#asktheexpert why my 3 months baby still throws up

Question

Accepted Answer

It's common for babies, especially those around three months old, to experience vomiting or spitting up. However, if it happens frequently or is concerning, it's important to understand the possible causes and how to address them.

Here are some common reasons why a three-month-old baby might throw up:

1. Overfeeding

Babies have small stomachs, and if they are fed too much or too quickly, they might throw up. Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues and try to feed smaller amounts more frequently to avoid overfeeding.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

GERD is common in infants and occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and vomiting. While some amount of spitting up is normal, if your baby is also showing signs of discomfort (like arching their back, crying excessively, or refusing to feed), GERD might be a concern.

3. Air Swallowing (Excessive Gas)

Babies may swallow air while feeding, especially if they're bottle-fed or if they nurse too quickly. This air can lead to discomfort, which may cause them to vomit or spit up.

Try burping your baby more often during and after feedings, and ensure that the nipple on the bottle is the right size to avoid excessive air intake.

4. Milk Allergy or Sensitivity

If your baby is formula-fed, they may be sensitive or allergic to a particular protein in the formula. This can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting. If you suspect this, consult your pediatrician to try a different formula or address the allergy.

5. Digestive System Immaturity

At three months, your baby’s digestive system is still developing. Spitting up or vomiting can be part of this process, as the muscles controlling the esophagus and stomach may not be fully developed yet.

6. Infection or Illness

A cold, flu, or stomach infection can sometimes cause vomiting. If your baby has other symptoms like a fever, diarrhea, or a lack of interest in feeding, it’s worth consulting with your pediatrician to rule out an illness.

7. Positioning During Feeding

The position in which you hold your baby during and after feeding can impact how well the milk stays down. Ensure that your baby is in a slightly upright position while feeding and for at least 20-30 minutes after feeding.

8. Overactive Let-Down Reflex (for Breastfeeding)

If you are breastfeeding and have an overactive let-down reflex (too much milk coming out too quickly), your baby might choke or gag, leading to vomiting. You can try expressing a little milk before feeding to help manage the flow.

9. Teething (Sometimes)

Although teething doesn’t directly cause vomiting, the discomfort associated with teething can lead to fussiness and occasional gagging or spitting up.

What You Can Do:

Feed smaller amounts more frequently: This can help avoid overfeeding and reduce the chance of vomiting.

Burp your baby regularly: Burp your baby after every few minutes of feeding to prevent the buildup of gas.

Keep your baby upright after feeding: Hold your baby in an upright position for 20-30 minutes after each feed to help prevent spitting up.

Avoid tight clothing: Ensure that your baby’s clothes aren’t too tight around the stomach.

Consult a doctor: If vomiting is persistent, forceful, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as fever, poor weight gain, or dehydration), it’s important to consult your pediatrician to rule out any underlying health issues.

Let me know if you'd like more specific guidance or have additional questions!