Does my baby have reflux?

Does your baby suffer from reflux? It can be challenging for parents to watch their babies in pain or discomfort, but there are remedies you can try.

First things first: what is reflux? The medical term for reflux is gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), and it happens when the contents of baby’s stomach move into the oesophagus or mouth. This is very common in babies, especially after feeding.

Children’s Health Queensland says reflux shouldn’t be confused with vomiting.

“[Reflux] is usually ‘effortless’ in comparison to vomiting, occurs spontaneously, and is very common in babies up to 18 months of age. It can be considered normal. There is no specific treatment, and it usually gets better on its own.”

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is where serious complications from reflux occurs: low weight gain, feeding difficulties and unsettled behaviour around feeding times. If you are ever concerned about your baby, see your GP.

What causes acid reflux in babies?

It’s important to remember that reflux is very common in babies, especially after feeding. This is usually because their digestive system hasn’t finished developing just yet. It can also occur from eating too quickly, and from air bubbles in the stomach.

The good news is that Pregnancy Birth & Baby says the digestive issue usually resolves itself by about seven months of age – although all babies are different and it might take longer for some.

Best baby reflux remedies

When it comes to reflux and feeding your baby, there are few changes parents can make that could help.

• Continue feeding your baby as you have been. Try and keep your baby in an upright position as much as possible while feeding, and keep upright for 30 minutes afterwards too. You can also try and provide smaller amounts of milk at a time.

• Burp baby. Have lots of breaking during feeds for burping.

• Check the bottle teat. For bottle-fed babies, parents can check the bottle teat to make sure there isn’t too much or too little milk coming out. When holding the bottle upside down, several drops should drip per second. Read our baby bottle comparisons to find the top-rated bottle according to other parents.

• Feed thickener. If formula feeding, it’s not recommended to change formula without talking to a doctor first. However, Children’s Health Queensland says studies suggest that using a feed thickener or thickened formula (with ‘AR’ in the title) can be helpful to reduce reflux symptoms. A thickener can also work with expressed breast milk, but make sure you speak to your GP or another health care professional first. Read our article about the best formulas for babies who have reflux.

• See your GP or paediatrician for medication. There are some medicines to help babies who suffer from reflux – talk to your doctor for a prescription.

Natural remedies for acid reflux in babies

There are some natural reflux remedies on the market that parents can try too. The Tell Me Baby community have tried Brauer Baby & Child Reflux, which contains homoeopathic phosphorus and silica to help relieve reflux and regurgitation symptoms. Remember to always read the label, follow directions and speak to a healthcare professional.

You can also read Brauer Baby & Child Reflux reviews from other parents.

When to see a doctor

Parents should see a doctor if:

• you are concerned about your baby – you know your baby better than anyone, so trust your gut
• your baby isn’t gaining any weight
• your baby’s bowel movements and urination have changed in any way
• your baby is in pain.

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