Hi hun,

Unless my DD chucked her milk immediately (like when i sat her up to wind her) it was stringy/gooey when it came up. I think it was partly spit and partly that the stomach starts to digest the water out and adds its own digestive acids etc., which changes the consistency. In my own (TMI) experience - unless i was sick from being too drunk, my OWN vomit is always kind of slimy/stringy too.

You mention he is a cleft bub - if the the spew is coming through his nose it will also be rinsing mucus out of the sinuses which will make it stringier and thicker.

On top of THAT it was a good week or two before my DD had gotten rid of all the birth mucus and gotten used to eating food and having to breathe etc. It's a big adjustment time for them, the first few weeks.

I wouldn't be too worried. As far as i know reflux usually results in a lot of crying and a very red/sore oesophagus on examination. It is very normal for babies to throw milk back and not usually a cause for concern so long as they continue to gain weight well and are happy.