Reflux in Babies – What Is It and What Can You Do?

In this blog, I share information and tips about a common issue in young babies: reflux. 

What exactly is reflux? 

Reflux means that the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus. In babies, this happens quite often, especially during the first few months. The cause is usually the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, which is not yet fully developed. This backflow often happens shortly after feeding, especially when your baby is lying flat or moving a lot. Fortunately, in most cases babies grow out of it during the first year of life as the valve becomes stronger. 

Regular reflux and silent reflux 

There are two types of reflux: 

• Regular reflux: your baby regularly spits up milk or food after feeding.

• Verborgen reflux: de maaginhoud komt wél omhoog, maar wordt niet uitgespuugd. De melk of voeding bereikt de keel, maar wordt weer doorgeslikt. Hierdoor zie je je baby veel slikken of 'herkauwen'. Silent reflux: the stomach contents do come up, but they are not spit out. The milk or food reaches the throat but is swallowed again. As a result, you may notice your baby swallowing a lot or "chewing" or gulping. With silent reflux, it may look like your baby has difficulty swallowing, and your baby may become restless or uncomfortable.

When is reflux a concern?

Reflux is usually harmless, especially if your baby is growing well, does not cry excessively, and has no problems with feeding or sleeping.

However, if you notice that your baby:

• cries frequently or seems very restless,
• sleeps poorly or refuses feeds,
• spits up a lot or seems to have difficulty swallowing,
• or is not growing well,

it is wise to contact your child health clinic or your family doctor.

What can you do yourself?

For regular reflux, the following tips may help:

• Keep your baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding.
• Avoid pressure on the stomach: hold your baby upright and allow them to rest after feeding.
• Offer smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day.
• Let your baby drink calmly, without too much distraction or movement.
• Slightly raise the head end of the crib.
• If you are bottle-feeding, you can thicken the formula with, for example, carob bean gum (always ask a professional for advice about this).

With silent reflux, when the tips above are not sufficient, medication may sometimes be needed. These are acid-reducing medications that make the stomach acid less acidic. They do not stop the reflux itself, but they can reduce the burning sensation.

Only in very severe and persistent cases of reflux is surgery sometimes considered. However, this is rare.

My experience and that of other parents

Fortunately, my own children did not suffer much from reflux. Sometimes they drank quickly and eagerly, which caused a little milk to come back up. My second son was very restless during feeding and regularly spat up milk, sometimes with visible discomfort.

From parents I have guided, I often hear that lying on the stomach temporarily relieves symptoms.

Please note: this position is not recommended as a sleeping position because of the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If you do place your baby on their stomach for a short time after feeding, only do so under supervision.

Finally

Reflux is something many babies experience. In most cases it is temporary and harmless. With a few adjustments in feeding and positioning, you can often provide significant relief.

If you are worried or notice that your baby is experiencing a lot of discomfort, seek help in time—you are not alone.

Recommendation: For more advice and helpful tips, read:

Thank you for reading!
Take good care of yourself, be yourself, and in that way give the best to your child.

Maybe until next time!

Would you like to respond or share something?