reflux in babies
also known as: infant reflux, GORD, GERD, gastro-oesophageal reflux, posseting, spitting up
reflux (posseting or spitting up) is extremely common in babies — more than half of all babies have some reflux. it happens because the muscle at the top of the stomach is not yet fully developed. most reflux is harmless (a 'happy spitter') and resolves by 12-18 months. GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) is when reflux causes significant problems.
contagious
not contagious — reflux is a developmental condition, not an infection
duration
most babies outgrow simple reflux by 12-18 months. GORD may require treatment for longer
common age
birth to 12-18 months — peaks around 4-5 months
symptoms
- •spitting up or vomiting milk after feeds
- •frequent hiccups
- •arching the back during or after feeds
- •crying or unsettled behaviour during or after feeds
- •coughing or gagging during feeds
- •refusing feeds or feeding only small amounts
- •poor weight gain (in GORD — not simple reflux)
when to see a doctor
see your GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if:
- •your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight
- •your baby is refusing feeds or feeding very little
- •your baby is very unsettled and crying for long periods
- •projectile vomiting (vomit shooting out forcefully) — may indicate pyloric stenosis
- •blood in the vomit or poo
- •green (bile-stained) vomit — this is an emergency
- •reflux starting after 6 months of age (reflux usually starts in the first few weeks)
- •reflux not improving by 12 months
when to call 000
call 000 immediately if:
- •green (bile-stained) vomit — may indicate a bowel obstruction
- •your baby is struggling to breathe or has stopped breathing
- •your baby is unresponsive or floppy
- •your baby has blood in their vomit and is very unwell
home treatment
- •keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeds
- •offer smaller, more frequent feeds rather than large feeds
- •burp your baby gently during and after feeds
- •for bottle-fed babies: check the teat flow — too fast can worsen reflux
- •elevate the head of the cot slightly (place a towel under the mattress, not a pillow)
- •avoid tight clothing or nappies around the tummy
- •do NOT thicken feeds without medical advice
- •for GORD: your GP may prescribe medication (e.g. omeprazole) if severe
prevention
- •reflux cannot be prevented — it is a normal part of infant development for most babies
- •positioning and feeding adjustments can reduce the frequency and severity
- •most babies outgrow reflux by 12-18 months as the stomach muscle matures
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you are concerned about your child, see your GP, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), or in an emergency call 000. mini mode is not affiliated with any government department or health service.