How much spit up is too much?

[lawell]

My DS has always spit up a lot, but since he doesn't fuss or seem to have pain and is gaining weight just fine I wasn't worried. He's 5.5 months now, has been exclusively breastfed (both breast and pumped in a bottle), and it seems like he's spitting up more. Often times it makes a big puddle on his shirt or blanket (3 inches / 9 mm in diameter - a couple of tablespoons it seems). And he does it 4-5 times within an hour of eating (some bigger and some smaller) with both breast or bottle. It's thick and chunky and sometimes like mucus. He still never fusses, but everyone always comments that they've never seen a baby spit up that much.

Could it be reflux or an allergy to something I've eaten? Or does this sound like a normal amount of spit up?

[Lolly]

There are all  kinds of "normal"! It probably is that he is refluxing a bit, most babies do really but it's only a problem if he is in pain or discomfort. As he's getting bigger and taking on more milk the muscle at the top of his stomach isn't strong enough yet to keep the liquid diet in. As he starts staying up right more and when he starts solids that will help to reduce the spitting up.

So unless it is causing him pain or stopping him gaining weight it's just a laundry problem! You can do things like keeping him upright after feeds, elevate his cot a bit and make sure clothes aren't too tight around his tummy. If you are worried discuss it with your Dr,  fingers crossed it starts to reduce soon!

Laura

[Tay]

Hiya,
 just wanted to chime in with Laura, DS has reflux and him being sick was always accompanied by being very fussy and unsettled. I wouldn't worry too much if your LO is happy, gaining weight and lasting between feeds.
xx

[amayzie]

My LO sounds EXACTLY the same- same age and everything!! I'm pretty sure though that it's just normal.. perhaps on the chuckky side of normal- but still normal. Sometimes i wonder how on earth he could still have anything left in his stomach!! Do you have a fast letdown? I do and i think i read somewhere that that can contribute too- (i think..) like it just goest down so fast it hits the bottom and rebounds! (almost..)- anyway- you're not the only one with a happy bubby covered in chuck!

[Erin M]

Nothing else to add, but had to say, that is one ADORABLE baby you've got there!  Love the avatar.

[lawell]

Thanks All! It''s great to hear reassurance that others are in the same boat. And thanks Erin; we think he's adorable too!

All the best to you all.