How to address infant spitting up

Jun 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, infant spitting up may be caused by physiological regurgitation, improper feeding, indigestion, protein allergy, meningitis, or other factors. The symptoms can be alleviated through general treatments, medication, and other measures. If the spitting up is frequent, projectile in nature, or accompanied by other abnormal symptoms such as fever, blood in stool, or lethargy, seek immediate medical attention to avoid delaying treatment.

In general, infant spitting up may be caused by physiological regurgitation, improper feeding, indigestion, protein allergy, meningitis, and other factors. Measures such as general treatment and medication can help alleviate the symptoms of infant spitting up. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Physiological Regurgitation

An infant's stomach is horizontally positioned, with underdeveloped lower esophageal sphincter muscles and high tension in the pyloric sphincter muscles, leading to easy reflux of milk into the esophagus. Postural changes after feeding, such as lying flat or increased abdominal pressure due to crying, can further cause spitting up. It is recommended to hold the baby upright and burp after feeding, keeping the upper body elevated at a 30-degree angle while lying on the side; feed smaller volumes more frequently to avoid overfeeding.

2. Improper Feeding

Feeding too quickly, using a nipple with too large an opening, inappropriate milk temperature, or the infant swallowing excessive air during feeding can increase gastric pressure, resulting in spitting up. It is recommended to control the feeding speed; the nipple hole should allow milk to drip, rather than flow continuously, when inverted.

3. Indigestion

An infant's intestinal flora is not yet mature, and improper feeding, such as introducing complementary foods too early or frequently changing formulas, can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, presenting as spitting up accompanied by bloating, diarrhea, or foul-smelling stools. Adjust feeding practices, and take probiotics such as Bifidobacterium live powder to regulate the intestinal flora if necessary.

4. Protein Allergy

The infant's immune system reacts to proteins in cow's milk, damaging the gastrointestinal mucosa, presenting as spitting up, blood in stool, eczema, etc. It is recommended to switch to extensively hydrolyzed protein formula or amino acid-based formula; severe cases require antiallergic medications such as Cetirizine Hydrochloride Drops under a doctor's guidance.

5. Meningitis

Bacterial or viral infection causing meningitis leads to increased intracranial pressure, resulting in frequent projectile vomiting, accompanied by high fever, drowsiness, bulging fontanelle, seizures, and other symptoms. Immediate medical attention is advised; hospitalization is required for antibiotic treatment such as Ceftriaxone Sodium for Injection or antiviral medications, along with intracranial pressure reduction and symptomatic supportive treatment.

If spitting up is frequent, projectile in nature, or accompanied by other abnormal symptoms such as fever, blood in stool, or lethargy, seek immediate medical attention to avoid delaying treatment. Parents should closely monitor the characteristics of the spitting up and the infant's overall condition to assist the doctor in accurately determining the cause.

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