Should you worry about reflux in your baby?

It’s possible your baby has reflux, many babies do. The good news is, in most cases, reflux doesn’t cause your little one any pain or harm. The bad news is, your washing machine will definitely be getting a workout!

Gastro-oesophageal reflux simply describes the passage of stomach contents back up the oesophagus, often into the mouth resulting in effortless vomiting or ‘possets.’ It is a physiological process that occurs many times a day in healthy, thriving babies. Reflux is common in babies because the sphincter muscle separating the stomach and oesophagus is immature and more relaxed.

My baby is unsettled, is this due to reflux?

Studies have shown there is no relationship between reflux and crying. Similarly, reflux medications have not been found to improve crying in most babies, when compared with placebo.

When could reflux actually be Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)?

In some instances, reflux can result in complications like feed refusal, chronic cough and wheeze, poor growth, aspiration, inflammation of the oesophagus and blood in vomits. This is called Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

For babies with GORD, medications may be prescribed to reduce stomach acid but, as with most medications, there are potential risks.

Babies who take these medications have a higher chance of developing infections like gastroenteritis and pneumonia, food allergies and even bone fractures later in life. They can effect the microbiome of the infant and reduce absorption of nutrients from food.

40% of infants with GORD will have an underlying Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA). Trialling elimination of cow’s milk from the diet may improve symptoms and avoid the need for drug treatments.

If acid suppression therapy is started, its best to trial for a short time and frequently review the need for ongoing use.

In the absence of worrying features, reflux is natural process that will resolve by itself with time.

If your baby is regurgitating after feeds but gaining weight and otherwise happy and healthy, rest assured that it is not harming your baby and will improve with time. As the sphincter muscle gets stronger and with the introduction of solids and baby sitting upright, reflux improves. It rarely persists beyond one year of age, if so, it’s worth a check up with your GP.