Spitting Up...

[ANGB]

Does your baby ever "spit up" through his/her nose? Our newborn has done it about half a dozen times (does normal out-of-mouth spitting up usually), and I'm not sure that it's normal or if we need to schedule a visit to the doc for it. He always seems fine after he's done it, very similar to if it had come out of the mouth. But when it happens, it's like he can't catch his breath right away.

[Amie]

My son does it about every 1 in 10 spit-ups...but it doesn't seem to affect him at all. So I'd say it's probably normal.:)

[emschwar]

I'd guess it's normal. Your nasal passages are connected to your mouth. Haven't you ever laughed while drinking and had it come out your nose? It's probably something similar. I know when Noah had a stomach bug once, he threw up and part of it came out his nose (how uncomfortable that must have been!). If he seems fine, he probably is. You could call the ped if you're really concerned, otherwise, just mention it at your next visit. I wouldn't make a special trip for it.

[newmommy]

Just happened to our DS the other day--it was so sad.

I have a question about spit up...can a baby choke on spit up if they do it while they're sleeping??????

[ANGB]

Thanks for the replies. Another question (bear w/me...new mom here): Is spitting up a sign that we're not doing something specific right? Like, could it be that we're overfeeding (which I doubt based on his stats & eating schedule) or not burping long enough?

Also, do you eventually figure out when he or she will spit up, or does it continue to mostly catch you off guard? Our son can do it three times in a day or none at all, 20 minutes after burping or an hour -- absolutely no heads-up or rhyme or reason.

P.S. I also have the same question as Chicken.

[allyray231]

Yup he used to do it though the nose. And at all times-still it can be a hour later and he will spit up

No the baby cannot choke. When my son was young-like 4 weeks old I would call the doc every day asking if my son was gonna choke in his sleep. My ped told me that he would not choke and that babies know to clear their throats. It is only babies that are really sick that would have an issue.

You can prop up the mattress (we did this helped a lot). Also you can lay them on thier side. Try feeding them about a half ounce to and ounce less. Also try and keep them upright for 30 minutes after they eat. We used to put DS in his carseat and read him a book.

If they start to cry a lot after eating and are not gaining weight from the spitting up, that is when you need to talk to the doc

I know it is scary but it does get better!!!

[RyeRye]

Does your DC spit up frequently? Does it seem painful? Arching back, writhing while feeding? If so, talk to your ped about reflux.

Also, all of Allray's suggestions plus smaller feeds more frequently should help.