Question
My child has always been drinking and spitting up milk since they started breastfeeding, and then crying loudly. Is it a sign of some kind of illness?
Answer
Vomiting milk in newborns is a common physiological phenomenon in most infants, which gradually disappears as the baby grows. After the baby starts to add thicker complementary foods around six months of age, the amount of vomiting will decrease. Holding the baby and gently patting their back after feeding can also prevent vomiting, or avoid overfeeding. Most infants continue to spit up randomly, which is mainly related to underdeveloped gastrointestinal function. Generally speaking, this condition can improve and disappear after six months of age. However, some infants suddenly start vomiting, which is mainly due to colds and intestinal infections; eating too fast and too much milk can also lead to vomiting.