Did you know almost 90% of babies experience reflux at some point? Not all to the same degree, but nearly every baby brings up a little milk now and then. Still, there's a real difference between a bit of spitting up and true reflux. This article explains what reflux is, how to recognise it, and what you can do about it.
What is reflux in a baby?
Put simply, reflux is when stomach contents flow back up into the oesophagus. It's common in babies: almost 90% of children under one experience it to some degree. This happens because the muscle between the oesophagus and stomach isn't fully developed yet. In almost all cases, reflux disappears after the first year, often earlier, once that muscle has fully matured. Reflux is uncomfortable for a baby and can even become painful over time.
Different types of reflux
Not all reflux is the same. We distinguish between ordinary, uncomplicated reflux and hidden (silent) reflux. With the first type, your baby regularly brings up a little milk - sometimes a small amount, sometimes more. This form is generally harmless and linked to the still-developing muscle. As long as your baby isn't bothered by it themselves (such as excessive crying or poor feeding), there's no need to do anything.
More complicated and more troublesome is hidden reflux: stomach contents rise up here too, but your baby doesn't spit it out and swallows it again instead - sometimes even re-chewing it. The rising acidic stomach contents can irritate the oesophagus, which can become painful over time and lead to more crying and poorer feeding. Long-term, complicated reflux can even cause swallowing difficulties or lead to a baby vomiting blood. Since these babies often eat and drink less well, they can lose weight or fall behind in growth.
A third, most serious form is atypical reflux, where stomach contents reach the airways. This can lead to breathing problems, bronchitis, asthma, apnoea, or throat infections.
Causes of reflux
In almost all cases, an underdeveloped muscle between the oesophagus and stomach is the cause. Less commonly, chronic constipation, a narrowed oesophagus, or a food allergy can play a role. A doctor can determine the cause in your baby's case.
Symptoms of reflux
Besides frequent spitting up, you may recognise reflux by:
- Frequent crying and fussiness
- Poor feeding or refusing feeds
- Poor sleep
- Frequent hiccups
- Frequent gagging
- Wanting to feed again shortly after a bottle
- A sour-smelling mouth
Does your baby show several of these symptoms alongside regular (heavy) spitting up? See your doctor, who can determine whether it's reflux and whether further treatment is needed.
How can you reduce the risk of reflux?
Nearly every baby spits up now and then, but it can be genuinely uncomfortable - especially with larger amounts, or if your baby seems bothered by it. These things may help:
- Offer smaller amounts of milk spread across the day, and keep your baby upright for at least half an hour after feeding.
- Thicken the feed slightly - thicker feeds flow back less easily. Carob bean gum is a commonly used natural thickener with no nutritional value, which can be added to expressed milk or formula.
- Carry your baby close to you, for example in a sling: this feels reassuring, keeps your baby upright, and so reduces the amount of feed flowing back.
Try to keep in mind that nearly every baby brings up milk from time to time - sometimes more, sometimes less - and that reflux is almost always temporary. Most symptoms are gone before the first birthday. Not sure whether your baby has (hidden) reflux, and feeling worried about it? A doctor can usually diagnose it quickly and offer guidance for you and your baby.
About Kabrita
Kabrita goat milk-based formula combines mild Dutch goat milk with a modern composition based on the latest scientific insights, resulting in a complete formula that delivers key nutrients gently. Kabrita is produced entirely in the Netherlands, using Dutch goat milk.
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