Question
How to deal with a baby choking on milk?
Answer
It’s quite common for babies of this age to vomit milk, mainly due to the baby’s horizontal stomach position, small capacity, a wider esophageal opening (the connection between the esophagus and stomach) with poor closure function, and a tighter pyloric opening (the connection between the stomach and small intestine). Additionally, babies often inhale air while feeding, causing milk to reflux into the mouth and leading to vomiting. Seeing a baby vomit for the first time might make mothers feel worried and confused, but by paying attention to the following aspects, you can effectively prevent baby vomiting:
- Use the correct feeding position: Try to hold the baby while feeding, keeping the baby’s body in a 45-degree angle tilt. This allows milk to flow more smoothly into the small intestine. Compared to lying down to feed, this tilted position reduces the chance of vomiting. After feeding, you should hold the baby upright and pat on the back until the baby burps.
- Allow the baby to burp after feeding: After finishing feeding, it’s essential to let the baby burp. This helps expel the air inhaled by the baby, reducing the likelihood of vomiting. These methods and precautions can help mothers prevent their babies from vomiting. If the problem persists or there are other concerns, it is advisable to consult with a professional doctor or pediatrician.