Reflux Babies

Reflux babies cry constantly due to a condition known as Gastroesophageal or gastro reflux. This is the pushing of stomach contents, usually milk, up to the esophagus and out of the mouth or nose. It could be the result of underdeveloped digestive tract. Some babies do not bring up their milk but cry due to the pain in the tummy. The Good News is that they do grow out of the problem and in the meantime, there are some reflux solutions which could minimize babies' suffering.

When my eldest daughter was just 3 months old, she began bringing up her milk after a feed and it is not just regurgitating the undigested contents. It seemed like she was trying to throw the milk contents to the other end of the room through her mouth! Her father suffered from violent projectile vomiting, so we bundled her off to the Doctors. After a couple nights' stay in hospital we were allowed to take her home but she continued on the episode. We tried starting solids early but that only make things worse. She would put her head down on her high chair whenever she sees a spoon of food approaching. It seemed like meal times was a fight and breakfast would last until lunch time and so on. Happily, she outgrew this dilemma.

Signs to look for:

Vomiting frequently

Crying constantly

'Sour' breath

Poor weight gain.

Please see your Medical Practitioner for the best solutions. However, there are some well-known tips that may help:

Check and eliminate any suspect foods if breastfeeding. Some foods that can cause reflux can be spicy foods and oranges.

Lay baby across your knee and gently pat his back

Baby Massage - Lay baby on his back and gently stroke his tummy downwards with palms of your hands to push the 'wind' downwards.

Keep baby upright after feeding for about half hour. Gentle pat on his back to expel wind by burping may help.

Avoid putting tight clothing on baby

Avoid smoke-filled environment

Add a bit of baby cereal to thicken baby formula

Feed him small portions frequently.

Practising good hygiene by constant washing of hands especially before food preparation is essential.

If worried or if baby has diarrhoea with vomiting, a Medical Practitioner must be seen immediately. Again the Good News is that they do outgrow this problem eventually.

Helpful Resources:

Reflux Infants Support Association (QLD)
www.reflux.org.au
Tel: 07 3229 1090
Non-profit organisation providing telephone support and information for families with a child who has gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Gastric Reflux (NZ)
www.gastricreflux.org
Tel: 03 216 5342
Parent-run support and information service.