What is Baby Reflux? Symptoms and Support

After feeding, your baby might bring up a small amount of milk. This is very common in babies and is known as reflux or regurgitation.

Does my baby have reflux?

You might notice one or more of these infant and newborn reflux symptoms:

• Bringing up milk after feeding
• Unsettled during feeding or when lying down
• Hiccupping after feeding
• Coughing a lot after feeding
• Crying after feeding
• Swallowing or gulping after feeding or burping
• Poor weight gain because they can’t keep their milk down
• Arching their back after feeding

What is silent reflux in babies?

Silent reflux is the same as ordinary reflux, with one difference: the milk may come up partway and be swallowed back down instead of being brought up. Your baby may show the same signs of discomfort, but without spitting up, which makes it easy to miss.

What causes reflux in babies?

Your baby is still new to the world, and their oesophagus is not yet fully developed, which can make it easier for milk to come back up after a feed. They are also prone to spitting up because they spend a lot of time lying down, and they have a predominantly liquid diet. At least 4 out of 10 babies go through this and usually get better by the time they are a year old.

How to help a baby with reflux

• Hold your baby upright for 30 minutes after bottle-feeding or breastfeeding
• Burp your baby in the middle of their feed
• Try smaller teats for bottle-fed babies so they swallow less air
• Smaller feeds, more frequent feeds may help

When to seek medical advice

Reflux is usually completely normal and may improve on its own, especially if your baby is feeding well and gaining weight. But if your baby is not gaining weight, or starts bringing up milk for the first time after 6 months, speak to your health visitor or healthcare professional.

For more guidance and tips, explore the Capricare® Parents Support Hub.