Infant Gastro-oesophageal Reflux (Reflux)
This page is to give ideas of where to turn and is not intended to give medical advice - always seek advice from your doctor before trying any of these suggestions
What is reflux?
Reflux is where the stomach contents come back up the gullet, sometimes into the mouth as vomit - sometimes forcefully! It can happen when the valve at the top of the stomach isn't strong enough - common in babies and usually it fixes itself.
What are the symptoms?
Reflux causes great distress in many babies - and therefore their parents. Symptoms may include:
- Frequent regurgitation (or gagging)
- Feeding problems- babies will pull off feeds, often with a distressed high-pitched scream.
- Poor sleep- babies will often wake frequently at night, seeming very distressed.
- Arching back- this often happens when pulling off feeds and can be accompanied by a distressed cry.
How can I help my reflux baby?
Most babies with reflux continue to thrive despite the amount of milk they seem to bring up. However babies can be treated with medicines which thicken breastmilk in the stomach, or, if bottle fed, milk in the bottle. Bottle fed bables may also benefit from special "stay-down milk" which can be prescribed by a doctor.
Once diagnosed, you can help your reflux baby to be more comfortable by:
- Raising the head of their bed by a few inches, or using a reflux wedge designed for babies.
- Keeping baby as upright as possible after a feed (gravity helps!).
- Some parents find cranial osteopathy helps.
- Some babies like to be held upright against your shoulder so they're looking over their shoulder with their tummy against your shoulder blade. Always remember to have a muslin or small blanket across your back!
- Some medication is available so if your baby is in distress or you are worried, this may be the right option for you. Your doctor or health visitor will be able to advise you.
A house with a baby with reflux may need some protection! Throws on sofas and a blanket or playmat under babychairs are essential.
Small Blankets or muslins are useful to have around! Our
organic cotton bed protectors are excellent at protecting your baby's mattress from night-time or nap-time vomiting.
