Tips to Stop Spit Up During Tummy Time
While it’s normal for babies to spit up some during tummy time, there are some who spit up excessively—even vomit. When that happens, many moms stop doing tummy time.
Since tummy time is essential for your little one to meet their motor milestones, abandoning this play position is not the best idea. Making adjustments so your baby can enjoy playing on their tummy is preferred.
Spit Up: Why and How Much is Okay?
Babies typically spit up when full, during burping, or from pressure on their tummy, such as when they lie on their belly during tummy time. And this spitting up can continue until one year of age. Average amounts of spitting up are not harmful if your baby is eating well and gaining weight. If you are concerned, always talk with your doctor.
Some babies, however, spit up excessively and are uncomfortable. Many of them have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) and/or a weaker-than-normal lower gastroesophageal reflux muscle (often seen in those with low muscle tone). While these children may never love tummy time, they can continue to play in this position with adaptations unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Tips to Stop Spit Up During Tummy Time
1. Elevate Baby’s Head
Always have your baby’s head slightly higher than their body. This position makes it harder for the milk to come up from the stomach and into the mouth. To raise your child’s head and upper body, place them on a boppy (nursing) pillow or place a small rolled-up towel under their chest. This elevated position during tummy time is often more comfortable for those who spit up or fuss. You can also do tummy time on your chest while you are reclined.
2. Do Frequent but Shorter Sessions
Do tummy time more frequently and for less time per session. For example, roll your little one onto their tummy for a minute or two after each diaper change during waking hours. Also, do some tummy time with them lying on your chest after feeding and burping. A little bit of time more frequently during the day can make tummy time less stressful than trying to do more minutes at one time.
3. Wait 30 Minutes After Feeding
Wait at least thirty minutes after feeding to try tummy time. Of course, waiting isn’t easy to implement during those early months since your baby sleeps so much. But as your munchkin gets a little older, try this strategy and see if it decreases the amount of spitting up.
If your baby continues to spit up, vomit, or act uncomfortable, talk to your child’s doctor. Digestive issues may be present.
4. Try the Football Carry Position
In addition to excessive spitting up, some babies scream and cry due to other factors. Maybe your child dislikes pressure on their chest, needs to know you’re close by, or craves some rocking or swaying motion to calm. If this describes your little one, try the football carry.
The football carry position does a lot of things that work for many babies:
- It keeps the baby’s head elevated
- It provides constant physical contact with you
- It allows you to easily sway, rock, or bounce a fussy child
5. Place Baby on Their Side
Finally, add the side-lying position into your baby’s daily play routine. When your little one screams to get off their tummy, gently roll them onto their side and offer toys. Be sure to give equal time to both the right and left sides of your child’s body.
Some playtime on the tummy and the side are better than excessive time on the back. When your baby plays on their back, they do not strengthen the muscles needed to roll, crawl, or walk.
To summarize, all babies—even those who spit up—can play on their tummies. Some need adaptations, and that’s okay. Tummy time is an important position for your little one to meet their motor milestones, so do not abandon that activity.
Again, if your baby has problems with vomiting, inadequate weight gain, or coughing and choking, talk to your doctor today.
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Disclaimer: All information presented is general education and is not intended as specific prescriptions for your child. If you have concerns about any aspect of your baby’s development, talk with your doctor. If your child is receiving any intervention or therapy, this information is not intended to be used without their knowledge.
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