Yellow Vomit In Newborns: What's Normal?

Yellow vomit in newborns can be a cause for concern. While it is common for babies to vomit, and it is usuallysection of your baby's digestive system between the stomach and small bowel. Pyloric stenosis occurs when the muscle in this area thickens, causing the pylorus to become narrower. As a result, milk cannot get through to be digested, causing vomiting after feeds. In most cases, newborn vomiting is harmless and will pass quickly. However, in some cases, it can indicate a more serious issue, such as pyloric stenosis or a blocked or twisted bowel, which requires immediate medical attention.

Yellow vomit may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux or GERD

Yellow Vomit in Newborns: When to Worry

It is common for newborns to vomit, and in most cases, it is insignificant. However, if you notice that your newborn's vomit is yellow, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, and it is important to monitor for any other accompanying symptoms.

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)

GER occurs when the contents of the stomach, including stomach acid, flow back up into the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. This can cause heartburn, chest pain, and trouble swallowing. It is common in infants due to their liquid diet and frequent lying-down position. GER usually resolves as the baby gets older and their oesophagus develops and strengthens.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a more severe and long-lasting form of GER. It can cause frequent vomiting, coughing, trouble breathing, and difficulty feeding or weight gain. GERD may be the result of a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus that opens to let food into the stomach and closes to keep food in. If the LES relaxes too often or for too long, stomach acid can flow back up into the oesophagus, causing irritation and pain.

Yellow Vomit and GERD

Yellow vomit in newborns may be a result of GER or GERD. In most cases, small, frequent vomits of yellow liquid, known as 'possets', are not a cause for concern and may be due to colostrum rather than bile. However, if the vomiting is more forceful or persistent, accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss or difficulty feeding, or if there is blood in the vomit, it is important to seek medical advice. A doctor can diagnose GERD based on the baby's symptoms and suggest lifestyle changes or medication to manage the condition.

Prevention and Treatment

To help prevent and manage GER and GERD, it is recommended to hold the baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding and to burp them frequently. Thicker feeds and smaller, more frequent meals may also help. It is important to not overfeed the baby and to avoid certain foods that may trigger reflux, such as fried or fatty foods. In some cases, medication or surgery may be recommended if lifestyle changes are not effective.

Yellow vomit may be a sign of pyloric stenosis or a narrowed passage between the baby's stomach and bowels

Yellow vomit in newborns can be a sign of pyloric stenosis, a condition in which the pylorus (the channel between the stomach and the gut) becomes narrowed and tight. This condition typically presents itself when the baby is between two weeks and six weeks old, although it can occasionally occur in preterm infants before they are discharged from the hospital. Pyloric stenosis is characterised by forceful projectile vomiting that occurs after every feeding, leaving the baby hungry and wanting to feed again. This is often referred to as the "hungry vomiter" phenomenon.

Pyloric stenosis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. If left untreated, it can lead to weight loss or dehydration. However, it can be effectively treated with a simple surgical procedure that widens the pylorus and resolves the issue.

In addition to pyloric stenosis, yellow vomit in newborns can also be indicative of gastroesophageal reflux (GOR), which is characterised by effortless vomiting that occurs more frequently when the baby's stomach is full or when they are lying flat. GOR usually does not present in the first few days after birth due to the relatively low milk intake during this period. It is typically more common in preterm babies and those fed with artificial formulas.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Yellow vomit may be caused by a stomach bug or gastroenteritis

It is common for babies to vomit, and in most cases, it is not a cause for concern. However, if your newborn is vomiting yellow liquid, it could be a sign of a stomach bug or gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut, usually lasting a few days. It is caused by a virus and is sometimes called a "stomach flu". Rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis. The illness usually starts with vomiting, followed by watery diarrhoea within 12-24 hours.

If your baby is vomiting and has diarrhoea, it is most likely to be caused by a stomach bug and will usually clear up on its own. It is important to keep your baby well hydrated by offering them extra feeds if they are breastfed or extra water if they are formula-fed or on solid foods.

If your baby is vomiting and has other symptoms such as a fever or tummy pain, it could be a sign of an infection. In this case, you should contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Yellow vomit may be caused by food allergies

It is common for babies to vomit, and in most cases, it is insignificant. However, yellow vomit in newborns may be caused by food allergies or intolerances. If your baby has recently started solid foods, this could be a trigger for vomiting.

Common Allergenic Foods

Common allergens include cow's milk, eggs, wheat, soy, and peanuts. Other common allergens include gluten, nuts, seeds, fish, and shellfish.

Symptoms of Food Allergies

If your baby has a reaction, they may exhibit other symptoms, such as diarrhoea, itchy skin, wheezing, or swelling of the lips, face, or eyes. These symptoms usually occur within minutes or hours of consuming a potential allergen.

What to Do if You Suspect a Food Allergy

If you suspect a food allergy or intolerance, do not remove any foods from your baby's diet without first consulting your GP, midwife, or health visitor. They will help ensure your baby still gets all the necessary nutrients. If your baby has an obvious allergic reaction to a new food, monitor whether this reaction occurs again with subsequent consumption of that food. If a pattern emerges, consult your GP or health visitor.

Yellow vomit may be caused by gastroenteritis

It is common for babies to vomit, and in most cases, it is nothing to worry about. Yellow vomiting in newborns may be caused by colostrum, which is usually benign if the amount and frequency are small.

However, if your baby is vomiting, it is important to keep an eye out for other symptoms that may indicate a more serious issue. For example, if your baby is vomiting and has diarrhoea, it could be a sign of gastroenteritis, an infection of the gut that usually lasts a few days. This can cause dehydration, so it is important to make sure your baby keeps drinking fluids. If you are breastfeeding, continue to do so, and if your baby seems dehydrated, give them extra fluids. If your baby is formula-fed or on solid foods, offer them extra cooled boiled water in addition to their usual feeds.

If your baby's vomiting lasts more than a day or two, or if you are concerned about dehydration, contact your GP or pharmacist, who may recommend an oral rehydration solution.

Frequently asked questions