Reflux is blamed for a lot of unsettled baby behaviour. In fact, reflux and colic are often attributed as being the main reasons for crying in otherwise healthy, thriving young babies.
Given that reflux is so common - most newborns experience reflux - why does it happen? The answer lies in gut immaturity. The sphincter at the end of the oesophagus (food pipe) should be tight to keep milk within the stomach. But in newborns this valve can be loose.
Eventually the tone of the sphincter improves so it works more efficiently; but in the meantime, acidic stomach contents easily ‘spill’ out of the stomach and back up the oesophagus. Sometimes this leads to vomiting or reswallowing the milk and food before it comes out of the baby’s mouth.
Premature babies are more likely to experience reflux than babies who are born at term.
There is a Difference
Babies with reflux may vomit or possit without any warning. One minute they seem fine and the next their chest and whoever’s holding them is covered in vomit. It’s easy to pick the parents of a baby with reflux as they often have white spills down their back.
Some babies with reflux bring up their milk with force and others seem to have more of a dripping tap style. Whichever category your baby fits into, know that you are not alone.
It’s estimated that around 70-85% of newborn babies will experience some regurgitation of their stomach contents within their first two months of life. And although this statistic is intended to be reassuring, it’s unlikely to make much difference to you, especially if all you feel you’re doing is holding and rocking your baby.
At what point is it fair to say with 100% certainty that a baby is refluxing? The truth is, reflux can be a difficult condition to diagnose. Even health practitioners can find it difficult to accurately diagnose reflux in a baby. Sometimes reflux is given as a ‘default’ reason for a baby’s crying.
The days of every baby having a prescription for reflux have passed. Now we have a better understanding of the normal physiology of a baby’s gut and know that in time, the majority of babies outgrow reflux. Importantly, most do not have any longstanding gut or health issues because of it.
Sometimes babies with reflux bring up milk when they burp, others at the end of a feed, while others wait until a couple of hours after they’ve fed to deposit a portion of their last feed.
Always speak and check with a qualified nurse or healthcare professional about your baby to understand what your baby’s individual needs are, especially if you are ever concerned about your baby's well being.
Sorry, we don't know the word “” just yet, but we can point you to our award-winning formula and food...
Browse Our ShopFormula
Purees
For mums who are able to, breastfeeding is best for babies. It delivers many benefits for both mum and baby. Breastmilk contains all the nutrients your growing bub needs to thrive, especially in the first 6 months of life, plus antibodies to help them fight infections.
It’s important for pregnant and breastfeeding mums to maintain good nutrition. Deciding to use a combination of breast and bottle-feeding for an extended period may reduce your own breast milk supply, and reversing your decision may be difficult.
When using infant formula, follow the feeding guide and preparation directions carefully. Improper use or incorrect preparation of infant formula can make your baby ill.
Consult your doctor or health care professional for advice prior to using the formula to feed your baby. You should also consider the social and financial implications before deciding to use infant formula.
By clicking the "I agree" button, you are confirming that you wish to view information about Aussie Bubs Baby Formula on this site, and have read and understood that it is provided for educational and informational purposes only.
Official WeChat Account: BubsAustralia
Don’t have WeChat? Download on the App Store or Google Play.