Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Infants – What You Need to Know

Is your little one struggling with fussiness, spitting up, or crying after feedings? You might be dealing with infant acid reflux. In this guide, we’ll dive into the symptoms of acid reflux in infants, share some real-life stories, and offer tips for easing your baby’s discomfort.

Being a parent comes with a lot of learning curves, and one of the trickiest things to navigate is figuring out what’s going on when your baby is upset. If your little one is frequently crying or showing signs of discomfort, acid reflux might be to blame. It’s more common than you might think, but it can be hard to tell the difference between typical newborn fussiness and the symptoms of acid reflux. Let’s break it down together.

What is Acid Reflux in Infants?

First, let’s talk about what acid reflux is. You know how adults sometimes complain about heartburn after a spicy meal? Well, babies can get something similar, but it’s a bit different. Acid reflux happens when the stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus. Babies’ digestive systems are still maturing, which makes them more prone to this. It’s totally normal for infants to have some reflux, but when it causes pain or discomfort, that’s when you need to pay closer attention.

Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Babies

Now, onto the symptoms. You might notice one or more of the following signs in your baby. It’s important to remember that every baby is different, and some might have just one symptom, while others could show a combination.

Frequent Spitting Up or Vomiting

One of the most noticeable signs of acid reflux in infants is spitting up. It happens when the stomach contents come back up into the mouth. While some spitting up is normal for babies, excessive spitting up after feedings could be a red flag. Keep in mind that if the spitting up is frequent and accompanied by discomfort or pain, it could be reflux.

Crying or Fussiness During or After Feeding

If your baby seems particularly fussy or upset during or after feedings, acid reflux could be the cause. The acid coming up can irritate the esophagus, leading to pain and discomfort. You might notice your baby arching their back or pulling away from the breast or bottle, which can be a sign they’re in pain.

Refusal to Feed or Trouble Feeding

Some babies with acid reflux may start refusing to feed because the act of eating can make the discomfort worse. They might cry or seem unsettled when you try to feed them. If your baby suddenly starts having issues with feeding, it’s worth looking into whether reflux is the cause.

Chronic Coughing or Wheezing

If your baby seems to have a chronic cough or wheezing, it could be related to acid reflux. The acid from the stomach can travel up to the throat and lungs, causing irritation and making your baby cough. This is often confused with a cold or other respiratory issue, but if it’s persistent, reflux might be to blame.

Sleep Issues

Acid reflux can make it difficult for babies to sleep comfortably. The discomfort of acid rising in the esophagus can make them restless and wake them up from their naps or sleep. If your baby’s sleep patterns change suddenly, reflux could be the culprit.

Hiccups or Gagging

While hiccups are common for babies, frequent or persistent hiccups along with gagging could indicate acid reflux. The stomach acid can irritate the throat and cause your baby to hiccup more often than usual.

What Causes Acid Reflux in Babies?

As mentioned earlier, acid reflux in babies is often due to the immaturity of their digestive system. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – a muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and stomach – might not be fully developed yet, allowing stomach contents to flow back up. This is typically a phase that many babies grow out of by the time they’re about 12 months old. However, some babies may experience more significant reflux that requires medical attention.

How to Manage and Soothe Acid Reflux in Infants

If your baby is showing signs of acid reflux, there are a few things you can try to help alleviate their discomfort. Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to consult your pediatrician before making any changes, but here are a few strategies that may help:

Feed Smaller Amounts More Often

One trick that can help reduce reflux symptoms is offering smaller amounts of milk more frequently. Large feedings can overwhelm your baby’s stomach and lead to more acid reflux. Try to feed your baby in smaller increments and avoid feeding right before naptime or bedtime.

Keep Your Baby Upright After Feeding

After feeding, try holding your baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes. This can help gravity keep the stomach contents down. Avoid putting your baby directly to sleep after a feeding, as lying down can make reflux symptoms worse.

Elevate the Head of the Crib

If your baby’s reflux symptoms are particularly bad at night, you might want to elevate the head of their crib slightly. A gentle incline can help keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while your baby sleeps. Make sure not to elevate the whole crib, as that can be unsafe – just raise the head slightly.

Try a Different Feeding Position

Experiment with different feeding positions to see if it helps your baby. Some parents find that feeding their baby in a more upright position can help reduce reflux. You can try holding your baby at a 45-degree angle during feedings to see if that makes a difference.

Consult Your Pediatrician

If you’ve tried these tips and your baby’s reflux symptoms are still severe, it’s important to reach out to your pediatrician. They may recommend other treatments, such as medication or further dietary changes.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While most babies will outgrow reflux by their first birthday, there are times when you should reach out to your pediatrician. If your baby seems to be in pain constantly, isn’t gaining weight, has trouble breathing, or has blood in their stool or vomit, you should seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of more serious conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which requires medical intervention.

Appendices

FAQs

1. Is acid reflux in babies serious? While mild acid reflux is common, more severe cases can lead to discomfort, feeding issues, or poor weight gain. Consult a doctor if you’re concerned.
2. Can acid reflux cause sleep problems in infants? Yes, the discomfort from acid reflux can disrupt sleep. Keeping your baby upright after feedings may help.
3. When will my baby outgrow acid reflux? Most babies outgrow acid reflux by 12 months as their digestive system matures.
4. Should I worry if my baby spits up often? Occasional spitting up is normal, but if your baby is showing signs of pain or discomfort, consult a pediatrician.
5. Can changing my diet help with my baby’s acid reflux? If you’re breastfeeding, avoiding certain foods like caffeine or spicy foods may help reduce reflux symptoms.

References

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2023). Acid Reflux in Infants. Read Article
• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants. Read Article

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider regarding any concerns about your baby’s health or symptoms.