TIPS & RESOURCES

Baby Spit-Up

While it may be a bit messy, spitting up is often harmless. In fact, your little one may be a "happy spitter" and seem unfazed by it. That said, nobody needs more messes to clean up, so it can help to understand why baby spit up happens and how to help your baby spit up less.

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Explore Spit-up Articles

How can you manage your baby's spit-up issues? When should you reach out to your pediatrician? Explore our baby spit-up resources for tips to help you deal with this common concern.

Why does my baby spit up?

Your baby might spit up if they:

Eat more
than their tiny
tummy can
handle

Swallow too
much air while
feeding

Abruptly change
their position after
feeding

Feel overstimulated
after feeding

Spend too
much time lying
down

Does this mean there could be a feeding issue?

Spit-up is often connected to feeding in two ways:

Swallowing too much air

Which can create bubbles that go upstairs or downstairs. Little bubbles going upstairs can be burps, and if the bubbles get big, they can come up as spit-up. This is why burping your baby can help get that air out before it gets messy.

The formula texture

Sometimes it's a matter of texture, and tryin a thickened formula like Enfamil A.R. can help. A.R. means added rice, and it contains the same nutrition as regular formula—the rice is just there to make the formula's consistency thicker so that it can more easily stay in your baby's tummy.

What if my baby keeps spitting up a lot?

Some parents try everything and their baby is still spitting up. That doesn't mean it's time to give up or panic, but it can't hurt to get some guidance from your doctor. Every baby is different, and sometimes frequent spitting up could be something they'll grow out of with time. When in doubt, get in touch with a doctor to figure it out.

What is the difference between spit-up and vomit?

When a baby spits up, the contents flow easily out of their mouth, like dribble or drool. Vomiting is more forceful and unpleasant of an experience, as it could indicate a potential infection, food allergy, or other health concern. If you notice your baby is vomiting after feeding and/or while spitting up, definitely get in touch with your doctor.

What can I feed my baby if they keep spitting up?

If you're feeding your baby formula, your doctor may suggest switching to one designed to ease spit-up, such as Enfamil A.R. If you're breastfeeding, your doctor may recommend you continue to do so, but try feeding your baby before they start showing hunger cues. This may help the eat more calmly, making them less likely to gulp and swallow too much air.

Why Enfamil A.R.?

Enfamil A.R. formula is specially formulated with added rice starch for a thicker consistency to reduce reflux and spit-up. It is the #1-selling brand of formula for spit-up/common reflux.*

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What is Enfamil A.R.?

Enfamil A.R. is designed to provide a sole source of nutrition for infants up to age 6 months and provide a major source of nutrition until 12 months. It is designed to reduce your baby's spit-up with a thicker formulation.

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*Formula for spit-up defined as rice-thickened formula.

All information on Enfamil.com, including but not limited to information about health, medical conditions, and nutrition, is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for a healthcare professionals medical identification, advice or management for specific medical conditions. You should seek medical care and consult your doctor or pediatrician for any specific health or nutrition issues. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment, care or help because of information you have read on Enfamil.com/