Keep in mind that spitting up, besides being messy, often doesn't cause a problem for most babies.
Signs that spitting up or reflux is causing a problem include that a baby:
- is often fussy or irritable
- frequently chokes or has wheezing or difficulty breathing
- often refuses to eat (dysphagia)
- arches her back during or right after feedings
- has a chronic cough
- has a hoarse voice or cry
If a child is spitting up and has any of the symptoms listed above, then she may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and likely needs further evaluation and treatment from her pediatrician.
These reflux treatments can include:
- lifestyle changes, such as changing the position that you hold your baby after feedings, elevating the head of your baby's crib about 30 degrees, using a tucker sling and wedge, and frequently burping your baby
- continuing to breastfeed if you are breastfeeding
- thickening your baby's formula if you are not breastfeeding
- taking an acid reflux medication, such as Zantac or Prevacid
