Reflux in Babies: How to Spot & Treat It

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If you’ve noticed your little one spitting up more than usual or seeming uncomfortable during or after feeds, you might be dealing with reflux. Let’s talk about what this common condition is, how to recognize reflux in babies, and what you can do to ease your baby’s discomfort.

What is Reflux in Babies?

Reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is when the contents of the stomach come back up into the esophagus. It’s quite common in babies due to their developing digestive systems. During the first months of life, the sphincter between a baby’s esophagus and stomach has low muscle tone. Reflux is when the relaxed sphincter allows contents of the stomach to wash back into the esophagus. Most babies outgrow reflux by the time they’re 12 to 14 months old.

Symptoms of Reflux in Babies

  1. Frequent Spitting Up or Vomiting: While it’s normal for babies to spit up a little after feeding, frequent or excessive spitting up might indicate reflux.
  2. Coughing or Gagging During Feeds: These can be responses to the sensation of stomach contents coming back up.
  3. Irritability During or After Feeds: Discomfort from acid moving up the esophagus may cause your baby to be fussy.
  4. Arching the Back During Feeds: This might be a reaction to discomfort.
  5. Poor Feeding or Refusal to Feed: Due to discomfort associated with feeding, some babies with reflux struggle with feeding or may refuse to feed.
  6. Poor Weight Gain: In more serious cases of reflux, babies may have difficulty gaining weight.

Learn More: Why Do Babies Cry & How to Comfort Them

Treating Reflux in Babies

1. Feeding Adjustments

  • Smaller, More Frequent Feeds: Overfeeding can exacerbate reflux. Try giving your baby smaller amounts more frequently.
  • Keep Baby Upright After Feeding: Holding your baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeding can help reduce spitting up. And upright carrier can help if you need to be hands-free.
  • Breastfeeding Angle: Nurse with baby’s head higher than bottom at about a 45-degree angle.
  • Burping Techniques: Frequent burping can help release gas and prevent stomach contents from coming back up.

2. Sleeping Adjustments

  • Elevate the Head of the Crib: Slightly elevating the head of your baby’s sleeping surface can help minimize reflux in babies. Ensure it’s a gentle incline and that your baby can’t slide down.

3. Dietary Changes

  • Formula Adjustments: If your baby is formula-fed, talk to your pediatrician about formulas that might be easier on your baby’s stomach. Thickening food may be recommended for formula-fed babies.
  • Breastfeeding Moms: If you’re breastfeeding, your diet might affect your baby. Some foods can potentially aggravate reflux, like spicy foods. An allergy to cow’s milk protein can produce symptoms similar to reflux, so temporarily avoid all forms of cows milk protein (milk, yogurt, ice cream, cheese, butter).

4. Medical Treatments

  • Medications: In severe cases, your pediatrician might prescribe medications that reduce stomach acidity to try to decrease the reflux.
  • Specialist Referral: For ongoing issues, you might be referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist.

When to See a Doctor

While reflux in babies is common and often not serious, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician if:

  • Your baby is frequently uncomfortable or in pain.
  • There are symptoms like green or yellow spit-up, blood in spit-up, or difficulty breathing.
  • Your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight.

Conclusion

Reflux in babies can be challenging, but it’s usually manageable with some adjustments and care. Remember, you know your baby best, so trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you’re concerned.

References:

Mohrbacher, Nancy (2020). Breastfeeding Answers: A Guide for Helping Families (2nd edition). pgs 304-308.

Lauwers, Judity and Swisher, Anna (2021). Counseling the Nursing Mother: A Lactation Consultant’s Guide, 7th edition. pgs 322-323.

Leung AK, Hon KL. Gastroesophageal reflux in children: an updated review. Drugs Context. 2019 Jun 17;8:212591. doi: 10.7573/dic.212591. PMID: 31258618; PMCID: PMC6586172.

Meet Katie Griffin

I’m a registered nurse, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, and the mother of 7. I help women realize their dream of a natural, intimate, and empowering hospital birth.

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If you’ve noticed your little one spitting up more than usual or seeming uncomfortable during or after feeds, you might be dealing with reflux. Let’s talk about what this common