Happy spitters can be confusing. The spit up can be concerning as a mom, but the baby seems content and not in pain! Here’s all about happy spitter babies and how to handle them.
When my middle was born, he was such an easy baby in contrast to my oldest who suffered horrible colic.
While he seemed nearly always content just hanging out, he did spit up – a lot.
At his 2 month appointment, I told the doctor that we suspected he was a baby with reflux. That’s when the pediatrician told us Owen was a Happy Spitter.
What is a happy spitter?
A happy spitter is a baby who spits up regularly without much fuss. There is no excessive crying associated with the spit up indicating some form of reflux that needs further investigation.
There may be some whining and crying before the spit up, but it shouldn’t be inconsolable and should end pretty quickly.
Another important aspect is that baby is NOT losing weight or having a hard time gaining weight.
When should I be concerned about spitting up?
Always talk to your pediatrician if you feel there is something legitimately wrong. But generally speaking, spitting up is nothing to worry about and totally normal.
Here are some things to keep an eye out that might be of concern:
- Excessive, inconsolable crying.
- Weird looking diapers (possibly with mucus or blood). This can indicate an issue like MSPI.
- Lack of weight gain.
- Crying through the spitting up.
- Colic like symptoms,
- Pulling up their legs as if trying to relieve gas.
Again, generally happy spitting is no big deal, unless accompanied with other symptoms.
How much spitting up is normal?
Chances are, your baby isn’t spitting up nearly as much as you think. Liquid looks like it’s a lot more than it is, especially when it’s projected out at you. (or your baby, her bed, the floor, the car seat…)
I challenge you to take a tablespoon of water and toss it on the floor, on your shirt, on the bed. You’ll see just how misleading a tablespoon or two of spit up might be.
What can I do about Happy Spitters?
Honestly, ride it out. It will slowly taper off, typically around 6 months hwen solids are introduced. You probably won’t even notice!
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In the mean time, here are some tips for Happy spitters.
- Always travel with a change of clothes. Smell spit up clothes are the worst.
- Keep burp cloths EVERYWHERE.
- Get rid of non absorbent burp cloths and get these instead.
- Get good bibs – I love these.
- Figure out what works best. For Owen, he liked to be held facing out by my forearm on his belly. It helped him spit quicker and more “reliably” so I could catch it.
- Burp after every feed!!!
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