As a newborn digestion expert I’m frequently asked questions on baby possets, throw ups, gas and digestive issues. I thought I’d share a few posset questions with you..
Does a posset mean my baby is full?
A posset is not an indication your baby being full, in fact a baby can posset every time they burp on as little as 30mls. For some babies possets happen closer to the end of a feed with a higher level of gas with milk easily thrown back. Some newborns posset constantly ( thank God for muslin squares! ) and others not at all.
If my baby possets, does it mean he has burped?
I’m afraid not, if you haven’t heard a burp then it’s unlikely to have come up. A posset is thrown back with or without burping.
Did You Know ?
Burping your baby effectively can reduce the amount of throw up or posset, as can the frequency of feeds and a gas free diet when breastfeeding.
Some babies will posset or regurgitate constantly throughout the day, others not at all and some only while they are being winded during feeds.
What’s a normal size posset?
A posset is small amount of milk from a dribble up to around 15mls - a common symptom of a immature gut and liquid diet. A proper throw up or projectile vomit/ sicking up is in excess of 30ml.
There are a number of reasons for a large throw up, such as wind/ gas, feeding too fast, sleepy feeding, reflux. Newborns and babies throw up easily without distress ( unless it comes out of the nose ) so
it’s unlikely the vomiting is due your newborn being ill. My advice is to re- feed the milk lost when this happens especially when feeding on a routine.
Full help and guidance investigating your baby’s digestion head over to my Consultancy page.
For a complete guide to newborn digestion grab a copy of my book 7pm to 7am Sleeping Baby Routine.
You might enjoy my post - How Can I Help My Baby’s Digestion?
Baby Reflux, Top Tips on Surviving and Treating - a true story about baby Amy.
