blog post
when to be concerned about reflux in babies
in this article:
- Difference between reflux and vomiting
- Causes of reflux in babies
- How to prevent and treat reflux at home
- When to seek medical attention for reflux
Bringing home a newborn is a beautiful, chaotic adventure – and if you’re here, chances are you’re wondering, "Is my baby spitting up too much?” You’re not alone!
Spit up, or reflux, is one of the most common concerns for new parents. Understanding what’s normal versus what might need a doctor’s attention can bring much-needed peace of mind.
what's the difference between reflux and throwing up in babies?
This is a very common question and there is a key difference between the two:
- Reflux is generally gentle, often comes with a burp but not always
- Vomiting may be forceful and usually involves distress or discomfort. It may also be a symptom of illness.
If your baby is vomiting frequently and seems to be in pain, call your pediatrician.
what causes reflux in babies?
Reflux happens when your baby’s stomach contents come back up through the esophagus and out of the mouth – usually a small amount of milk after a feeding. This is called infant reflux and is very common in babies. Typically, reflux will worsen around 5 months of age before it gets better around 7-9 months. There are a few things that could be causing your baby to have reflux:
- Immature digestive system – your baby’s lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle between the stomach and esophagus) is still developing and may not close tightly yet
- Liquid diet – Milk (breast milk or formula) is easy to regurgitate
- Overfeeding
Most babies grow out of their reflux by their first birthday.
what to do to prevent and treat reflux at home?
While most reflux is harmless, there are some things you can do at home to reduce it:
- Feed in an upright position: Keep baby’s head above their stomach during and after feedings.
- Hold baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding: This gives gravity a hand in keeping food down.
- Burp baby frequently: Burping during and after feeds can help release trapped air.
- Avoid overfeeding: Watch for hunger cues and feed smaller amounts more frequently if needed.
- Consider a change in formula or mother’s diet: If your baby seems particularly fussy, talk to your pediatrician about possible sensitivities.
- Consider meeting with a lactation consultant: Lactation consultants can offer guidance on feeding methods and formula/supplement options. Dayton Children’s offers online scheduling for our lactation clinic here.
when should I seek medical attention for reflux?
Though reflux is very common, certain signs may suggest it’s time to talk to your pediatrician.
- Not gaining weight or losing weight
- Refusing to eat or very fussy during feedings
- Green, yellow or bloody spit up
- Projectile vomiting (forceful and across the room)
- Breathing problems, persistent cough or wheezing
- Choking with feeds
- Feedings that last longer than 30 minutes
These could be signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another issue that may need medical attention from a pediatric gastroenterologist.
Usually, reflux is a normal part of early development and nothing to worry about. But trust your gut, if something seems off – or you’re just not sure – you can schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric gastroenterologists here.
The gastroenterology team at Dayton Children’s provides expert care for infants with problems with the gastrointestinal tract. They will develop a personalized care plan to address each child’s unique needs.
