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Patient
Information
Gastro-oesophageal reflux in babies
Introduction
This leaflet gives you information about gastrooesophageal
reflux in babies and will help you to understand more about
what it is, why it happens and what can be done to relieve it.
What is gastro-oesophageal reflux?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux occurs when your baby’s stomach
contents (food, with or without acid) travel back up into the
oesophagus or mouth.
What causes gastro-oesophageal reflux?
There is a muscular valve at the top of your baby’s stomach
called the lower oesophageal sphincter. Its purpose is to keep
food in the stomach. The lower oesophageal sphincter can take
over a year to fully develop. Until then, when your baby’s
stomach is full, food and acid can come back up. This can
cause your baby to bring up small amounts of milk or have
larger vomits.
Reference No.
GHPI1367_03_16
Department
Paediatrics
Review due
March 2019
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Is gastro-oesophageal reflux common?
Patient
Information
It is very common. About half of babies get some reflux in their
first 3 months, but for most babies it is not a severe problem.
As a baby grows, the valve gets stronger and better at keeping
food in the stomach. Older babies spend more time sitting up
and have more solid food. These natural changes mean that by
approximately 12 months, fewer than 5% of babies have reflux.
Should I be concerned?
Simple reflux is not a disease. Although it can be worrying, it is
normal and does not mean that your child is unwell.
Some babies will have problems that are thought to be due to
their reflux, such as poor weight gain. These babies may
benefit from treatment.
Symptoms
You may notice that your baby:
• Brings up milk or vomits with most feeds
• Appears uncomfortable after feeds
• Coughs after bringing up milk, as if some has ‘gone down
the wrong way’
• Interrupts feeds or arches their back.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean treatment is
necessary, but it is important to mention them to health
professionals.
What can I do to help?
Reflux is common and likely to resolve on its own, but there are
steps you can take to help minimise it.
• Wind your baby regularly during feeds
• Avoid overfeeding – try feeding smaller amounts more often
• Keep your baby upright for up to 20 minutes after a feed.
This allows gravity to help keep the food down
• If you are bottle feeding, try feeding your baby in a more
upright position
• Avoid smoking around your baby.
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When to seek help
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Information
• If your baby struggles to gain weight
• If your baby is very unsettled between feeds
• If they bring up blood or green vomit.
These problems are all unlikely, but if they do occur you should
contact your GP.
Will my baby need tests?
Usually the doctor can diagnose reflux from the information you
give. If there is any doubt then they may recommend tests, but
this is not usually necessary.
Treatments
Some babies may benefit from medical treatment. Your doctor
may recommend any of the following treatments if the
symptoms are severe.
• Feed thickeners such as Carobel®, or products such as
Gaviscon® Infant. Pre-thickened feeds are also available.
Thicker milk is less likely to come back up
• Antacids – for example Ranitidine®, to reduce the acid level
in the stomach
• Any proposed dietary changes should always be discussed
with your GP or paediatrician.
It is important to carry on with the simple measures outlined in
this leaflet during treatment.
Are there any long term problems?
Most children grow out of reflux within the first 6 months. It is
unusual for them to still have problems after their 1st birthday.
Once your baby is diagnosed with reflux, it is not usually
necessary to come back to hospital for follow up appointments
unless your health visitor or GP are concerned.
Contact information
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact
your GP or NHS 111.
NHS 111
Tel: 111
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Further information
Patient
Information
NHS Stop Smoking Helpline
Tel: 0800 0224 332
Content reviewed: March 2016
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