Why Does Milk Come Out of My Baby’s Nose?
Most parents worry when they see milk coming out of their baby’s nose. But this is usually nothing to be concerned about, as it is a common occurrence for bottle-fed babies. Some of the reasons why milk may come out of a baby’s nose include:
Baby Lying Flat
If your baby is lying flat and milk is running out of their nose, it could be because the milk is refluxing due to gravity. As a baby drinks milk from a bottle, the milk travels down their esophagus and into their stomach. In some cases, the milk could pass back up their esophagus and flow out of their nose.
Blocked Nasal Passages
A baby’s nasal passages may be blocked due to allergies, a cold, or even a deviated septum. This can cause milk to back up in the nose, leading to milk spilling out of the nose. This is often accompanied by sneezing, congestion, and other cold-like symptoms.
Tongue-Tie
If a baby is tongue-tied, they may have difficulty properly latching onto the bottle, sucking the milk down, and swallowing. This can cause the milk to reflux up from the stomach and out of their nose.
Preventing Milk from Coming Out of Your Baby’s Nose
There are several steps you can take if your baby is having this issue:
- Hold them upright: During feeding, try to keep your baby in an upright position. This will help keep the milk from entering the nose.
- Check for blockages: Check your baby’s nose for any blockages. If you find any, use a bulb syringe to remove them.
- Consult a doctor: If the problem persists, you may want to consult your doctor. They can examine your baby to check for any medical conditions, such as a deviated septum, that could be causing the issue.
In most cases, milk coming out of a baby’s nose is nothing to worry about. However, if the problem persists, it is important to speak to your doctor so they can properly diagnose the cause and provide the necessary treatment.