during and after feeding to release trapped gas that could cause discomfort or vomiting.

Small, Frequent Feedings: Offer smaller amounts of milk more frequently, rather than large quantities at once, to avoid overloading the stomach.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

If the vomiting continues or is accompanied by fever, lethargy, diarrhea, or signs of dehydration (dry mouth, few wet diapers), consult your pediatrician as soon as possible.

If your baby shows signs of severe discomfort, continuous crying, or refusal to feed for an extended period, it's essential to get professional advice.

A pediatrician will be able to assess the situation better and suggest the appropriate treatment or investigation based on the underlying cause.