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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Spitting UP

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Some infants spit up despite prevention efforts. For most babies, however, the following steps may help minimize the problem:

Burp the infant every 4 to 5 minutes during feeding to prevent the stomach from filling with air.

Avoid over feeding.

Refrain from vigorous play immediately after feeding.

Feed the baby in an upright or semi-upright position, and use appropriate techniques for infant feeding.

Keep the baby upright for 20 minutes after feeding, in a position that does not compress the abdomen.

Add a small amount of rice cereal to each bottle of formula.

Feed the infant before he or she becomes too hungry, to avoid over-vigorous sucking.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

As the baby grows, the sphincter in the esophagus usually gets stronger and the baby spits up less and less. Spitting up usually goes away by itself sometime during the baby's first year.

What are the risks to others?

Spitting up is not contagious and poses no risk to others.

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