Spitting up is common and occurs frequently during infancy. Spitting up does not indicate a problem unless your baby is spitting up large amounts of food, is choking on the food, or is excessively spitting up. It would also be worrisome if the baby is spitting up vomit that is bloody or dark green/black in color. Failure to gain weight in association with spitting up may indicate a problem and should be evaluated by a physician.

Ways to reduce spitting up include:

• Burp your baby several times during and after feeding by sitting him upright (with your hand supporting his head). This allows air bubbles to rise to the top of his stomach and bending at the waist encourages burping of the air. Avoid pressure on the full abdomen, which often occurs when holding your baby over your shoulder. This sometimes "standard" procedure causes more expulsion of stomach contents rather than just expelling gas or air.
• Avoid excessive movement and jiggling during and immediately after feeding.
• Avoid feeding large amounts. Instead, feed smaller amounts more frequently.
• Lay your baby down on his right side with the head of his crib slightly elevated.
• Check for dribbling during sleep. The constant moisture in the corners of the mouth, chin, and neck can result in skin irritations.
• If the skin around his mouth becomes irritated, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly after cleaning. Use terry cloth bibs to absorb fluids while feeding.
• Be sure he is getting adequate fluids in by checking for dehydration.
  • Is the inside of his mouth moist?
  • Is he urinating adequately? Wetting 6 to 8 diapers each day?
  • Does his skin look pink and full instead of dull and loose?