Why Do Baby Spitting up Curdled Milk? Causes and Treatment

Babies spitting up curdled milk is a common concern for many parents. It can be alarming to see your little one bring up milk that looks thick and clumpy, similar to cottage cheese. Breastfed babies and formula-fed babies can both experience curdled milk spit-up, and it can happen at any age. But why do baby spits up curdled milk in the first place? In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why babies spit up curdled milk and how you can help alleviate this issue. So, read on to know more!

Key Takeaways:

Babies spit up due to many reasons, including overfeeding and underfeeding.
You can help reduce the frequency of spit-up by burping your baby frequently and keeping them upright after feedings.
Breastfed babies are less likely to spit up curdled milk compared to formula-fed babies.

What is baby spit-up?

Baby spit-up refers to the expulsion of a small amount of milk or formula from a baby’s mouth after feeding. It is a common occurrence in infants and is often referred to as reflux or regurgitation. Babies have an immature digestive system, and their stomach muscles are still developing, which can cause the occasional spit-up.

Most babies outgrow spitting up as they grow older and their digestive systems mature. Spit-up is generally not a cause for concern unless it is accompanied by other symptoms. Normal spit-up for breastfed and formula-fed babies usually resembles the milk or formula they just consumed. Overall, the baby’s spit-up is normal and expected in infancy, and your baby will be comfortable during and after spitting up.

What causes curdled milk in baby spit-up?

Baby spitting out milk that looks curdled can be caused by a few different reasons. Some potential causes include:

1. Acid Reflux

When a baby spits up after feeding, the stomach acid can mix with the milk, causing it to curdle. Acid reflux is common in babies and usually resolves on its own as they grow older. Generally, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is only diagnosed when the symptoms are severe or if it affects a baby’s growth and gaining weight. Infant reflux typically peaks around 4 months old and improves by 12-18 months. To help reduce reflux:

Keep your baby upright for 30 minutes after feeding.
Feed your baby smaller amounts more frequently.
Burp your baby often during feeding breaks.
For breast milk babies, try adjusting your diet to avoid foods known to trigger reflux, such as citrus, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, etc.

2. Difficulty with digestion

Babies may struggle to digest breast milk for various reasons. The most common reason, especially for newborns, is that their digestive system needs more time to develop. Some babies may have issues digesting the protein in cow’s milk, leading to excessive spitting up. It may be because they have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. If you suspect this to be the cause of your baby’s curdled spit-up, consult with their pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

3. Overeating

Sometimes drinking too much milk in one feeding can cause your baby to spit up. This is more common with bottle-fed babies since they may not have the ability to self-regulate their milk intake as well as breastfed infants. To prevent this, try to pace feedings and allow your baby to stop when they are full. If you are breastfeeding, make sure your baby is properly latched and getting enough hindmilk, which is higher in fat and can help them feel full faster.

4. Pyloric stenosis

In rare cases, curdled milk in baby spit-up can be a sign of pyloric stenosis, which is when the muscle at the bottom of the baby’s stomach thickens and prevents food from passing into the small intestine. This condition typically develops between 3-8 weeks old and requires surgical treatment. Signs to watch out for include excessive vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration. If you suspect your baby has pyloric stenosis, seek immediate medical attention.

How to reduce curdled milk spit-up?

There are a few methods that you can follow to reduce curdled milk spit-up in your baby, helping both you and your little one have a more comfortable feeding experience.

1. Feeding Techniques: Feeding techniques such as paced bottle feeding and proper latching while breastfeeding can help reduce the chances of your baby overeating. You can try:

Ensure the baby is in an upright or slightly reclined position while feeding. This can help prevent milk from flowing back up.
Take breaks during feeding to allow the baby to burp and release any trapped air.
Use a slow-flow nipple on the bottle or consider paced feeding to control the flow of milk and prevent overfeeding.

2. Burping Techniques: Burp your baby regularly during and after feeding to release any air trapped in their stomach. This can help reduce the amount of gas that may lead to spit-up. You can do this:

Gently pat or rub the baby’s back in an upward motion after each feeding to encourage burping.
Try different burping positions such as holding the baby upright against your chest or sitting them on your lap while supporting their head.
If your baby is formula-fed, try different formulas to see if they are more easily digestible.

3. Adjusting Feeding Schedule: Your child’s feeding schedule can also play a role in reducing curdled spit-up. To ensure it, you can try:

Feed your baby smaller, more frequent meals instead of large feedings. This can help prevent the stomach from becoming too full and lead to less spit-up.
Avoid feeding the baby when they are overly hungry or overly tired, as this can contribute to gulping and swallowing air.
For bottle feeding a baby, make sure the nipple is properly vented to reduce air intake.

4. Limit active play after feeding: As per the American Academy of Pediatrics, keeping your baby in an upright position for at least 30 minutes after feeding can help reduce the chances of spit-up. Avoid active play or bouncing immediately after meals to give their tummy time to digest properly. To ensure it:

Avoid playing with young infants or toddlers immediately after feeding, as this can increase the chances of spit-up.
Allow your baby to sit upright for some time before engaging in any active play or tummy time.
Generally, healthy babies will eventually grow out of spit-up as their digestive system matures.

5. Keep track of symptoms: The occasional curdled spit-up is normal for babies, but if you notice any other concerning symptoms such as excessive vomiting, weight loss, or discomfort, it’s essential to consult your pediatrician. They can determine the underlying cause and provide proper treatment if needed. You can help your pediatrician by keeping track of:

The frequency and amount of spit-up.
Any other accompanying symptoms such as fussiness, bloating, or constipation.
Any changes in feeding habits or schedules.
Your baby’s growth and weight gain.

When to be concerned about baby spitting?

Most of the time, spitting up is a normal part of an infant’s development and should not be a cause for concern. However, if your baby shows any of these symptoms alongside spit-up, it may indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention:

Projectile vomiting (spit-up forcefully shoots out)
Refusing feedings or crying during and after feedings
Your baby’s spit-up is green or yellow.
Blood in the spit-up
Your baby is not gaining weight or losing weight.
Difficulty breathing after spitting up.
There’s also blood in your baby’s stool
Your baby is not gaining weight.
Difficulty in breathing
Persistent coughing or gagging.

Furthermore, a baby’s health can also be affected if they are spitting up excessively. Many babies stop spitting up around 7-8 months of age, but if your baby is still frequently spitting up after this age, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If your baby is constantly spitting up large amounts of milk or showing signs of discomfort, it’s important to consult your pediatrician.

Conclusion

To sum it up, curdled milk spit-up in babies is a common occurrence and is usually not a cause for concern. It can be due to overfeeding, reflux, or an immature digestive system. However, if your baby shows any concerning symptoms alongside spit-up, it’s essential to seek medical attention. By following the above-mentioned methods, you can reduce curdled milk spit-up and ensure your baby is comfortable during feedings!