Infant reflux can be present from birth or appear within the first few weeks after your baby is born. It is characterised by milk and stomach acid flowing backwards out of the stomach and along the oesophagus. This happens when the sphincter muscle at the opening of the stomach does not close fully due to the muscles being underdeveloped.
Over time, the sphincter muscle will strengthen and be able to hold food and liquid in your baby's stomach, but infant reflux can be upsetting for parents and babies. Here's an overview of three signs your baby could have reflux:
Significant Regurgitation Or Vomiting
It's normal for babies to regurgitate small amounts of milk. This is called posseting and can happen during a feed or straight after a feed. Regurgitating more than a tablespoon or so of milk or vomiting regularly in between feeds are indicative of reflux. The vomit will often look like curdled milk, but your baby may also vomit bile.
Unexplained Fussiness
The discomfort and burning pain that babies with reflux experience can cause them to have seemingly unexplained episodes of fussiness. A baby with reflux baby may be fed, have a clean nappy and be nice and warm but is still upset or even inconsolable. These episodes of fussiness may take place at random times or follow a pattern related to their feeding and sleeping routine. For example, if you feed your baby right before you lie them down for a nap, they will experience discomfort, as their milk can flow out of the stomach more freely when lying flat. Additionally, if you feed your baby in a horizontal position, increased regurgitation is likely. Babies with reflux tend to feel more comfortable and content when fed in an upright position.
Feeding Problems
Some babies can develop an aversion to feeding time, as they quickly realise their discomfort intensifies after a feed. If your baby screams through feeds or gets easily worked up at feeding time, they may be feeling stressed. You can try and combat this by feeding them in a quiet room and keeping them upright for at least half an hour after each feed. You may also find it useful to play soft, calming music during feeds. Babies with reflux also tend to gag and splutter during feeds, which is caused by milk being regurgitated while they are still drinking.
Vomiting high volumes of milk and refusing feeds can make it difficult for some babies with reflux to gain weight at a healthy rate, so your doctor may want to weigh your baby regularly. If your baby is struggling, you can discuss medications that reduce stomach acid with your doctor. There are a few prescription drugs approved for the treatment of infant reflux, such as ranitidine, but you should avoid using over-the-counter medication as most are not suitable for babies. If you think your baby has reflux, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
