If you’re a parent, you know that just when you think the feeding is done, and it’s time for cuddles, along comes a surprise “milk shower” moment. It’s a common—and messy—part of babyhood, but it can be frustrating, and it’s oh-so-common. But why does your little one spit up so much, and how can you help ease the mess?
Why Babies Spit Up
Babies spit up for a variety of reasons, most of which are completely normal. Here’s why it happens:
- Immature Digestive System: Your baby’s digestive system is still developing, and the valve that keeps milk in the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is not fully mature.
- Overfeeding: Tiny tummies can only hold so much. Overfeeding can easily lead to overflow.
- Air Swallowing: Babies often swallow air while feeding, which can lead to those bubbly burps (and spit-ups).
- Movement After Feeding: Too much jostling or tummy time right after a feed can bring the milk back up.
Tips to Reduce Spit-Up
While some spit-up is just part of babyhood, there are a few things you can do to make it less frequent:
- Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals – Instead of big, infrequent feeds, offer smaller portions more often to avoid overfilling that tiny stomach.
- Burp Often – Burp your baby every few minutes during a feed and right after to release trapped air.
- Hold Baby Upright – Keep your baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeding to help gravity keep the milk down.
- Check the Latch – If you’re breastfeeding, ensure a good latch to reduce air swallowing.
- Consider the Formula – If you’re formula-feeding, speak to your pediatrician about whether a different formula might reduce spit-up.
- Avoid Tight Diapers and Clothing – Pressure on your baby’s tummy can push milk back up.
When to Be Concerned
Most spit-ups are harmless, but if you notice any of the following, it’s best to check in with your pediatrician:
- Your baby isn’t gaining weight as expected.
- There’s blood or bile in the spit-up.
- Your baby is unusually fussy or uncomfortable during feeding.
- The spit-up is projectile or forceful.
Stay Calm, You’ve Got This
Remember, spit-up is usually just a phase, and most babies outgrow it by their first birthday. Until then, keep the burp cloths handy and know that this, too, will pass.
