if baby spits up should I feed again? | Expert Guide

Last Updated on March 14, 2023

What should you do if your baby spits up? Most parents have been there at one point or another. It can be a very frustrating experience, but it is essential to remember that spitting up is a normal part of being a baby. Sometimes it’s just the wrong type of food for their stomach, and other times they’re just trying to tell us something- like they need burping! This blog post will discuss what you should do when your baby spits up and how long before feeding again.

if baby throws up should i feed again?

Vomiting and spit-up are very common in healthy infants. In most situations, you can begin nursing your baby as soon as they regurgitate. This helps to keep your infant hydrated.

However, it’s sometimes preferable to wait a little while before feeding your infant again. If your newborn baby is taking medicine, you should hold off for a bit so that the medicines don’t return up.

What causes the baby to spit up and vomit?

You should understand that baby vomit and spit-up are not the same. They are two separate things. And they can have various causes. Spit-up is more common in babies under the age of a year. It’s generally a simple flow of milk and saliva that leaks from your newborn’s mouth after feeding. It’s usually an easy flow of milk with a burp.

Normal spitting is expected in healthy infants. It might happen for a variety of causes. One of the most common reasons is acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease) which occurs in about half of all breastfed and formula-fed babies at 3 months of age or younger.

It’s possible to get spit-up from infant reflux if your baby has a full stomach. If you are bottle-feeding your baby, make sure you are not overfeeding him. This could help in reducing spit-up. Usually, it goes away in your baby’s first year.

If your baby spits up curdled milk, we have a detailed guide on it. You may read it by following the link.

On the other hand, vomiting is considered when the baby has a more forceful throwing-up of stomach contents. It happens when the brain sends signals to the muscles around the stomach to squeeze. We have an in-depth guide on spit up vs vomit. You may read it for further information.

Vomiting is a reflex action that may be caused by a variety of factors. These are some of them:

• A viral or bacterial infection can cause irritation
• Fever
• Pain or discomfort from a fever, earache, or vaccination
• Stomach or intestines blockage
• Food allergies
• Some medications can be the cause of vomiting
• Allergens, including dust; though it’s very uncommon for a baby under 1 year
• Movement ailment, for example, during a vehicle ride
• Dizziness
• Strong smells
• Being stressed
• Lactose intolerance

When should you feed your baby after they’ve vomited?

Sometimes vomiting can be severe. Dehydration and weight loss can occur if the vomiting is excessive. Breast milk or formula feeding can help prevent both of these problems.

After your baby has stopped vomiting, offer her a feeding. If the little one is hungry and accepts the bottle or breast after throwing up, feed her.

You should start with little amounts of milk, and you should also help her take a burp in the middle of the session by holding her upright and patting her on the back.

If the baby vomits again and does not want to eat after that, offer her water in a bottle or a spoon. This will keep the baby hydrated. However, ensure that the baby is at least 6 months old before doing so.

Then you may wait a little while and try feeding your baby again. However, if you notice she starts excessive spitting again and does not want to eat anything, you should consult your doctor instead of continuing to try to give her milk.

If there is no vomiting for several hours after eating or drinking anything at all (this includes water), then it’s probably safe to resume normal breastfeeding.

When not feed your baby after they have thrown up?

In some cases, it’s better not to feed a baby right after they have thrown up. If your child is vomiting due to an earache or fever, they may need some medication first.

If the baby takes medicine prescribed by the doctor, you should wait around 30 to 60 minutes for another feeding session. Feeding her too soon might lead to another bout of vomiting, which will make the medicine ineffective.

Motion sickness could be another reason for vomiting though it’s rare in babies under the age of 2. However, if your baby vomits due to motion sickness, it’s best not to feed her afterward.

If your baby enjoys falling asleep in the car, you’re in luck. Allow your baby to drink milk after you’ve parked the vehicle or you’re out of the car.

What can you do to prevent your baby from spitting up?

Here are a few things you can try to avoid your baby spitting up:

Try burping them after every ounce. Frequent burps reduce spitting up. Some babies need more or less, but it’s worth trying for sure!

– Make sure they’re not over-feeding. They should be eating the same amount at each feeding, and you can tell by how much they have wet diapers.

– You should keep the baby in an upright position after you feed her.

– Try different positions when they’re eating; sometimes, being on their backs makes them spit up more.

– Try different types of bottles and nipples, even pacifiers. You want something that will work best for your baby!

– Wait an hour after they spit up before feeding them more milk or formula.

– If it has been less than two hours since their last meal tries burping them first and then feeding them a little bit.

– You can try feeding with cereal (if the baby eats solid foods),

– If they’re still spitting up after two hours, it’s time to call your pediatrician for advice on what to do next. They will help you figure out what is going on so you can get your baby feeling better and keep them healthy!

Wrapping up:

Vomiting is common in babies, but not all cases are harmless. It’s important to know when it might be a symptom of a more serious illness that needs immediate attention from your pediatrician. We hope this blog post has helped answer some of the most commonly asked questions about spit-up and vomiting for parents with healthy babies! If you have any other concerns or worries, please contact your pediatrician immediately.

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