Spitting up is very common in infants. Many parents worry when a baby spits up milk after a feeding. In most cases, this is a normal phenomenon called infant gastroesophageal reflux (GER).
According to several international health authorities, spitting up is common in healthy babies and usually disappears as the digestive system matures.
For example, the Haute Autorité de Santé (French National Authority for Health) indicates that simple regurgitation is common in infants and generally does not require examinations or treatment when the child is developing normally.
In this guide, you will discover:
• why infants often have reflux
• how to distinguish normal reflux from more problematic reflux
• what measures can sometimes help relieve the baby
• when it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
Why do infants often have reflux?
In babies, the digestive system is still immature.
The lower esophageal sphincter, which acts as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus, is not yet completely effective. This can allow milk to flow back up after a feeding.
The Mayo Clinic explains that spitting up is common in infants because:
• their stomach is still small
• their diet is entirely liquid
• they spend a lot of time lying down
• their digestive system is still developing.
These regurgitations are therefore particularly frequent during the first months of life.
Normal spitting up or pathological reflux?
Healthcare professionals generally distinguish two situations.
Physiological reflux (the most common)
In most cases, regurgitations are normal.
The baby:
• spits up a little milk
• appears generally comfortable
• eats normally
• gains weight correctly.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, these simple regurgitations are common in infants and generally disappear with growth.
Pathological reflux (rarer)
In some cases, reflux can cause more significant symptoms.
Signs that may require medical advice include, for example:
• significant crying during meals
• refusal to eat
• poor weight gain
• frequent or significant vomiting
• persistent irritability.
In these situations, a pediatrician or doctor can assess the situation.
At what age does reflux disappear?
In many infants, spitting up gradually decreases as the baby grows.
The National Health Service indicates that reflux is particularly common before 6 months of age and usually improves with growth.
In most cases, spitting up disappears before 12 months of age.
These benchmarks may vary from child to child.
How to relieve infant reflux?
Some simple measures can sometimes help limit spitting up.
Keep baby in an upright position after feeding
Keeping the baby in a relatively upright position for about 20 to 30 minutes after feeding can help reduce milk reflux.
This recommendation is notably mentioned by the National Health Service.
Check position during bottle feeding
For bottle-fed babies, it may be helpful to check:
• that the nipple is appropriate
• that the baby is not swallowing too much air.
Avoid handling immediately after feeding
Sudden movements or positions that compress the abdomen can promote regurgitation.
Reflux and sleeping position: what do the recommendations say?
The issue of sleep is very important.
International health authorities generally recommend putting infants to sleep:
• on their back
• on a firm mattress
• in a clear crib without objects.
These recommendations aim to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), formerly known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
This recommendation is notably supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other international health authorities.
Even for babies with reflux, the most common recommendations continue to prioritize sleeping on the back, as it is considered the safest position.
Certain positions, such as sleeping on the stomach, can sometimes promote stomach emptying and reduce reflux, but only when the baby is awake and supervised.
For sleeping, health authorities like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend always putting the infant on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (formerly known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Some recommendations may vary depending on individual situations. If in doubt, it is always best to seek advice from a doctor or pediatrician.
Should I change milk or use treatment?
In most cases, simple regurgitation does not require medical treatment.
The Haute Autorité de Santé generally recommends not changing diet or using treatment without medical advice.
In certain specific cases, a healthcare professional may suggest:
• a dietary adjustment
• specific monitoring
• or treatment if necessary.
When should you consult?
It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional if the baby shows:
• significant vomiting
• difficulty feeding
• poor weight gain
• significant or unusual crying
• signs of persistent pain.
A doctor, pediatrician, or midwife can check that everything is fine.
FAQ – infant reflux
Is spitting up normal?
Yes. According to the Mayo Clinic, spitting up is common in infants during the first few months of life.
Do all babies have reflux?
No, but spitting up is very common in infants.
Can reflux be dangerous?
In most cases, it is benign and disappears with growth.
When does it usually disappear?
In many children, spitting up decreases around 6 months and generally disappears before 1 year, according to the National Health Service.
Medical sources
The information presented in this article is based on the recommendations and publications of several recognized health institutions:
• Haute Autorité de Santé (French National Authority for Health)
• American Academy of Pediatrics
Important information
The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
Recommendations may vary depending on the country and individual situations. If in doubt regarding the health of an infant, it is recommended to consult a doctor, pediatrician, or midwife.
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