how much spit up is too much spit up?

Courted · February 2009

DS has been spitting up, what I think is a lot, but it is hard to know. I am not sure how to measure what is a lot and whether I should be concerned. We are in the midst of switching pedis since ours is not helpful, so calling about this is really not an option. Any tips and ideas? TIA!!

R&C&? · February 2009

I've learnt that if it is after every feeding, or with a lot of force-projectile if you will-then you might want to get him checked out. As for the amount, he can spit up quite a bit and it isn't a bad thing. More than a tablespoon or two I think is a good threshold. Keep in mind that coming back up there is a lot more added to it from his tummy. Or if you lay him down and find the sheet soaked in a 6 inch by 6 inch puddle, that might be too much as well. If it seems like more than a mouthful, thats when I tend to worry. (Keep in mind this is totally an unprofessional opinion:) Hope that calms your fears though...

Mrs.McJeep · February 2009

If you think it is too much then you should try and have someone look in to it. I think the pp gave a good basis to go off. But you know your baby best.

JillRock96 · February 2009

Ava spits up a ridiculous amount due to reflux. From what I've been told, the amount is not an issue unless (a) it is very forceful (projectile), (b) it is causing pain, (c) it is mucousy, or (d) the baby is not gaining. It is definitely worth asking about if you are concerned, though -- it certainly doesn't hurt to ask.

MereD19 · February 2009

My baby had this problem a little while ago ...

Basically, the pedi told us today, that if she spits up a lot, and it's projectile - then she is probably eating more than she can handle. I remember calling the nurses line about this and she said that if we had to - to give her less food but more often (like 2oz every 2 hours instead of trying to feed her 3 oz every 3 hours). She also said to have her sit up for 30 minutes afterwards so the food has time to flow down into her belly.

My pedi also said that every baby throws up - usually only about 1-2 teaspoons though - and that is completely normal.

Also - if your baby seems like a "happy spitter-upper" then it's not a problem. Meaning ... if they just ate, then threw up but doesn't make a noise or cry afterwards - then they are fine! Just try feeding less/more often and sitting up.

MereD19 · February 2009

I also want to add that I posted about this on another board one time, b/c it seemed like my baby threw up EVERYTHING she just ate. I mean .... it was a TON!

A girl responded who works in the nicu, and said that there isn't as much there as it might look .... she said that in preemies they had to actually measure the amount spit up and it wasn't ever as much as what was in the bottle.

RoxBride · February 2009

Here's a tip, because it can be so hard to judge how much they are spitting up - take a tablespoon of milk (regular milk) and pour it on your counter. Then take a tablespoon and pour on a sheet. This will give you a good idea of how much a T of milk looks like for reference.

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