Vomiting in babies is fairly common, especially in the first few months of life, and is often harmless; however, understanding what’s normal and what might signal a problem is important for every parent. In most cases, what seems like vomiting is actually spitting up—a gentle flow of milk, often occurring after feeding, due to an immature digestive system and a still-developing valve between the stomach and oesophagus. Spitting up usually doesn’t bother the baby, and they continue feeding, gaining weight, and acting normally. This is especially common in babies under 6 months and often improves as they grow.
True vomiting, on the other hand, involves a more forceful ejection of stomach contents, and while occasional vomiting can still be normal—especially after a feeding or if the baby coughs or cries excessively—frequent or severe episodes may indicate something more serious. Common causes of occasional vomiting include overfeeding, swallowing air during feeds, or mild viral infections, all of which usually resolve on their own with supportive care like keeping the baby upright after feeds and offering smaller, more frequent meals.
However, vomiting can be a red flag when it is persistent, forceful (projectile), green or yellow in color, contains blood, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, lethargy, refusal to feed, dry mouth, or signs of dehydration like fewer wet nappies. One condition that requires immediate medical attention is pyloric stenosis—a rare but serious condition in newborns (usually 2–8 weeks old) where a thickened stomach muscle prevents milk from passing into the intestines, leading to projectile vomiting and weight loss. Likewise, frequent vomiting combined with diarrhea could indicate a stomach bug, while vomiting with a distended belly or no bowel movements could point to an intestinal blockage.
If your baby vomits once but is otherwise alert, feeding well, and has normal nappies, it’s usually not a concern. But if vomiting becomes frequent or is paired with troubling signs, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider promptly. Keeping your baby hydrated is key—if they’re losing fluids due to vomiting, offering breast milk or formula in smaller, more frequent amounts can help, and oral rehydration solutions may be recommended under medical guidance. In short, while occasional vomiting can be a normal part of infancy, knowing when it’s not—and when to seek help—can ensure your baby stays safe and healthy.
