Silent reflux in your baby: how do you recognise it?
Does your baby seem unsettled after feeding, without bringing up any milk? You might wonder whether silent reflux is the cause. However, crying, swallowing and restlessness can have other causes too. In this blog, we explain what silent reflux is, the possible signs and what you can do for your little one.
What is silent reflux?
Reflux happens when stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus. Sometimes your baby brings up the milk, but sometimes they swallow it again. This is often called silent reflux.
Reflux is common in babies and is usually harmless. The junction between the stomach and the oesophagus is still developing, allowing milk to come back up easily. It usually improves naturally as your baby grows. Reflux that causes troublesome symptoms or complications is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
How do you recognise silent reflux in your baby?
Parents sometimes suspect silent reflux when their baby:
- frequently swallows or gags without visibly bringing up milk;
- seems unsettled during or after feeding;
- cries around feeding times;
- has difficulty feeding or refuses feeds.
These signs do not automatically mean your baby has reflux. Poor sleep and frequent crying alone are not proof of silent reflux either. Discuss persistent symptoms with your child health clinic, health visitor or GP.
What can you do if your baby has reflux?
Calm feeds and a suitable feeding position may help. You do not need to change everything at once: speak to your child health clinic or health visitor about what suits your baby.
Hold your baby more upright during feeding
Support your baby well and hold your little one more upright during and after feeds while they are awake. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, ask someone to check your feeding position if you are unsure.
Allow time for burping
Take a break during feeds when needed and give your baby a chance to burp. Do not encourage your baby to keep feeding when they show signs of having had enough.
Discuss feeding amounts
If you are bottle-feeding, it may help to discuss the amount of milk and how feeds are spread throughout the day. Smaller, more frequent feeds may sometimes be appropriate. Make sure your baby still gets enough milk over the whole day. Speak to your child health clinic, health visitor or doctor before changing or thickening feeds.
How can a baby with reflux sleep safely?
Always place your baby flat on their back to sleep, even if they have reflux. Do not raise the head of the cot or use a pillow or positioning aid to make your baby sleep at an angle.
Holding your baby upright after feeding is different from positioning them for sleep: when it is time to sleep, place your baby on their back in their own cot.
Can a different baby bottle help with reflux?
A baby bottle is not a treatment for reflux. When bottle-feeding, you can choose a suitable bottle teat with a milk flow that matches your baby’s feeding pace.
Does your baby seem unsettled while feeding? Ask your child health clinic or health visitor to check the bottle, teat and feeding technique. Together, you can work out which adjustments may help.
When should you contact a doctor?
Contact your GP if your baby feeds poorly, refuses feeds, is not growing as expected or is losing weight. You can also ask for advice if symptoms persist or you are worried.
Contact your GP or out-of-hours medical service immediately if your baby vomits green fluid or blood, or repeatedly vomits forcefully in a jet. These signs may have a cause other than reflux and need medical assessment.
Understanding what your baby needs
Having an unsettled baby can leave you feeling unsure. Fortunately, reflux is often temporary and harmless. Keep an eye on how your little one feeds and grows, and ask for help if you have concerns. You do not have to work it out alone.