My baby keeps nursing even when full and then spits up — is this overfeeding?
⚡ Short answer: Yes, overfeeding can cause babies to spit up.
Anonymous
bir anne · Diapers & Digestion
My baby doesn't stop nursing when full and then seems to spit up from too much milk. Does overfeeding cause spit-up in babies?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
Yes, overfeeding can cause babies to spit up. Especially in the first months, a baby's stomach capacity is very small — a newborn's stomach is about the size of a walnut. Some babies with strong sucking reflexes continue nursing even after they're full, which causes the stomach to overflow and excess milk to come back up.
This usually shows as "reflux-like" spit-up: small amounts after feeding, not projectile, usually during burping. If the baby looks comfortable and is gaining weight well, there's nothing to worry about.
Here are a few things you can try:
- Take a short break during feeding to help the baby burp
- If breastfeeding, empty one breast fully before moving to the other, watching to see if the baby is full
- If bottle-feeding, reduce the amount slightly and increase the frequency
- Keep the baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding
If spit-up is projectile, greenish-yellow, the baby seems uncomfortable, or weight gain has stopped, see your pediatrician.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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