Reflux
With reflux, the stomach valve of your baby does not yet close properly. As a result, stomach contents can flow back into the esophagus. Sometimes this causes no symptoms, but some babies are troubled by it.
Because of reflux, your baby may 'spit up' or sometimes even bring up larger amounts of food. Often, babies grow well despite this and you may not notice anything at all.
However, sometimes the esophagus becomes irritated due to reflux, which can occasionally lead to inflammation. As a result, your baby may want to drink less and may cry more than usual, be irritable, or sleep poorly.
In some cases, reflux in babies also causes respiratory symptoms. Sometimes the breath smells acidic.
When does a baby suffer most from reflux?
When a baby lies flat on their back, swallows too much air while feeding, plays too energetically after a feeding, or drinks too much milk at once, it can worsen reflux symptoms.
Reflux occurs with both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. However, it is somewhat more common in babies who are born prematurely.
Although reflux is common, it is usually harmless. When reflux does not affect growth or sleep and the baby is content, there is nothing to worry about.
Advice for reflux
Keep your baby slightly upright during feeding, and after feeding, keep your baby upright for at least half an hour. This is most convenient in a wrap or a baby carrier.
Do not play too wildly after a feeding, but take it easy. A good burp after feeding is important. Sometimes a burp just won't come. Keep your baby upright. Lay him/her down gently for a moment and then upright again. Sometimes this helps the burp come up.
When this is not enough, it can help to give smaller amounts of food more frequently. Just make sure your little one gets enough food in total during the day.
You could potentially raise the head of the crib slightly if your baby suffers from reflux. A slightly elevated head sometimes helps for more rest at night. For example, by placing a book under the legs of the crib. Make sure it stands stably.
You can thicken the milk, but consult with the child health clinic or GP first. Thickening sometimes improves symptoms, but can also worsen them.
With breastfeeding, it is important that your little one 'latches on' well and does not swallow too much air. If the baby does not latch on well, it is advisable to ask a lactation consultant for advice.
With a bottle, it is also important that your little one does not suck in too much air. Ensure the nipple is always filled and the hole is not too large. There are also special bottles that allow air to escape very effectively.
Carrying your baby upright is often what helps the most!
When advice is not enough for reflux
It can sometimes help to check with, for example, a good osteopath to see if there is anything you can still do naturally to reduce reflux symptoms.
If your baby continues to suffer significantly from reflux, we advise you to contact your GP. They may refer you to a pediatrician or treat your child themselves. Sometimes anti-reflux medication is prescribed, which helps your baby feel better. However, there are pros and cons to this. It is important to discuss these with your doctor.
When does reflux go away?
Usually, reflux symptoms disappear within the first six months. The stomach valve closes increasingly better, and sometimes it helps when starting solid foods.
Most children are completely free of it by their first birthday.
Questions about carrying a baby with reflux in a wrap or carrier?
If your baby has reflux and you would like advice on carrying your baby in a wrap or baby carrier, you can always send a WhatsApp to our babywearing consultant, who is also a nurse. She will be happy to help you with all your questions about carrying babies with reflux.