Reflux in Babies

Key Points

Overview

Reflux occurs when a baby brings up milk or is sick during or shortly after feeding. It's a very common condition, typically starting before 8 weeks of age, and usually improves on its own by the time the baby is 1 year old. The primary cause of reflux in babies is a weak ring of muscle at the top of their food pipe (oesophagus). This muscle allows milk to come back up easily. As your baby grows, this muscle strengthens, and the reflux should stop. Most cases of reflux don't require medical treatment, especially if the baby is otherwise happy, healthy, and gaining weight. Simple home management strategies are often effective in reducing discomfort.

Signs and Symptoms

• Bringing up milk or being sick during/after feeding
• Coughing or hiccupping when feeding
• Being unsettled during feeding
• Swallowing or gulping after burping or feeding
• Crying and not settling
• Not gaining weight due to insufficient food retention
• Silent reflux (symptoms without bringing up milk)

Things That Increase the Risk

• Weak muscle at the top of the food pipe
• Being under 8 weeks old
• Potential cow's milk allergy (can mimic reflux symptoms)

Diagnosis

• Observation of symptoms by parents or caregivers
• Assessment by a health visitor
• GP evaluation for persistent or severe symptoms
• Checking for cow's milk allergy if symptoms are severe or persistent

Treatment & Management

• Holding baby upright during and after feeding
• Regular burping during feeds
• Ensuring baby sleeps flat on their back
• Thickening formula milk with powder or using pre-thickened formula
• Medications to reduce stomach acid (if recommended by GP)
• Addressing potential cow's milk allergy
• Rarely, surgery for severe, unresponsive reflux

Prevention

• Optimizing feeding position and technique
• Frequent burping to release trapped air
• Keeping baby upright for a period after feeds
• Monitoring baby's weight gain and overall well-being
• Seeking early advice from a health visitor for concerns

Related Diseases

• Cow's milk allergy
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Pyloric Stenosis
• Esophagitis

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Reflux in Babies:

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Reflux in Babies: