Baby reflux is basically the same as adult reflux. Reflux happens when the stomach contents don’t stay within the stomach. Instead, they regurgitate up into the oesophagus (food pipe) and sometimes, into the baby’s mouth.
The correct name for reflux is Gastro-oesophageal reflux, or, GOR. Most of the time we just say “reflux”.
A baby’s gut is immature. Just like the rest of their body, growth over time increases the size of their stomach and the way their body functions. The muscles involved in keeping milk down and within the stomach can be lax and the sphincter at the top of the baby’s stomach more open than it could be. This combination of muscle relaxation and an open inlet means that milk easily refluxes back up into baby’s oesophagus.
The shortness of a baby’s oesophagus and distance between their mouth and their stomach means that reflux is common.
First Remember, all babies reflux, especially in the first few months of life. Some are more troubled by reflux symptoms than others. There is no one consistent way in which reflux affects all babies.
Vomiting or spitting up milk - sometimes this is just a small ‘spill’, known as a possit. Occasionally they bring up bigger volumes of milk. When a baby spills it can look as if they’ve vomited most of their feed. Liquid has a tendency to spread, sometimes far and wide. What can look like a big volume may only be a few millilitres. Babies with reflux can vomit during, after and between feeds.Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, also known as ‘GORD’, can occur in babies whose reflux is more severe. A baby is diagnosed with GORD when their reflux is no longer within a normal range and is causing the baby more discomfort.
Symptoms of GORD can include pain in the baby’s chest or stomach, back arching and/or more frequent vomiting. Sometimes GORD causes issues with weight gain and impacts on the baby’s contentment.
GORD can cause:
You need to always follow safe sleeping recommendations. Healthcare experts are clear that the safest way for a baby to sleep is on their back.
Back sleeping is actually protective if a baby vomits. Healthy, well babies who sleep on their back are less likely to choke on their vomit than babies who sleep on their tummy or their side. This is because the upper respiratory airways are positioned above the oesophagus, not underneath it.
Most babies with reflux grow out of it without any specific treatment. By the toddler years, it’s unusual to still see children troubled by reflux symptoms.
Gravity plays a big part in alleviating reflux symptoms. Once a child is upright and sitting, no longer spending long hours on their back or tummy, reflux tends to no longer be an issue.
If you are worried about any aspect of your baby’s health always speak and check with a qualified nurse or healthcare professional about your baby's well being.
Have your baby checked if:
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.
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