#asktheexperts
My kid usually pukes after every feed, is it normal?

Question

#asktheexperts 
My kid usually pukes after every feed, is it normal?

Accepted Answer

Frequent puking (or spitting up) after feeding is fairly common in babies, especially during the first few months, but it's important to determine if it's within normal limits or if it may indicate an underlying issue. Here are some potential causes and when it may be normal or concerning:

Normal Causes:

1. Immature Digestive System: Babies often spit up because their digestive system is still developing. This is normal and usually decreases as the baby grows older, especially by 6 months.

2. Overfeeding: If the baby is being fed too much or too quickly, the stomach may become full, causing spit-up.

3. Swallowing Air: Babies may swallow air while feeding, which can lead to spit-up when they burp or after feeding.

4. Reflux (GERD): Gastroesophageal reflux is when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. It’s common in babies and usually resolves by itself as they grow. However, if your baby is still happy, gaining weight, and the spit-up is not forceful, it’s likely nothing to worry about.

When to Be Concerned:

1. Forceful Vomiting: If your baby is vomiting forcefully (projectile vomiting) after every feed, it could indicate a condition called pyloric stenosis (a blockage in the stomach) and should be checked by a doctor.

2. Weight Loss: If your baby is not gaining weight or losing weight, despite feeding, this could indicate a problem and should be evaluated by a pediatrician.

3. Frequent Irritability or Pain: If your baby is fussy, arches their back, or seems uncomfortable after feeding, this could suggest more severe reflux or another issue that needs attention.

4. Dehydration Signs: Look out for signs of dehydration such as fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, or lethargy. If you notice these, contact a doctor immediately.

What You Can Do:

Feed Smaller Amounts More Often: This can prevent overfilling the baby’s stomach.

Burp the Baby Frequently: Burping your baby halfway through feeding and after can help release the air they might swallow.

Keep Baby Upright: After feeding, hold your baby in an upright position for 20-30 minutes to help reduce spitting up.

Check Bottle Flow: If bottle-feeding, ensure that the nipple has the right flow speed for your baby's age, as too fast a flow can cause overfeeding or air swallowing.

If you’re concerned about the frequency of puking or the baby’s overall health and growth, it’s a good idea to consult with a pediatrician for further evaluation.

#asktheexperts My kid usually pukes after every feed, is it normal?