We look at posseting, reflux, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and silent reflux in babies, with suggestions on how to help soothe your baby’s symptoms.
Posseting is when babies bring up a small amount of milk (usually a teaspoonful) without seeming to mind. Posseting is common in babies under six months old for completely normal physiological reasons and doesn’t need medication.
Reflux can occur because the ring of muscle between the oesophagus (food pipe) and stomach is not fully developed. This means food or milk can travel back up the food pipe.
Some symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy can be similar to reflux symptoms, especially in babies who have eczema or asthma, or a family history of eczema or asthma.
About half of all newborn babies get reflux and it isn’t usually cause for concern. Almost nine out of every ten babies affected are better by the time they’re 12 months old. That’s because over a baby’s first 12 months, their digestive system naturally develops and they spend more time upright as they start to sit up.
Baby reflux is different from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which is defined as reflux with ‘troublesome symptoms or complications’.
Baby reflux signs and symptoms
Many of the common signs of baby reflux can also be signs that a baby is distressed for any number of reasons; for example, they’re hungry, need a cuddle or they’re cold. So it’s good to remember that while there are some recognisable signs of baby reflux, this isn’t necessarily a disease that needs to be medicated. Symptoms of a baby having reflux that does not need medication are:
Symptoms of GORD:
Reflux is more common among babies who were born prematurely and babies who had a low birth weight. It’s also common in babies or children with some impairment of their muscles and nerves, such as cerebral palsy, or those with a cow’s milk allergy.
Baby reflux isn’t usually a cause for concern if your baby is happy and is gaining weight. But if vomiting becomes more forceful, starts after six months of age, continues beyond a year or if your baby has any of the problems mentioned below, it’s best to contact your midwife, health visitor or GP:
Baby reflux is different from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Sometimes babies don’t spit out what comes back up but swallow it instead. Even though there isn’t any spitting up, they may show other symptoms similar to reflux, such as crying or being unsettled after feeds, or having a cough or hoarse voice. In severe cases babies may have symptoms similar to GORD. This is known as ‘silent reflux’ and treatment is similar to that given for GORD.
You can help ease your baby’s reflux by making small changes to the way you feed them. If you talk to your midwife or health visitor about it, they might suggest the following:
Some parents might be advised to raise the head end of their baby’s cot slightly or place a rolled up towel under the mattress. There is no scientific evidence that this works and it might increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). There is also no evidence to support the use of different or specialised bottle teats for preventing colic or reflux.
Usually, babies with reflux don’t need any tests because the condition can be diagnosed based on their symptoms.
Baby reflux doesn’t usually need any specific treatment either but you might find the feeding suggestions above helpful. Babies who cry uncontrollably or are in obvious pain may be prescribed an anti-reflux medication.
Where symptoms don’t improve with these adjustments, a feeding assessment to rule out other causes might be helpful. In rare cases, and if a healthcare professional thinks they might be helpful, an endoscopy, pH monitoring or barium swallow test can be done. Surgery might also be recommended for a small number of babies who have underlying medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy.
If you have a baby with reflux, it can feel stressful and worrying at times. There’s lots of support and information out there to help you though. You can read about other parents’ experiences here.
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0333 259 6180.
You might find attending one of NCT’s Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.
Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.
Living with reflux is a UK non-profit for information and support for sufferers of GOR and GORD.
