Milmedika

Feeding a baby often comes with experiences that are completely normal for this age but can raise concerns for parents. Spitting up, hiccups, stomach cramps, and eager feeding are all situations that may cause worry, even though they usually aren’t signs of illness.

This guide provides practical tips to help you enjoy every moment with your baby without stress and with joy.

Spitting up – a common and normal occurrence

Spitting up is the involuntary return of a small amount of milk from the stomach to the mouth. About 50% of babies spit up until around three months of age. The cause is the immaturity of the lower esophageal sphincter—the muscle that prevents food from coming back up.

Parents often worry their baby is losing too much milk, but if your baby:

• Regularly wets diapers,
• Gains weight appropriately,
• Seems calm and content,

...there’s no reason to be concerned.

How to reduce spitting up:

• Feed your baby in a semi-upright position.
• Hold your baby upright after feeding until they burp.
• Avoid overfeeding and feeding too quickly.
• Don’t change diapers immediately after feeding.
• Place your baby on their side for sleep (with supervision).
• Make sure the head is level with or above the stomach—check diaper placement to avoid lifting the lower body.
• Slightly elevate the mattress under the head while sleeping.

Spitting up usually improves with growth and when solid foods are introduced.

Vomiting – when to see a doctor?

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of a larger amount of stomach contents, often with a sour smell. Unlike spitting up, vomiting involves expelling the entire meal, sometimes with force.

Occasional vomiting may not be concerning, but see a pediatrician if:

• Vomiting is frequent and heavy.
• Your baby is not gaining weight.
• Vomiting persists for several days.
• Vomit contains blood or is greenish.

Gastroesophageal reflux may be the cause if vomiting is prolonged and accompanied by pain, irritability, and poor weight gain.

Eager feeding (too fast and gulping air) – why it happens and how to help

Babies sometimes feed too eagerly, causing them to:

• Swallow air
• Choke while feeding

Tips for calmer feeding:

• Feed your baby before they get overly hungry.
• Always use a semi-upright position during feeding.
• If bottle-feeding, choose a nipple with an appropriate hole size.
• Follow your baby’s rhythm instead of strictly limiting milk amounts.

Choking – when is it dangerous?

Occasional choking during feeding is common and often resolves quickly. However, seek emergency help immediately if:

• Your baby cannot breathe.
• The face turns blue or pale.
• Breathing does not return to normal within a few seconds.

Hiccups – harmless and common

Babies hiccup more often than adults, sometimes several times a day, with episodes lasting about ten minutes. This happens due to frequent feedings and an active diaphragm.

Fun fact: Hiccups can start in the womb!

They usually stop on their own and aren’t a cause for concern.

Stomach cramps – how to ease your baby’s discomfort

Stomach cramps (infantile colic) are common during the first three months of life. Symptoms include:

• Sudden bouts of crying
• Pulling the legs toward the stomach
• Redness of the face

Colic is caused by:

• Increased bowel activity
• Gas buildup

Ways to soothe your baby:

• Gently rock your baby.
• Apply a warm compress to the tummy.
• Use anti-colic teas (only with pediatrician’s advice).

Colic is temporary and leaves no lasting effects, but always monitor to rule out other conditions.

When should you definitely see a pediatrician?

• If your baby stops gaining weight.
• Vomiting is frequent and heavy.
• Choking is recurrent or severe.
• There’s a change in skin or lip color.
• You suspect pain from an underlying medical cause.

Most physical symptoms in babies are harmless, but never ignore your instincts. Always consult a pediatrician for peace of mind and proper care.

Author: Dr. Veselinka Lola Đurišić, pediatric gastroenterology specialist