✓ Regurgitation of the newborn

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Depends on what

Il regurgitation of the newborn it depends on the immaturity of the sphincter that connects the esophagus and stomach. After the meal, during which the child also introduces air in addition to milk, it is possible that the famous burp also brings some milk with it.

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Regurgitation of the newborn: a frequent occurrence

Regurgitating small amounts of milk after feeding is very common among infants, starting from the first weeks of life. However, there is great individual variability: some children regurgitate very often, practically at every meal, while others do so infrequently.

However, it should be borne in mind that the quantities of milk emitted are very modest, even if on the surface they may seem substantial.

When to worry

Generally the regurgitation phenomenon resolves itself around 8 months, so you just need to have a little patience, and you don't have to worry. However, it is advisable to speak to the pediatrician when the regurgitation:

it is so frequent and abundant not to allow the child to grow properly
represents for him a clear disturbance, in the sense that the child is very irritated and has difficulty sleeping precisely because of the frequent regurgitation
goes with coughing and crying during the feeding.

In these cases it is possible to be in the presence of a more "important" gastro-oesophageal reflux than simple regurgitation.

How to intervene

To control the regurgitation is advisable hold the baby in your arms, preferably in an upright position, for about ten minutes after the end of the feed. This serves, on the one hand, to prevent the famous burp from which the regurgitation follows from being emitted, on the other hand to avoid the risk of milk rising from the stomach to the mouth when the baby is lying down.

If you cannot hold the baby in your arms, it is advisable to lay him on his stomach after placing a pillow under the mattress, in order to keep him slightly raised.

Sources for this article: consultancy by Laura Pogliani, director of the operating unit of pediatrics / neonatology of the Hospital of Legnano (Mi) and consultancy by Leo Venturelli, freelance pediatrician, former family pediatrician.

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Questions and answers

How long does a newborn regain?

Typically, the regurgitation phenomenon resolves on its own around 8 months. Usually, in fact, the regurgitation of the newborn tends to disappear with weaning.

When to worry about regurgitation?

However, it is advisable to speak to the pediatrician when the regurgitation:

it is so frequent and abundant that it does not allow the child to grow adequately
represents for him a clear disturbance, in the sense that the child is very irritated and has difficulty sleeping precisely because of the frequent regurgitation
it is accompanied by coughing and crying during feeding.

How to avoid regurgitation choking?

It is advisable to hold the baby in your arms, preferably in an upright position, for about ten minutes after the end of the feed. If you cannot hold the baby in your arms, it is advisable to lay him on his stomach after placing a pillow under the mattress, in order to keep him slightly raised.

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