https://kingstonhospital.nhs.uk/information/reflux-in-babies
This is for anyone looking after a baby who has, or may have, reflux.
Reflux is when your baby brings up milk or is sick (vomits) during or shortly after feeding. Reflux is common in babies and usually gets better on its own, but it can be worrying for parents.
The amount your baby vomits can range in size. Reflux can make babies uncomfortable. Signs of this discomfort are usually screaming and back-arching.
Reflux usually starts before your baby is 8 weeks old, improves by 6 months. It has usually stopped by the time your baby is 1 year old.
Reflux is more common in babies than older children. This is because the muscle at the top of a baby’s stomach is immature, and allows milk or sick to pass back up the food pipe. This often happens when your baby lies down.
The symptoms can be one or more of the following:
Sometimes babies have signs of reflux but do not bring up milk or vomit. This is often called ‘silent reflux’.
Some symptoms of reflux are similar to colic (crying a lot for no obvious reason, for example for more than 3 hours a day on 3 days a week, for at least a week). However, if your baby has most of the symptoms listed above, they are likely to have reflux.
Ask a health visitor for advice and support.
Get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position or how to bottle feed your baby.
Hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
Give formula-fed babies smaller feeds more often.
Make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back. They should not sleep on their side or front.
Ensure your baby is burped in the middle of a feed as well as at the end.
For formula-fed babies, change the teat and bottle to one which helps reduce milk flow.
Ensure your baby is getting the right amount of milk and they are not feeding too much, as this can be a cause of vomiting. If your baby is formula-fed, follow the advice on the packet. Ask your health visitor if you are unsure.
Consider early weaning. Weaning is not recommended until a baby is 18 weeks old. However, weaning at 18 weeks has been found to improve reflux symptoms in some children.
Contact your GP if you notice one or more of the following:
| Gaviscon is a medication that we sometimes use for reflux. It works as a thickener to make milk less likely to reflux back up your baby’s food pipe. It can be difficult to give to breastfed babies and it sometimes causes them constipation. You can find further details on Gaviscon here: Gaviscon for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease – Medicines For Children |
| Omeprazole is another medication which we sometimes use. It can take up to 2 weeks to improve your baby’s symptoms. Increase the dose of Omeprazole after discussion with your GP and as your baby gains weight. You can find further details on Omeprazole here: Omeprazole for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – Medicines For Children |
Sometimes reflux in babies can be caused by an allergy to cow’s milk protein. Your baby may show symptoms of reflux alongside dry patches of skin, as well as green poo or blood in their poo.
If you breastfeed your baby, your GP may suggest you exclude dairy products from your diet for more than 3 weeks.
A true dairy-free diet means strictly avoiding products containing cow’s milk protein. This includes cow’s milk, yoghurt, cheese and butter.
If you are breastfeeding and cut out dairy, discuss this with your GP to ensure that you receive important calcium and vitamin D supplements.
If your baby is formula-fed and your GP thinks that your baby could have an allergy to cow’s milk protein, they may suggest you try using a different formula. These are only available on prescription from a GP.
If your baby responds well to a diet free of cow’s milk protein, ask your GP for a referral to a paediatric (children’s) dietitian. They can advise on the best strategy for weaning and later re-introducing cow’s milk back into your baby’s diet.
Some milk advertised for babies is not suitable. Unsuitable options include goat’s milk formulas, soya formulas (for babies under 6 months of age) and plant-based milk substitutes.
Speak to your GP or healthcare professional if you are unsure.
 NHS information on reflux in babies www.nhs.uk/conditions/reflux-in-babies/ |  |
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| Your GP or health visitor | |
| Paediatrics Admin Team, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm |
020 8934 6403 khft@paediatricadmin@nhs.net |
| Translate | Please speak to a member of staff before or during your visit to the hospital if you require translation. |
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| Support services
www.kingstonhospital.nhs.uk Switchboard 020 8546 7711 |
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Please contact the Patient Experience Team on 020 893 3850 if you need this information in a different format.
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