What Causes a Baby to Spit Up Curdled Milk – Reasons and Solutions

Last Updated on May 11, 2023

Most women find themselves unable to cope with the challenges of being a new mom due to the variety of raw challenges they face every day. Many issues can stress them. The most well-known explanation could be your baby spitting up curdled milk. Well, it is very usual for babies to spit up, but if you want to understand why it occurs, what you can do to reduce it, then read this blog carefully. 

What Does Curdled Spit-up Resemble? 

Baby spitting up curdled milk looks similar to the breastmilk or formula your baby feeds. However, the curdling may vary depending on how long the spit up milk stays inside your baby’s stomach. It means that spit up milk may appear just like milk if it comes out as soon as the baby is done eating. However, if it stays inside the tummy for a prolonged period, it may appear more curdled as it gets mixed with the stomach acid. 

The curdled breast milk spit up of an infant is likely to be white. Be that as it may, red let out could mean there is blood present, and green or yellow let out could demonstrate bile or bodily fluid. In case of any such abnormality, you should notify the doctor!

is it normal for baby to spit up curdled milk?

You don’t have to panic quickly if your breastfed baby spitting up milk that is curdled! Most infants will throw up soured milk to some extent once before they turn three months old. But if the breastfed baby spits up curdled milk from his stomach regularly and is cranky, not gaining weight, and showing other symptoms, it could be a reason for concern that is usually not considered ordinary. If you notice any of these symptoms in your infant, talk to your primary care doctor about the fundamental causes.

We have a guide on can my baby choke on his spit up while sleeping. You may read it for further information.

why does my baby spit up curdled milk or Formula?

Here are the top reasons why baby spits up curdled milk or formula:

Acid Reflux:

This condition is created by stomach acid traveling up a child’s throat. It is common and can lead to curdled spit-up. By feeding your baby upright, you can prevent reflux. Additionally, avoid certain foods while nursing to keep track of how much to feed in one go.

Immature Digestive Systems:

When babies are born, their digestion is still immature, which results in curdled milk in their mouths. However, as they grow up, their digestive system improves. Thus, they stop spitting up curdled milk.

On the other hand, babies who have lactose intolerance, milk protein allergies, or allergic reactions to cow’s milk may spit up curdled breast milk or formula.

You can determine whether your baby is experiencing such issues by observing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

Pyloric Stenosis:

Young babies can suffer from this rare condition whereby their stomachs are narrow, making it difficult for their food to travel to their intestines. It is one of the reasons why they may lose weight unexpectedly, spit up curdled food, etc. Surgery is usually required to treat this condition.

curdled milk baby spit up vs vomit: What’s the Difference?

The distinction between curdled spitting up and curdled milk vomit is easy. The spitting up is more gradual and generally comes after a burp. You can see it coming out of the side of your child’s mouth. Vomiting occurs when your infant throws up content forcefully, several feet away from him.

We have an in-depth guide on the differences between baby spit up and vomit. You may read it for further information. 

The most effective method to Stop Baby From Spitting Curdled Milk: 

The following tips can help prevent or stop your baby from vomiting or spitting up milk curdled even though it is a common phenomenon in babies:

• Feed your baby upright to prevent your baby from throwing up. Feeding your baby in a curled or slouched position can lead to vomiting.

• You should express some milk in order to manage the milk flow if you notice your breasts are too full. If you are bottle-feeding the baby, check the nipple hole to ensure that the baby gets enough milk.

• Rather than trying to feed your baby all at once, focus on feeding your baby frequently. Don’t force your baby to eat if he refuses to eat.

• Assure that your baby’s stomach doesn’t have extra pressure from tight clothing, tight diapers, lying on the belly too long, etc. Otherwise, it may occur spitting up.

• In addition to burping between feeding sessions, you should burp your baby after each feed so that ventilation occurs well.

• Keep the feeding sessions as calm and quiet as possible for your infant since when babies are distracted, they may ingest more air, resulting in them spitting up more.

What is the right time to take a doctor’s advice?

Spitting up usually stops gradually between six and twelve months of age as your baby’s digestive system matures. However, if any of the following symptoms you notice, you should immediately call your pediatrician:

• If you notice the baby is not eating properly. 

• Your baby is experiencing breathing difficulties.

• The baby is not gaining weight.

• If your baby’s poop contains traces of blood.

• Green or yellow fluid is present in your baby’s spit.

• Spit-ups are more like vomiting than regular spitting up

• There are fewer wet diapers in a day than expected.

• If blood is present in your baby’s curdled spit-up.

• If your baby is crying or in an irritable mood more frequently than usual.

• If your kid is throwing up curdled milk or breastmilk after six months or older.

Wrapping up:

Your baby may be spitting up curdled milk as a result of several causes. However, it is a typical occurrence in infants. If you’re concerned about anything like this, you should visit your doctor right away. If any of these symptoms you notice in your newborn baby, see your doctor immediately because he would be the right person to explain them and offer you the best solution.

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