What Happens When a Newborn Eats Too Much?

Too much food can upset a newborn's stomach.

Newborn babies develop at various rates and often go through growth spurts. Eating too much isn't usually a concern, unless it becomes a lifestyle that creates medical concerns or results in excessive weight gain. When you're concerned that your newborn is overeating, there are a few cues that may validate your worries. Regulating your infant's food intake is the best way to ensure that your baby isn't consuming too much, too often.

Spit-Up

Spitting up formula or breast milk is normal for newborn babies who tend to eat too much or too rapidly. Since their bodies and digestive tracks are still developing, spit-up is to be expected and shouldn't pose much concern. Burping may result in residual spit-up, but it's necessary to relieve unwanted gas associated with air consumption during feeding. Small, frequent meals may eliminate overeating and reduce the spit-up amounts. Most babies stop spitting up around 12 months of age, according to MayoClinic.com. If you have concerns about the color of your baby's spit-up, or she throws up forcefully during most feeding sessions, consult your pediatrician.

Excessive Weight Gain

Overeating can lead to excessive weight gain in newborns, just like it can lead to weight issues with children or adults. However, most newborns have an internal clock that helps moderate their intake. You can support healthy eating habits by feeding your newborn on a regular schedule, such as once every two to three hours, rather than every six hours. Waiting too long may cause your baby to feel ravishingly hungry, resulting in overeating. Consult newborn feeding charts, schedule frequent check-ups with your pediatrician to monitor your newborn's weight gain, and stick to a consistent schedule to support healthy weight gain.

Acid Reflux

Eating too much or too rapidly could increase the likelihood that your newborn will experience infant acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, during the first three months after birth, according to MayoClinic.com. Spitting up and vomiting are often the results of acid reflux. Many newborns experience acid reflux, but it can worsen if your baby overeats. Keeping your baby upright while feeding, making sure the nipple hole in the bottle isn't too large, and slightly elevating the head of your newborn's crib may help with acid reflux.

Intake Amounts

Monitoring your newborn's intake is an ideal way to eliminate overeating. According to the Kids Health website, newborns consume an average of 1.5 to 3 ounces every two to three hours. At 2 months of age, this usually increases to 4 to 5 ounces per feeding. If your baby eats slightly more during one or two feedings per day, there's no need for concern. However, if your newborn consistently eats more than 3 ounces per feeding, consult your physician to make sure the intake isn't excessive.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Spitting Up in Babies, What's Normal, What's Not
• Kids Health: Formula Feeding FAQs: How Much and How Often