Reflux in babies
Overview
Reflux is when a baby brings up milk, or is sick, during or shortly after feeding. It's very common and usually gets better on its own.
Symptoms
Reflux usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old and gets better by the time they're 1. Symptoms of reflux in babies include: bringing up milk or being sick during or shortly after feedingcoughing or hiccupping when feedingbeing unsettled during feedingswallowing or gulping after burping or feedingcrying and not settlingnot gaining weight as they're not keeping enough food down Sometimes babies may have signs of reflux but will not bring up milk or be sick. This is known as silent reflux.
Causes
Reflux usually happens because the ring of muscle inside your baby's food pipe (oesophagus) can be weak, which allows milk to come back up easily. This muscle will get stronger as your baby gets older and the reflux should stop.
Treatment
A GP or specialist may want to check whether your baby has an allergy to cow's milk, because the symptoms can be very similar to reflux. If there's no sign of cow' milk allergy, they may recommend treatments for reflux. If your baby is formula-fed, they may recommend: a powder that's mixed with formula, to thicken ita pre-thickened formula milk If the thickening powder does not help or your baby is breastfed, a GP or specialist might recommend medicines that help with distress from reflux and stop their stomach from producing as much acid. Very rarely, surgery might be needed to strengthen the muscle that stops food or milk travelling back up. This is usually only after trying other things or if their reflux is severe.