Finding yourself reaching for the burp cloth often? Though spit-up is completely normal in healthy babies, excessive spit-up can sometimes cause problems for your infant’s health.

Here are some of the most common recommendations for reducing spit-up in babies, based on references from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and Children’s Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation (CDHNF).

• Avoid overfeeding, and wait until the next feeding time if your infant starts spitting up
• Thicken formula or breast milk, as this commonly reduces spit-up
• Keep infant upright for at least 30 minutes after feedings
• Avoid letting your infant spend too much time in the car seat, as this position can promote reflux
• Check with your doctor to see if you are using an appropriately sized nipple for your infant
• Avoid using tight diapers and elastic waistbands

 

How do you tell the difference between healthy spit-up and a more serious problem with reflux? Talk to your practitioner and read our post about infant reflux.