Reflux in Babies

Reflux in Babies

Tiny Hearts Education

Sometimes, in young children, it can be hard to spot if something is making them uncomfortable. Infants and toddlers can't always tell us when there's a problem. So, we have to become trained in looking for certain signs and symptoms to see if our bub is okay.

 

One of these annoying but common instances is Gastro-oesophageal Reflux or GOR for short. GOR can happen to anyone; infants and adults alike! 

 

What Is Gastro-oesophageal Reflux?

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux or GOR is when the contents of your baby's stomach come back up their throat or into their mouth. This is because the muscles between their oesophagus and belly aren't fully developed. It can result in spit-up or vomiting, called “posseting".

 

Most babies will experience GOR in the first month of life but will quickly grow out of it — at around 18 months of age. It is rarely a severe condition. In some cases, if symptoms persist, your doctor can diagnose your baby with Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease, which is better known as GORD.

 

Symptoms and What You Can Do to Help

If your baby has GORD, there's a few signs and symptoms they will display like:

  • Hard to settle, disrupted sleep patterns, fussy
  • Persistent crying due to discomfort in their chest or stomach
  • Arching of the back
  • Poor weight gain
  • Breathing or swallowing problems like wheezing or gagging

If these conditions worsen, your baby will need to see a doctor right away. You should see your GP immediately if your baby has: 

  • Blood or bile in their vomit
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • A Fever
  • Won't eat or loss of appetite
  • Vomiting continually or more than normalChronic cough

If your little one displays any of these symptoms or you just feel like something is off, contact your GP. If it is anything more severe than GORD, further tests will be done to ensure your baby is back on track and on the road to a quick recovery!

 

Treatment

Most cases of GOR resolve on their own and often don’t need any treatment. If the reflux is mild, we recommend trying to feed your bub in a more upright position. After you’ve finished feeding, keep them upright for 30 minutes.

 

If this doesn’t help, your GP may suggest thickening breastmilk with rice cereal or a thickening agent until symptoms clear. If they’re formula-fed - your GP may recommend thickening the formula or using pre-thickened formula. Before doing this - please chat with your doctor to see what they recommend!

 

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to reduce the acid in the stomach or to treat an underlying infection.

Keen to learn more about the first few months of your baby’s life? Book into a Tiny Hearts Bump, Birth and Beyond course, where our expert education will explain everything you need to know about breastfeeding, formula feeding and more! Click here to view dates or to book.

While Tiny Hearts tries to ensure that the content of this blog is accurate, adequate or complete, it does not represent or warrant its accuracy, adequacy or completeness. Tiny Hearts  is not responsible for any loss suffered as a result of or in relation to the use of its blog content... read more

While Tiny Hearts tries to ensure that the content of this blog is accurate, adequate or complete, it does not represent or warrant its accuracy, adequacy or completeness. Tiny Hearts  is not responsible for any loss suffered as a result of or in relation to the use of its blog content.

To the extent permitted by law, Tiny Hearts excludes any liability, including any liability for negligence, for any loss, including indirect or consequential damages arising from or in relation to the use of this blog content.

This blog  may include material from third party authors or suppliers. Tiny Hearts is not responsible for examining or evaluating the content or accuracy of the third-party material and it does not warrant and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, will not have any liability or responsibility for any third-party material. This blog was written for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Nothing contained in this blog should be construed as medical advice or diagnosis.The content on our blog should not be interpreted as a substitute for physician consultation, evaluation, or treatment. Do not disregard the advice of a medical professional or delay seeking attention based on the content of this blog.  If you believe someone needs medical assistance, do not delay seeking it. In case of emergency, contact your doctor, visit the nearest emergency department, or call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

The author of this information has made a considerable effort to ensure the information is in-line with current guidelines, codes and accepted clinical evidence at time of writing, is up-to-date at time of publication and relevant to Australian readers. read less

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