Spitting up and reflux

Reviewed 13 October 20262 min read

Why she brings up milk after feeds, what helps, and which signs mean you should call a doctor.

In short

  • Bringing up a little milk is common.
  • Most babies grow out of it by 1.
  • Green, yellow or bloody sick needs a doctor.

What is normal

Reflux is when she brings up milk during or soon after a feed. It usually starts before 8 weeks. It usually gets better by her first birthday.

It happens because the muscle at the bottom of her food pipe is still weak. It gets stronger as she grows.

She does not usually need a doctor if she is happy, healthy and gaining weight. Some babies have reflux without bringing milk up. They may cough or hiccup during feeds, gulp after feeds, or cry and not settle.

What helps

  • Hold her upright during feeds and for as long as you can after.
  • Burp her often during feeds.
  • Check the hole in the teat is not too big. Drinking fast can make her sick.
  • Do not push her to take more milk than she wants.
  • Ask a health visitor or midwife to check how you feed her.
  • If you breastfeed, you do not need to change your diet.
  • Lay her to sleep flat on her back. Do not raise the head of her cot.

Keeping a note

Note when she feeds, how often she brings milk up, and how often she cries. This helps your doctor or health visitor see whether she needs more help.

A doctor may check for a cows' milk allergy. It can look a lot like reflux.

See your doctor

See your doctor if nothing you try helps. Also see your doctor if she is not gaining weight, or is losing weight. Reflux that starts after 6 months needs a doctor too. So does reflux that lasts past her first birthday.

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