What causes newborns to experience dry heaving during sleep?

It is possible for newborns to experience dry heaving during sleep due to physiological reasons, improper feeding, indigestion, or lactose intolerance.

1. Physiological phenomenon

Newborns' bodies are still developing and their organs are not fully mature, particularly the relatively weak intestinal function. Excessive milk intake may often lead to nausea or dry heaving while sleeping. This is generally considered a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require special treatment.

2. Improper feeding

If a newborn is overly hungry and feeds too quickly or eagerly, or feeds while crying, they tend to swallow excessive air. This swallowed air entering the digestive system commonly causes dry heaving, which may occur during sleep.

3. Indigestion

Newborns typically have small stomach capacities. If fed too much milk at once or fed too frequently, it may lead to indigestion, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, fussiness, or dry heaving during sleep.

4. Lactose intolerance

Some newborns lack sufficient enzymes needed to digest lactose. After feeding, this deficiency can result in lactose intolerance, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, or dry heaving.