Question
Why do babies cough after drinking milk?
Answer
Newborns have a stomach positioned horizontally and a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter, which can cause coughing after feeding. This can also occur when they fall asleep. This is a normal phenomenon. As children grow older, their stomachs gradually become vertical, and the lower esophageal sphincter strengthens, reducing this occurrence, which typically stops around 7 to 8 months of age. To prevent spitting up or vomiting, parents should use proper feeding methods, such as holding the baby at an angle while feeding, avoiding lying down to feed; when using a bottle, ensuring the nipple hole size is appropriate, maintaining moderate milk temperature, and avoiding air intake; after feeding, not immediately turning the baby over but instead keeping them leaning against the adult’s side and gently patting their back to help expel air swallowed into the stomach.