Why Does This Happen?

When babies feed, milk travels down from the mouth through the throat to the stomach. But because the passages to the nose and throat are connected, sometimes milk takes a detour and comes out through the nose. This is called nasal regurgitation.

What to Do When It Happens?

Stay calm - Baby picks up on your stress • Stay calm - Baby picks up on your stress Sit baby upright - Helps clear the nose • Sit baby upright - Helps clear the nose Let baby cough/sneeze - Natural clearing reflex • Let baby cough/sneeze - Natural clearing reflex Gently wipe - Clean outside of nose only • Gently wipe - Clean outside of nose only Don't insert anything into nostrils • Don't insert anything into nostrils Continue feeding if baby is still hungry • Continue feeding if baby is stil...

When to See a Doctor?

Seek Immediate Care If: Baby turns blue or struggles to breathe • Baby turns blue or struggles to breathe Prolonged choking that doesn't resolve • Prolonged choking that doesn't resolve Baby seems in pain during feeds • Baby seems in pain during feeds Milk coming out is greenish or has blood • Milk coming out is greenish or has blood Baby has fever with feeding problems • Baby has fever with feeding problems Baby is not gaining weight • Baby is not gaining weight Schedule a Consultation If: H...

Q: Mera baby har baar feed ke baad naak se doodh nikalta hai - kya ye normal hai?

A: Occasional nasal regurgitation is normal. However, if it happens with every single feed and in large amounts, consult your pediatrician. Check your feeding position first - this is the most common fixable cause.

Q: Will this affect my baby's breathing?

A: Babies have natural protective reflexes. They will cough, sneeze, or gag to clear milk from airways. If baby seems to breathe normally between episodes and isn't turning blue, it's usually fine. Always supervise feeds and keep baby upright.

Q: Should I switch from breastfeeding to formula?

A: No! Maa ka doodh is not causing this - it's about swallowing coordination and feeding technique. Breastfed babies often have LESS spit-up than formula-fed babies because breast milk is easier to digest.

Q: Kya naak mein doodh jaane se infection ho sakta hai?

A: Milk in the nasal passages occasionally is unlikely to cause infection. The nose naturally clears itself. However, chronic nasal milk exposure could theoretically increase ear infection risk, so keeping baby upright during feeds helps prevent this.

Q: When will my baby stop doing this?

A: Most babies significantly improve by 4-6 months as their swallowing coordination matures. If baby is otherwise healthy and gaining weight, be patient - this phase will pass! --- This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. For persistent concerns, please consult your healthcare provider. Need personalized guidance? Book a consultation with our pediatricians or explore our Care Plans for 24/7 expert support!

Milk Coming Out of an Infant’s Nose

Last updated: January 2026

Quick Answer

Relax, mamma - doodh naak se aana (milk coming out of baby's nose) is very common and usually completely harmless! This happens because your baby's mouth and nose are connected at the back of the throat. Almost every baby experiences this at some point, especially during or right after feeds. It looks alarming, but your baby is typically fine.