Reflux in babies happens when the ring of muscle at the top of the baby’s stomach that normally keeps food down allows stomach contents, including stomach acid, to come back up into the baby’s food pipe, or oesophagus. It’s common in babies under 6 months, as the muscle is developing, and usually resolves itself by their first birthday. Reflux can affect bottle-fed and breast-fed babies.
What Are the Symptoms of Reflux in Babies?
It can be distressing to watch your baby cry, struggle during feeds, or bring up milk after almost every feed without knowing why. One reason for this could be infant reflux, a common and often harmless condition in young babies under 12 months old.
Typical signs of reflux in babies include (1):
- Bringing up small or large amounts of milk, or being sick during or shortly after feeding
- Coughing or hiccupping during or shortly after feeding
- Being unsettled during feeding
- Swallowing or gulping after burping or feeding
- Excessive crying and not settling
- Not gaining weight as they’re not keeping enough food down
In some instances, babies swallow the substance before it comes out of the mouth; this is known as Silent Reflux.
Silent reflux occurs when stomach contents rise up the oesophagus but are swallowed again before they come out of the mouth, meaning there’s no visible spit-up, making diagnosis more difficult.
Parents may notice their baby’s reflux seems worse during the evening or overnight. This is usually due to them lying flat, making it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus. While it’s tempting to prop your baby up, the safest sleeping position remains flat on their back on a firm mattress.
If you’re seeing any of these signs regularly, speak with your local paediatrician or health visitor. They may want to check whether your baby has a Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA), because the symptoms can be very similar to reflux.
When to Speak to a Healthcare Professional
In most cases, infant reflux can be managed at home and should resolve itself after the first year. But if your baby shows poor weight gain, vomiting with force, blood in vomit or stools, or signs of dehydration (such as fewer wet nappies), seek medical advice from a health professional straight away.
Below is the NHS guidance for when you should see your GP for medical treatment:
- Your baby is not improving after trying things to ease reflux
- They get reflux for the first time after they’re 6 months old
- They’re older than 1 year and still have reflux
- They’re not gaining weight or you notice weight loss
Persistent acid reflux may suggest Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), which sometimes requires further assessment by a paediatrician or paediatric gastroenterologist.
How Can You Help Your Baby?
The comforting news is that most babies outgrow reflux by the time they reach 12 months of age. As their digestive system matures, the ring of muscle at the top of the stomach strengthens, and the chance of further reflux episodes reduces naturally.
Some older children and young people may experience ongoing digestive discomfort, requiring input from a Paediatrician or Paediatric Gastroenterology team.
Within the first 12 months, however, there are a few things parents can do to relieve the symptoms and keep their baby more comfortable:
1. Keep Your Baby Upright
After feeding, hold your baby in a more upright position. This helps keep stomach contents down and may reduce the chance of regurgitation. Baby slings and upright carriers can help when you’re on the move.
2. Feed Smaller Amounts More Often
Try to avoid overfeeding or giving large amounts at once. Small amounts and more frequent feeds help avoid overfilling the baby’s tummy. This applies to both breastfed and formula-fed babies. Feeding on demand rather than on a rigid schedule may also reduce reflux.
While some babies may benefit from special formulas or changes to a breastfeeding parent’s diet, these should always be guided by a healthcare provider, particularly if a cow’s milk protein allergy is suspected.
3. Burp Regularly
Frequent burping after small amounts and again at the end of the feed helps release trapped air, which can prevent pressure from building up in the stomach.
4. Tummy time!
Tummy time for your baby can be a great way to help relieve gas and support digestion. It strengthens your baby’s core muscles and may ease some reflux symptoms by encouraging movement through the digestive tract. However, it should only be done while your baby is awake and alert and never while your baby sleeps or immediately after a feed.
Expert Support for your baby in Harpenden and St Albans
At The Children’s Clinic, we understand how worrying it can be to see your baby in discomfort. If you’re unsure whether your baby’s symptoms are normal or require intervention, you can book a Prompt-Response Appointment or a General Paediatric Appointment with Consultant Paediatrician Dr Felicity Taylor.
For further medical insights and personalised support during your baby’s first year, we also offer parents our Well-Baby Check service, which ensures your baby’s health and development are on track, while also providing valuable time for any questions or concerns you may have.
Led by Consultant Paediatrician, Dr Felicity Taylor, each session provides expert guidance and a thorough medical review, including a comprehensive physical examination.
Felicity works closely with families across Harpenden, St Albans and the wider Hertfordshire area to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your child’s needs.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalised guidance and recommendations, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
NHS Guidance:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/reflux-in-babies/
Main Image:
www.freepik.com
