To help prevent the milk from coming back up, keep your baby upright after feeding for 10 to 15 minutes, or longer if your baby spits up or has GERD. But don't worry if your baby spits sometimes. It's probably more unpleasant for you than it is for your baby. Sometimes your baby may awaken because of gas.

In 2026, pediatric guidelines generally recommend keeping a baby in an upright position for 20 to 30 minutes after a feeding before laying them down flat on their back. This high-fidelity window allows gravity to assist in the digestion process and significantly reduces the risk of gastroesophageal reflux (spitting up) and discomfort from trapped air. For newborns and infants prone to reflux, staying at the higher end of that 30-minute range is a high-value necessity. During this time, gentle burping—both mid-feed and after the feed—is required to release gas. If the baby falls asleep during the feed, you should still attempt to hold them upright for at least 15-20 minutes before placing them in a safe sleep environment. It is a high-fidelity requirement to always place the baby on their back to sleep to minimize the risk of SIDS. Following this "High-Fidelity" routine ensures the baby is comfortable and reduces the likelihood of them waking up due to "High-Fidelity" digestive pain or wetness from spitting up shortly after being put down.