If you’ve noticed milk coming out of your newborn’s nose, you’re not alone—many parents experience this and wonder if it’s something to worry about. While it can be surprising or even a little scary, it’s usually a normal part of how tiny babies handle feeding. Their digestive systems are still developing, and sometimes milk can take an unexpected route, like flowing back up and out through the nose. The good news is, there are simple ways to help reduce this and keep your baby comfortable. In this article, we’ll talk about why it happens, what you can do about it, and when it might be time to check in with your doctor.
Is It Normal for Milk to Come Out of a Baby’s Nose?
Yes, it’s normal for milk to occasionally come out of a newborn’s nose, especially during or after feeding. This happens because babies have an underdeveloped digestive system and a small, still-developing flap (called the epiglottis) that helps separate the airway from the esophagus. When babies spit up or reflux, milk can sometimes flow upward and exit through the nose instead of the mouth. While it may look concerning, it’s usually harmless as long as your baby is otherwise healthy, feeding well, and gaining weight. However, if it happens frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms like coughing, choking, or difficulty breathing, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues.
Should I Be Worried If Milk Comes Out of My Baby’s Nose?
In most cases, there’s no need to worry if milk comes out of your baby’s nose occasionally. Basically, milk tends to flow through the nose of the baby during infancy because the human body is systematically immature to this stage in babies, including the coordination between the actions of swallowing and breathing. It usually is nothing to worry about in case your baby doesn't show discomfort and the infant is feeding and gaining well. However, if the milk coming out of the nose of a newborn happens frequently, is accompanied by coughing, choking, or difficulty breathing, or if your baby seems uncomfortable or unwell, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician. These could be signs of an issue like reflux or a feeding problem that may need attention.
What Are the Possible Causes of a Newborn Spitting Up Through the Nose?
Milk coming out of a newborn’s nose is often caused by their still-developing anatomy and reflexes. Here are the most common reasons:
- Immature Digestive System: Newborns have a small stomach and a weak lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that keeps food in the stomach, leading to spit-up or reflux.
- Swallowing and Breathing Coordination: Babies are learning to coordinate swallowing and breathing. They may have especially poor coordination of swallowing and breathing while feeding. If milk flows in too quickly, or they swallow too much air, milk can come out through the nose.
- Overfeeding: Too much or too quick feeding can overwhelm the tiny stomach of a baby, making the milk come back up easily.
- Position During Feeding: Lying flat or at an awkward angle during feeding makes it easier for milk to travel upwards into the nasal passages.
- Nasal and Throat Connection: The distance between the mouth and nose is shorter in babies, which makes it easier for the milk to come out through the nose while spitting up.
- Reflux (GER): Gastroesophageal reflux is common in newborns and occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, sometimes reaching the nose.
While these causes are typically harmless, frequent or forceful spit-ups coming out of babies' noses, especially with signs of discomfort, could indicate an issue like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or a feeding problem. If you’re concerned, consult your pediatrician for guidance.
What Should I Do If My Newborn Is Spitting Up Through the Nose?
If your newborn spits up through their nose, stay calm—it’s usually not a cause for immediate concern. Here’s what you can do to help your baby:
- Keep Your Baby Upright: With much care, hold the baby in an upright position for 15–20 minutes after feeding. This helps milk settle in their stomach and reduces the chance of spit-up.
- Clear the Nose: If milk manages to come out of the nose, gently clear any residual from the nostrils with a soft tissue or a bulb syringe. This helps clear a pathway for breathing comfortably.
- Burp Your Baby: Stop in between and after feeding to burp your baby. This will release the air trapped inside that pushes milk upwards.
- Check Feeding Position: The baby should be at a slight angle during feeding, his head higher than his stomach to facilitate easy, smooth passage of the milk into the stomach.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Offer less volume, more frequently because your baby's small stomach may be overwhelmed with one large volume.
- Monitor for Discomfort: If your baby seems fussy, gags, or coughs frequently during or after feeding, they may need a slower pace or smaller amounts.
- Stay Calm and Reassure Your Baby: Spitting up through the nose can startle your baby, so comfort them with gentle pats or soothing words.
If spit-up through the nose becomes recurrent, is forceful, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as coughing, choking, or failure to gain weight, check with your pediatrician to rule out an underlying concern.
How to Prevent Milk From Coming Out of a Baby’s Nose?
While it’s not always possible to completely prevent milk from coming out of a baby’s nose, there are several steps you can take to reduce the likelihood:
1. Feed in an Upright Position
Place your baby at an angle of 30–45 degrees while feeding, where the head is above the body. Rest their head in the crook of your elbow while their back remains straight. This helps in the appropriate flow of milk into the stomach due to gravity and reduces the risk of reflux.
2. Use Proper Feeding Support
Consider using a Multifunctional and Adjustable Nursing Pillow to maintain the correct feeding position. Its ergonomic design and adjustable strap help maintain optimal feeding angles while supporting your arms and reducing strain, allowing you to focus on proper feeding techniques.
3. Pace Feedings
Break feeding into 10- to 15-minute segments. If the infant is bottle-fed, try "paced bottle-feeding": holding the bottle horizontally, allowing sucking for 20 to 30 seconds and then stopping for 10 seconds. This mimics the natural rhythm of breastfeeding and does not overfeed.
4. Burp Frequently
Burp your baby every 2-3 ounces if bottle feeding, or after switching breasts if breastfeeding. Try different positions for burping—over the shoulder, sitting on your lap, or across the knees. Each baby may like a different position.
5. Use a Slow-Flow Nipple
For bottle-fed babies, start with preemie or newborn nipples, which are usually marked as Level 0 or 1. Only increase the nipple flow rate when your baby shows frustration with the current level, which is usually around 3-4 months old.
6. Avoid Distractions
Try to make the feeding environment restful—dim the lights, reduce the noise level, and avoid undue movement around the baby. Consider feeding in a quiet room, or use a nursing cover to minimize your infant's stimulation from the environment.
7. Keep Baby Upright After Feeding
Keep the baby in an upright position against your chest for at least 15-20 minutes after feeding. This can be done by gently patting their back as you walk around or rocking in a rocking chair. It aids digestion and helps to prevent reflux.
8. Check for Proper Latch
While breastfeeding, the baby should have most of your areola in the mouth and not just the nipple. The lips should be flanged out (like fish lips), and you will hear rhythmic swallowing. If this hurts, gently break the latch by inserting your finger into the baby's mouth and try again.
9. Avoid Tight Clothing
Loosen up your baby's clothes, especially around the belly. Avoid tight elastic around the waist. Use stretchy, breathable clothing. Go one size bigger in onesies if they seem snug around the middle.
10. Monitor Feeding Cues
Learn your baby's early hunger cues: rooting, putting hands to mouth, and increased alertness. Stop feeding when they show fullness signs: turning away, closing mouth, pushing bottle/breast away, or becoming distracted/sleepy.
11. Keep a Nasal Aspirator Handy
Consider keeping a gentle nasal aspirator like the Momcozy Hospital Grade Nasal Aspirator nearby during feedings. If milk does come through the nose, you can safely clear their nasal passages with adjustable suction levels, making breathing easier for your baby. The built-in soft night light feature is particularly helpful during nighttime feedings.
Every baby is different, and a newborn spit-up coming out of the nose is a normal part of your baby's development in the early months. While it can be concerning to witness, try not to worry too much about occasional incidents.
When Should I Call a Doctor if Milk Comes Out of My Baby's Nose?
While milk coming out of your baby's nose can be normal, certain situations require immediate medical attention. Contact your pediatrician if you notice:
- Your baby shows signs of breathing difficulty or distress
- The milk coming from the nose appears yellow, green, or bloody
- Your baby seems to be choking or gagging frequently during feeds
- There's persistent coughing after feeding
- Your baby shows signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
- Your baby refuses to feed or appears uncomfortable during feeding
- The problem happens frequently with most feeds
- Your baby has a fever along with nasal regurgitation
- There's significant weight loss or poor weight gain
Trust your parental instincts. If something doesn't seem right with your baby's feeding patterns or if you're concerned about the frequency of milk coming out of the nose of a newborn, don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider. It's always better to be cautious when it comes to your baby's health and safety.
Make Feeding Time Better When Baby's Nose Leaks Milk
Don't worry too much if you see milk coming from your baby's nose - it happens to many newborns while they're learning to feed. Just be keen on the posture of your baby during feeding and give breaks during the same, watching for difficulty in breathing or coughing very frequently. Trust your instincts—if you feel like something is wrong or you are concerned about how frequently this happens, it is always okay to call your doctor. Most babies outgrow this phase with some simple feeding adjustments. Keep feeding time calm and comfortable, and you'll both get through this stage just fine.
