Indigestion in newborns: what parents should know

A baby may spit up, draw up the legs, become unsettled during feeds, or have more wind. Small amounts of milk coming back after a feed can happen while the digestive system is developing, but repeated vomiting, poor feeding, or unusual sleepiness is different from ordinary fussiness. Newborns cannot describe burning or stomach pain, so the pattern matters: note feeds, wet nappies, vomit, stools, temperature, and behaviour. Indigestion is a symptom description rather than a diagnosis. Reflux can contribute to spit-up, while infection, feeding intolerance, or another problem may also cause vomiting.

Offer feeds in the position advised by your maternity or paediatric team, pause to burp, and keep the baby upright while holding them after feeding. Avoid adding cereal, changing formula, giving water, or using over-the-counter medicine unless a clinician specifically recommends it. Keep sleep arrangements flat and on the back; do not use wedges or positioners. Record what happens and arrange a paediatric review if symptoms persist or feeding becomes difficult.

Seek urgent medical help if vomit is green or bloody, comes out forcefully, the abdomen looks swollen, the baby has trouble breathing, is hard to wake, refuses feeds, has noticeably fewer wet nappies, or feels hot or unusually cold. A newborn with repeated vomiting or a clear change in behaviour should be assessed promptly, even when the cause is uncertain.

Ask whether the feeding volume and technique suit your baby, how to recognise dehydration, and whether reflux or feeding intolerance should be checked. Bring your symptom notes and the baby’s feeding and nappy pattern.