Midwife tips against frequent spitting up

5 min

Spitting up often begins toward the end of the first month of life, when milk portions get larger. But don’t worry — this is usually completely normal, and even small tricks can help.

When carrying your baby, a burp cloth over your shoulder is an essential: that way, the liquid “burp” doesn’t end up on your clothes. And just so you know: if your baby spits up a little milk more often, it’s usually no reason to worry.

Proper Latching: Let your lactation consultant or midwife show you the right breastfeeding technique. With proper latching, your baby swallows less air while drinking, which often provides relief.
Burping: A burp in between can relieve the stomach and allow swallowed air to escape. You don’t necessarily have to lift your baby up and pat their back for a burp — that can actually make spitting up worse. Usually, the air comes out on its own.
Feeding Intervals: Offer your baby several smaller milk meals spread throughout the day. This way, the stomach doesn’t get too full.
Pause: Give your baby a little rest after feeding and let them sleep instead of playing right away. This can help keep the milk in the stomach.
Time: Plan enough time for feeding and take short breaks in between.

Bottle Feeding — Tips Against Frequent Spitting Up

Right Nipple: When bottle-feeding, make sure the nipple size matches your baby’s age and the consistency of the formula. For thinner formula, use a smaller opening; for thicker formula, a larger one. This helps reduce swallowed air.
Thickening the Formula: Thickening the milk can sometimes help babies who spit up a lot keep the food in their stomach.
Prepare the Bottle Properly: Stir the formula instead of shaking it to avoid creating extra air bubbles.

Causes of Spitting Up

Spitting up happens because your baby’s digestive system is still developing and the muscle between the stomach and esophagus is often too weak to keep stomach contents down.

This is completely normal and no reason to worry as long as your baby is gaining weight normally and not in pain when spitting up.

It’s simply a fact: most babies spit up, often several times a day.

By the first birthday, spitting up almost always stops completely.

Spitting Up a Lot? What Does “A LOT” Even Mean?

Yes, that little puddle of milk on the floor looks like a lot.

You wonder if there’s even enough left in that tiny tummy?

Here’s a test: Fill a glass with just a finger’s width of juice. If you tip it over, the puddle will look like much more than what was actually in the glass!

How Big Is a Newborn’s Stomach?

The stomach of a newborn is tiny — which explains their frequent hunger cues.

But how small it really is, many parents don’t quite imagine. Want a comparison?

From the size of a hazelnut to a chicken egg!

With that in mind, it’s no surprise how often such a little human needs to feed in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Classification of the Current Situation Show Hide

1. What are the current recalls about?
In recent weeks, media outlets have reported on recalls of infant formula products from certain international manufacturers. According to publicly available information, the heat-stable toxin cereulide was associated with a specific issue during the fermentation of a raw material at the supplier level.

2. Is Töpfer affected by these recalls?
No. Our products are not affected. Our supply chains are independent of the publicly mentioned problematic supply chains. Safety and control are our top priorities from the very beginning.

3. Has the safety of Töpfer products been reviewed?
Töpfer products are subject to a multi-stage, strict control and verification process throughout the entire value chain. This process is an integral part of our quality promise and ensures the special Töpfer quality.

In addition, Töpfer is monitored by the competent Bavarian food control authority. Our products and processes are regularly inspected by authorities.

In connection with the current recalls, the responsible Bavarian Authority for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs reviewed our supplier declarations, analytical data, and our testing and release procedures. The requested documentation was accepted.

Based on our comprehensive testing and control systems, Töpfer products are not affected and can be used without restriction.
Cause of the Recalls – Technical Classification Show Hide

1. What exactly is cereulide?
Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin.
Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin. This means: once it has been formed, it cannot be destroyed by normal heating.

2. When does cereulide form?
Cereulide does not automatically form due to the presence of the bacterium itself. It only develops under very specific conditions, especially:

✓ certain temperature ranges
✓ sufficient moisture
✓ suitable nutrient conditions
✓ extended growth time

Typically, this occurs in improperly stored starchy foods or, as discussed in the current case, under specific fermentation conditions of a raw material.

3. Does cereulide form in dry infant formula?
No. Dry infant formula does not provide the conditions required for cereulide formation. The toxin can only develop if it has already been formed previously under moist conditions.

4. Why is cereulide relevant?
In higher amounts, cereulide can cause nausea and vomiting. For this reason, raw materials are strictly controlled before being used in food products.
Production and Independence Show Hide

1. Does Töpfer produce together with other brands?
No. Töpfer manufactures exclusively at its own production facility in the Allgäu region of Germany. We do not share production lines or facilities with other manufacturers. This independence is a central component of our quality strategy.

2.Are there overlaps in the supply chain with affected brands?
No. Our regulatory reviews and supplier audits show no connections to the publicly mentioned problematic supply chains. Each raw material at Töpfer is independently qualified, tested, and approved, regardless of the supply chains used by other manufacturers.

3. Where do Töpfer’s raw materials come from?
Our focus is on organic quality as well as regional and European sourcing. The majority of our raw materials originate from the Allgäu region, from Germany, or from Europe. This proximity ensures quality, transparency, and traceability.

4. Are raw materials from outside the EU used?
Certain raw materials are unfortunately only available in limited quantities worldwide. Even if such raw materials are used occasionally, our strict EU-based quality and control standards apply without exception. Procurement is carried out exclusively through qualified, long-standing, and continuously audited partners within the DACH region.

5. Has Töpfer sourced raw materials from Cabio Biotech?
No. Töpfer has never sourced raw materials from Cabio Biotech for its production.
Quality Assurance Show Hide

1. How does Töpfer ensure the quality of its raw materials?
At Töpfer, quality begins with the raw materials. We work exclusively with long-standing qualified partners based on clearly defined specifications. Each relevant batch is tested before being used.

2. Are microbiological tests conducted?
Yes. Both raw materials and intermediate and finished products are comprehensively tested microbiologically, in our own laboratories and additionally by external accredited institutes.

3. Are chemical and contaminant analyses conducted?
Yes. Our quality control includes comprehensive chemical testing in accordance with legal requirements and internal quality standards.

4. Is there a release procedure before products are placed on the market?
Yes. No product leaves our facility without a complete quality inspection and formal release.

5. Have testing procedures been adjusted to new limit values?
Yes. Our analytical procedures have been aligned with updated scientific evaluation standards. New limit values do not indicate new risks but rather provide additional safety.

6. Have there been any recalls of Töpfer products in recent years?
No. In recent years, there have been no recalls or official quality warnings due to contamination or non-compliant ingredients.