All babies occasionally spit up or have fussy periods. These symptoms are often caused by a mild case of reflux, which is when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and throat, or by intestinal gas, which causes abdominal discomfort. While occasional and mild symptoms are not a cause for concern, if your baby seems to be in a lot of pain or you have concerns about her health, take her to the doctor for an evaluation.
GER
If your baby spits up, coughs or cries frequently after a feeding, he may have gastroesophageal reflux, or GER. Many babies have GER, particularly during the first three months of life. Most of the time, the condition resolves on its own and does not cause any lasting problems, but occasionally the vomiting and discomfort can cause a failure to gain weight, bleeding in the esophagus and breathing problems. If your baby spits up often, bring it up at his next well-baby exam. Forceful projectile vomiting, vomit that looks like coffee grounds or refusal to eat are reasons to call the doctor right away.
Colic
Colic is often defined as unexplained crying that lasts for more than three hours, occurs three or more times per week and lasts for three weeks or more in an otherwise healthy infant. Colic may be caused by gas pains, and often begins when a baby is 3 weeks old. It usually peaks around 6 weeks of age and stops affecting the baby by the time she is 3 months old. Your baby may draw her legs up and her abdomen may look distended. Once she passes gas or has a bowel movement, her crying may stop.
Home Remedies
If you think that your baby has gastroesophageal reflux, feed him in an upright position. Burp him after he drinks 1 or 2 oz. of baby formula, or when switching breasts if you are nursing. Try feeding him smaller amounts, more often, as this may reduce spitting up. Ask his doctor about adding a small amount of baby cereal to thicken formula or breast milk, as this helps some babies with GER. A colicky baby may also find relief from smaller meals, as overfeeding may lead to abdominal discomfort and gas. If you are nursing your baby, talk to a lactation consultant or your pediatrician about eliminating potentially bothersome foods from your diet. If you formula-feed, ask about switching to a different formula, but do not do this without your doctor's advice.
Medical Treatment
In some cases, crying, vomiting and severe discomfort may require medical treatment. If your baby vomits to the point that she is not gaining weight or if there is blood in her vomit or stools, her doctor may recommend prescription medication to reduce the amount of stomach acid present, or to prevent it from backing up into the esophagus. Although colic does not have a specific medical treatment, take your baby to the doctor if she has colic symptoms along with diarrhea, a fever or is inconsolable, because these may be symptoms of another health condition.
