# Spitting up: what's normal and when to call

> Spitting up and reflux in babies: why it's common, when it eases, what helps, the warning signs

Illness & fever · Reviewed 2026-10-19 against the sources below · https://livia.baby/learn/spit-up-and-reflux

- Spitting up (reflux) is very common: the muscle at the top of the stomach is still weak. It usually starts before 8 weeks and gets better by about 1 year. Most babies with it need no treatment.
- What helps: holding the baby upright during and for a while after feeds, burping regularly during feeds, not overfeeding, and help with breastfeeding position or bottle technique.
- Sleep stays flat on the back; don't raise the head of the crib.

## When to call
- Get help urgently for: green or yellow vomit, or blood in the vomit or poo; forceful (projectile) vomiting; a swollen or tender tummy; can't keep fluids down or signs of dehydration; refusing feeds; crying that won't stop and seems very distressed; a high temperature.
- See the doctor if it isn't improving, starts after 6 months, is still going after 1 year, or the baby isn't gaining weight.

## In Livia

Logged feeds and weights on the growth chart show whether a spitty baby is still feeding and gaining, which is what the pediatrician looks at.

## Sources

- [NHS (UK)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/reflux-in-babies/)
- [NIDDK (NIH)](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-infants)

_Education from the sources listed, not medical advice. If you're worried about your child, call your pediatrician; in an emergency, call 911._