If you are a new parent, you may have noticed your little one spitting up milk or food quite often. There is no need to worry, though. This spitting is known as infant reflux. Doctors also call it GER (gastro-oesophageal reflux). This happens when the food inside your baby’s tummy flows back up into the food pipe.
Like others, your newborn also goes through this reflux several times a day. Though it can feel exhausting for parents, it’s usually nothing to stress about if your baby seems happy and is growing well.
The good news is, reflux usually improves as babies get older. However, if the reflux lasts beyond 18 months, which is a rare case, this means your baby needs medical attention.
Hence, it becomes crucial to know the signs and symptoms of infant reflux to help you act quickly if it ever affects your baby’s growth.
Keep reading to know more.
Common Reflux Signs and Symptoms in Breastfed Babies
Reflux usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old and gets better by the time your baby is 1.
If you are confused about how to know if a baby has reflux, then read the following 7 common reflux signs in breastfed babies to get a clear understanding.
1. Spitting up milk or Being Sick
Your baby may bring up milk or vomit right after or maybe during a feed. They can also experience sickness.
2. Coughing and Hiccupping
Feeding time could bring on small coughs or cute
hiccups.
3. Restlessness During Feeding
Your baby may squirm, fuss, or seem uncomfortable while breastfeeding.
4. A lot of Swallowing
You might notice your baby gulping or swallowing constantly, even after burping.
5. Crying (Hard to Settle Them)
Your child may cry more than usual, and you may find it tough to calm down.
6. No Weight Gain
Your baby may not gain enough weight, as the milk keeps coming back up.
7. Silent Reflux in Infants
Sometimes, milk doesn’t spill out, but the baby still shows signs like fussiness or swallowing. They may be sick as well.
Also Read: Newborn Baby Care Basics: Essential Tips for New Parents
Note: These signs of infant reflux are for educational purposes only. They are not meant to diagnose any baby’s condition. If you notice these symptoms, always check with your doctor for proper advice and care.
When to See a Doctor For Infant Reflux
See your doctor if a baby:
- Is not putting weight
- Does not have adequate energy.
- Consistently spits up forcefully (known as projectile vomiting)
- Spits up green or yellow fluid
- Spits up blood
- Spits up stomach fluids that look like coffee grounds.
- Unwilling to feed or eat
- Has blood in the stool.
- Has difficulty breathing
- Has a cough that won't go away
- Starts spitting up at age 6 months or older.
- Baby gets frustrated after eating.
Also Read: Complete Infant Vaccination Schedule Birth to 12 Months
Causes of Infant Reflux: Parents Need to Be Aware!
Sometimes, signs of acid reflux in babies can be due to more serious conditions like:
- GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): When the infant's reflux has too much acid to damage the lining of the food pipe.
- Pyloric stenosis: The stomach’s exit door muscle gets too thick, blocking food from going down into the intestines.
- Food intolerance: A newborn's tummy reacts badly to certain foods, such as an allergy to cow’s milk protein.
- Eosinophilic esophagitis: A type of fighter cell builds up in the food pipe and damages its lining.
- Sandifer syndrome: A rare reflux problem where the baby tilts their head or makes odd movements. This can look like seizures.
Conclusion
Reflux in babies is very common. Around two-thirds of babies show signs of it by the time they’re 4 months old. As you know by now, it’s just a normal part of growing up and will get better with age.
But as parents, especially for new ones, it’s crucial to know when reflux is harmless and when it could need paediatric attention. Since your baby can’t tell you the issue in words, they’ll show it through signs of irritation. Your role is to notice these clues, signs and symptoms of infant reflux and seek timely medical advice if something feels off.
