Infants are like a book of mysteries, we don't really know how they are going to respond to simple things like formula or bottle feeding. Even though breastfeeding is recommended, that's not always possible for a variety of reasons. Some babies react to bottle feeding by vomiting, spitting up, or having reflux more than others. The following are the reasons why your baby is not eating that well or gaining weight.
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1. Reflux: Occurs when the milk content from the stomach shoots up and reenters the esophagus, making babies vomit and spit up. This is common among them because their stomachs are tiny. The muscles of the esophagus that tighten when the milk pass through might not yet be completely developed. Vomiting and spitting up in an infant is normal only if the baby is growing and is in a good mood. Talk to your doctor if you feel your baby is crying or too fussy after eating, they will offer various solutions to this problem (like propping up the crib mattress slightly so milk doesn't come back).
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a serious condition because it prevents the baby from eating and growing. Basically the baby can't stop vomiting and will not digest the formula. The baby is visibly irritated due to the excess of acid in his stomach. This condition will dehydrate your baby. Make sure you contact the pediatrician immediately if you see these symptoms.
3. Colic: You know your baby is colicky when he can't stop crying after he drinks his bottle. Colic is an indication that the baby is having a food allergy and is not tolerating the formula. Call your pediatrician so he can switch the formula to a soy based variety. Some abuelas recommend an ounce of chamomile tea to soothe a colicky baby.
4. Aspiration: This grave condition is developed when the baby breathes in the acidic content from his stomach. His little lungs fill up with the liquid caused by the reflux and this can create pneumonia. If something like this happens, your pediatrician will treat the baby and give him medication to tighten the gastric valve.
If your pediatrician ruled out any of the health conditions mentioned above, but your baby is still spitting up follow these simple tips:
- Feed your baby in an upright position and make sure you are not putting pressure on his stomach.
- Wait at least half an hour after the feeding to put him in a stroller or in a car seat.
- Don't move the baby while you are feeding him and don't lay him down right after he is done.
- Switch formulas since maybe the one you have its too heavy.
- Learn to love the little spit up because it will only last few months.
Image via Corbis
