Spitting up
Alternative names:
waterbrash
Information:
Definition:
Spitting up of small amounts of liquids after feeding. It is not the same as vomiting, which is the forceful expulsion of food from the stomach.
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.
Ways to reduce spitting up include:- Burp your baby frequently during and after feeding by holding him upright over your shoulder. This allows air bubbles to rise to the top of his stomach and the slight pressure on his abdomen encourages burping of the air.
- Avoid excessive movement and jiggling during and after feeding.
- Avoid feeding large amounts. Instead, feel 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.
- Be sure he is keeping 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?
|
|
The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|
|
