Ask AAL No. 5: Spitup Edition
Posted on November 29th, 2012
Dear AAL: How do I get this baby to stop barfing down my back? YOU’RE MY LAST BEST HOPE.
It’s been a long time since I had to worry about spitup, but I don’t remember this happening to me (it’s entirely possible I’m deluding myself and/or that in my sleep-deprived state, I didn’t form a long-term memory of it happening).
With Pea, I didn’t burp her on my shoulder because it didn’t work well, and also because I was grossed out by the idea of barf down my back. Instead, I’d sit her up, one hand supporting most of her weight on her chest (holding a spit-up cloth), then pat and massage her back with the other hand.
Good luck!
That’s my favorite burping technique too!
Both my kids were HUGE spituppers, though. I was constantly covered in it no matter what I did. The good news is that eventually they go to kindergarten.
Pea was a stealth barfer. She’d give a ladylike belch or two, and I’d think we were done. Then I’d put her on her tummy, and inevitably she’d spit up. (I learned not to put her on her back, else it would turn into a wardrobe change.)
Agreed to the propped-chin burping.
And also try different bottle systems (assuming bottles and not 100% nursing). Air when the baby is drinking increases the likelihood of the barfing.
If it gets worse, reflex meds are a possibility. For severe reflux, it’s a lifesaver.
Yay! My question! H. is spitting up at a rate very much on par with P.’s. I think I’m leaning toward simple acceptance. Spit up is going to be the reality for a while, boo. On the upside, I’m getting more laundry done than ever before!