Baby reflux

 

What is reflux?

Reflux is what happens when your baby's stomach contents come back up into his food pipe (oesophagus) or even into his mouth.

If your baby also has pain, poor growth or gets chest infections caused by him breathing the contents of his stomach into his lungs, he may have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Babies get reflux because the muscular valve at the end of the food pipe, which acts to keep food in the tummy, hasn’t developed properly yet. This means that when your baby’s tummy is full, food and acid can come back up. This can cause him to bring up small amounts of milk (possetting) or even vomit.

During the first year of your baby's life, the muscular valve gradually gets stronger and better at keeping food down, so his chance of having reflux decreases. About half of babies will get some reflux during their first three months, but it’s only a real problem for a small percentage of these. By 10 months only about five per cent of babies have reflux. 

How will I know if my baby has reflux?

Your baby may bring up a little milk after a feed or have hiccups. He may occasionally cough after bringing up milk if a little has gone "down the wrong way".

This is normal and as long as your baby is otherwise well, you don't need to worry. Just make sure you always have a tissue or wash cloth to hand. 

Should I take my baby to see a doctor?

Bringing up a little milk after feeds is nothing to worry about. But speak to your child health nurse or doctor if you notice any of the following:

• your baby's reflux is happening so often that his weight gain is affected by it
• your baby cries excessively after feeds, as if he is in pain
• your baby coughs a lot after feeds.
  
  

Are there any treatments for reflux?

If your baby’s reflux is mild, and he’s still feeding well and isn’t too upset by it, then the following may help:

• hold your baby upright for up to 20 minutes after each feed
• try giving your baby smaller but more frequent feeds
• burp him every two or three minutes during feeds.
  

If you breastfeed your baby, you may need to stop drinking cow’s milk or having food or drinks containing cow’s milk. Or if your baby is formula-fed ask your doctor about prescribing him a hypoallergenic formula for a couple of weeks to see if it helps.

If there is doubt about the diagnosis of reflux, then your doctor may refer your baby to a paediatrician.

Your baby may also be referred to a paediatrician if:

• there is blood in your baby’s vomit
• your baby becomes anaemic (he doesn’t produce enough red blood cells)
• your baby has persistent coughing or frequent chest infections
• your baby begins to refuse feeds
• your baby is having difficulty swallowing.
  

Remember that most babies will bring up a little milk after feeding, and without complications. Reassure yourself that things will get better as your baby grows.