Spitting up way to much...exorcist style

Kathy - posted on 02/21/2010

Try a different formula that is easier on his tummy. Also try giving him a little oatmeal cereal. It helps calm the acid reflux and the spitting up. Start out thinner and thicken to his liking. Another idea is to try differentnipples with different size holes in the end until you find one he drinks well from but he doesn't drink too fast or too slow. I know the cereal sounds odd at his age but it worked awesome for my son when he was that age and was the same as your son. My best friend has a son the same age and she started the oatmeal and his belly has calmed way down and he no longer spits up like a gyser. They are both much more relaxed and happy. Good luck.

Brandywine - posted on 02/21/2010

I agree with the other replies, My oldest went through this same thing when he was first born. And we sat him up a lot too, and added rice cereal to his formula as well. It kept him full longer too. The good thing is that most babies will grow out of it. My son did when he was around 5 years old

Iridescent - posted on 02/21/2010

Since he's already on Nutramigen, you're not going to be able to find a formula that will help more (provided there's not another cause).

What reflux meds is he on? Zantac (ranitidine) is very weight based, so if he's grown he may need a recalculated dose.

How much of his feed is he actually vomiting? 25%? 50%? 75%? If it's anything above 25% he needs to see a GI specialist - eating would be taking too much energy, and tiring him from skills he needs to learn, as well as stretching his stomach to accommodate for the amount he's losing, which would make reflux worse. Speak very thoroughly to the GI about this as it means he may need a Nissen fundoplication since it's still "exorcist style" with both meds and hypoallergenic formula. They'll likely also have to weight the formula with rice cereal, but he WILL have a lot more constipation.

The constipation - he could be dehydrated if he's vomiting that much, which would cause it. Keep doing your best. You can try to give him a couple ounces warm water with 1 Tablespoon Karo Syrup in it, but it may take a while to work since it's ongoing (a day or two, done once per day). You can also try 2 ounces apple juice, but with the severity of his reflux it may cause him even more problems, including choking. There are also glycerin suppositories for babies available from the doctor. Bicycle his legs, rub his tummy clockwise around the abdomen gently, warm baths where he can sit while you do it really help some kids.

Theresa - posted on 02/21/2010

both of my kids had the same issue. what worked best for us was having our son sitting up all the time. he slept in his swing or bouncie seat. it sounds like he may have some allergies that are making the situation worse. i hope you guys get this worked out.

Alma - posted on 02/21/2010

put some baby cereal in his formula. thicken it up a little bit. my sis had the same issue when her son was an infant and it worked, and it will put weight on him..