Vomiting in newborns can worry parents, but it is not always a sign of serious illness. Understanding the possible reasons can help you respond correctly and know when medical care is needed.
Spit-Up vs Vomiting
Normal spit-up is small in amount, gentle, and does not affect weight gain.
Vomiting is forceful, larger in volume, and may be linked with discomfort, poor feeding, or slow weight gain.
Common Causes of Vomiting in Newborns
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER)
Milk flows back from the stomach into the food pipe because the valve is still immature. This often causes frequent spitting up after feeds.
Overfeeding
Newborn stomachs are small. Feeding too much or too fast can stretch the stomach and lead to vomiting.
Food intolerance or allergy
Some babies react to cow’s milk protein or soy. This can cause vomiting, stomach upset, and irritability.
Infections or illness
Conditions like stomach infections or urinary infections may cause vomiting along with fever, diarrhea, or tiredness.
Digestive blockage
Rarely, a blockage in the intestine can cause persistent or projectile vomiting. This needs urgent medical care.
When to Seek Medical Help
Get medical attention if your baby has:
– Frequent or continuous vomiting
– Projectile vomiting
– Vomiting with fever, weakness, or dehydration
– Blood in vomit
– Poor feeding or slow weight gain
Simple Home Care Tips
Feed smaller amounts more often to avoid overfeeding.
Burp your baby during and after feeds to reduce trapped air.
Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding to lower reflux.
Maintain hydration by following your doctor’s advice if vomiting continues.
Final Thoughts
Vomiting in newborns can happen due to reflux, feeding issues, infections, or allergies. While occasional spit-up is normal, persistent or forceful vomiting should never be ignored. Early attention helps prevent dehydration and other complications.
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if your newborn has ongoing vomiting, unusual symptoms, or feeding problems.