Dealing with spit up in babies

All babies spit and bring up their food from time to time. After they’re born and till they’re almost three, babies commonly suffer from reflux.
This usually happens after your baby has milk or formula. This milk goes to the esophagus and then the stomach. It is when the food content re-enters the esophagus that your baby suffers from a reflux. Babies are prone to reflux because they have tiny stomachs (about the size of their fists) and also since their lower esophagus valve may not tighten up when it actually should.Experts reckon that if your baby shows no sign of breathing problems or discomfort while spitting up, there is no need to be concerned. However, you need to find out whether your baby suffers from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Look out for these signs:
- Acute discomfort or pain.
- Baby often chokes or gags.
- Constant vomiting curbs growth.
Here’s what you can do to ease your baby’s spitting:
- After feeding your baby, keep him/ her in an upright position for at least 20 minutes so that digestion can take place smoothly.
- Always burp your baby after a feed. This greatly relaxes them.
- Don’t put any pressure on your baby’s tummy after a feed.
- In case the spitting is bothersome, ask your pediatrician whether a mild antacid might help.