You may have heard of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux in adults. Have you heard of reflux in babies? Well, about half of all babies under the age of 3 months have reflux. Let’s see why babies get acid reflux in this article.
What is baby acid reflux?
Baby GERD or baby acid reflux is the episode of vomiting or regurgitation of food (milk) that is swallowed in the stomach and returns to the food pipe (esophagus). Sometimes the food goes back into the stomach or is mostly vomited. Babies tend to spit up after almost every feeding. It occurs when milk and acid back up into the throat or mouth.
Why do babies experience acid reflux?
Acid reflux in babies occurs when their digestive systems are immature. When food is swallowed, the esophagus automatically contracts and pushes the food down into the stomach. A valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), relaxes and lets food through. The LES prevents food and acids from backing up into the esophagus. However, in GERD, the valve doesn’t close properly or stays open. Thus, it allows the reflux of stomach acids and food into the esophagus.
In babies, reflux occurs when the LES valve is weak and may not close properly. Second, babies tend to lie down more often and their esophagus is shorter than an adult’s. Therefore, babies spit up or burp after every feeding. This is usually not painful and is quite normal in babies under 1 year of age. Sometimes the milk can mix with stomach acids and come up. This irritates the inner lining of the esophagus causing pain and restlessness in the baby.
Reflux is not bad for babies as it helps reduce pressure in case the baby has swallowed more milk and outgrows stomach discomfort.
What are the signs of acid reflux in the baby?
Generally, babies do not show any symptoms of acid reflux. They just tend to spill milk after a feeding. However, when the acid mixes with regurgitated milk, it can cause certain symptoms. When the baby who spits up after eating can mess up his clothes, and even yours, but does not seem to be affected by it, it means that it is normal spit-up.
However, if it bothers the baby and causes pain, discomfort and crying during or after feedings. His vomiting is more significant after feedings. Some babies may vomit more than they eat and tend to lose weight or fail to gain weight.
Sometimes these symptoms can go beyond acid reflux. They may be suffering from lactose intolerance, stomach infections or gastrointestinal disorders. Some babies also suffer from silent reflux that does not cause any visible symptoms. Such babies may cry a lot and appear to be in pain with a persistent cough. However, they can look a bit laid back when held upright.
How to treat baby acid reflux?
Baby acid reflux is not a condition that normally requires treatment. It usually goes away on its own as the baby grows. However, if it seems bothersome for the baby, then you can try changing the brand of milk for formula-fed babies, or the mother needs to modify her own diet for a breastfed baby.
Give the baby small, frequent meals so that the stomach does not get too full. Hold the baby upright for at least half an hour after a feeding to allow the milk to sink into the stomach. Allow quiet time after feedings for the milk to digest and not cause discomfort or gas.
When it comes to baby acid reflux, all you can do is help your baby get comfortable and burp everything. If you find this bothersome and concerning, talk to your baby’s pediatrician for further advice.