Does regurgitation indicate eating too much?

Update Date: 2024-06-07 Source: Network

Regurgitation, also known as spitting up, does not necessarily mean that the baby has eaten too much. It can be due to physiological overflow, weakness of the spleen and stomach, or excessive feeding. Babies spitting up milk is not always due to eating too much, especially for breastfed babies. Especially for babies under 6 months old, spitting up milk is quite normal and is considered as "physiological overflow." The stomach of a small baby is not fully developed, unlike the adult stomach which is vertically aligned, and its stomach lies horizontally. Additionally, when the baby is feeding, air can enter the stomach, and after feeding, the air rises up, which can easily lead to spitting up.

When feeding, it is important to avoid holding the baby too flat. If the baby's head is higher than their chest, hips, and legs, after feeding, do not rush to put the baby down. Instead, hold the baby upright and gently pat their back to help them burp and expel the trapped air. Wait for 20 to 30 minutes before laying the baby down. If the baby frequently spits up milk, after putting them down, use a cushion to prop up their upper body. Regurgitation can also be a sign of weak spleen and stomach, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or indigestion in babies.

After feeding, it is recommended to pat the baby's back frequently. When lying down, avoid placing them completely flat as their esophagus is still developing. Therefore, regurgitation is a common occurrence. Unless it is severe, it generally has minimal impact and does not affect development. If the baby regurgitates frequently and in large amounts, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to check for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux. Daily, it is important to feed the baby small amounts frequently and avoid overfeeding. Additionally, remember to pat the baby's back to aid digestion and consider performing abdominal massage.

Regurgitation in newborns can also be caused by overfeeding and abnormal gastric motility. In such cases, parents should adjust the baby's eating habits, aim for small frequent meals, and avoid overfeeding. It is also crucial to soothe the baby's emotions and avoid feeding them when they are crying. During feeding, avoid vigorous movements or intense activities and ensure the baby is in a calm state while eating. Since the baby's stomach is horizontally aligned, it is recommended to hold them upright after feeding, pat their back gently, and help expel the trapped air in their stomach so that the milk can fully enter the stomach.