#asktheexpert my 3 months old baby is vomiting very frequently. sometimes vomiting happens upto 8-10 times in a day. domstal is just helping temporarily but seems not able to cure completely. please advise!

Question

Accepted Answer

Frequent vomiting in a three-month-old baby can be concerning and may indicate various underlying issues. Here are some possible reasons for the vomiting and what you can do:

Possible Causes of Frequent Vomiting

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER): Common in infants, where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, leading to vomiting.

2. Overfeeding: Feeding the baby too much at once can lead to vomiting.

3. Allergic Reactions: Reactions to formula or breast milk (if the mother consumes allergens).

4. Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting.

5. Intestinal Blockage: Although less common, blockages can cause severe vomiting.

6. Poor Feeding Technique: Air swallowing during feeding can lead to vomiting.

What You Can Do

1. Monitor Feeding:

Ensure that you’re feeding smaller amounts more frequently rather than large amounts at once.

If bottle-feeding, check the nipple flow. A fast flow may cause the baby to take in too much milk too quickly.

2. Positioning:

Keep the baby upright for about 30 minutes after feeding to reduce the likelihood of reflux.

Try holding the baby in a more upright position while feeding.

3. Burping:

Burp the baby frequently during and after feeds to help release any trapped air that could contribute to vomiting.

4. Check Formula:

If you’re using formula, consider consulting your pediatrician about trying a different formula, especially if you suspect an allergy or intolerance.

5. Hydration:

Keep an eye on the baby’s hydration. If vomiting is frequent, ensure that the baby is still getting enough fluids.

6. Keep Track:

Note the frequency and amount of vomiting, as well as any other symptoms (such as fever, lethargy, diarrhea, or blood in the vomit). This information will be helpful for your pediatrician.

When to See a Doctor

You should contact your pediatrician if:

The vomiting is severe or persistent.

The baby shows signs of dehydration (such as decreased urine output, dry mouth, or lethargy).

There is blood in the vomit or if the vomit looks like coffee grounds.

The baby has a fever or exhibits unusual behavior (such as being excessively fussy or lethargic).

Frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration and may indicate an underlying health issue that needs medical attention. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and proper treatment.

Answer

thank you doctor for the detailed response.
our pediatrician has done Ultra sound scan for baby recently to see any blockages are there .no findings as such. scan was normal.

formula milk changed from nan Excella pro to Similac total comfort as per doctor suggestion. but not much difference.

at present baby takes 75% formula milk and 25% mother milk. is there anything we can try to control the vomitings?