Acid reflux in babies is defined as the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. In infants and babies, it causes excessive spitting up and, if left untreated, can lead to poor growth and development. The technical term for acid reflux is Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER). Between the ages of 1 and 4 months, infants commonly regurgitate or spit up after feedings. For most babies, this tends to lessen around 6 months and may disappear entirely by the time they turn one. Still, it can be concerning for parents to see their baby spit up excessively and wonder how much nutrition their baby is actually getting.
GERD and Severe Cases of Acid Reflux
One in every 300 babies experiences something more severe called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), which does not resolve without treatment. Babies with GERD often struggle to thrive and may develop breathing problems, pneumonia, chronic sinusitis, and other disorders.
Since stomach acid moves up through the esophagus and throat during acid reflux, it can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Additionally, the stomach acid plays an important role in your baby’s immune system within the gut. When babies frequently spit it up, their immune defenses are weakened, making them more vulnerable to stomach illnesses or viruses. In many cases, severe acid reflux in infants is treated with medications like Prevacid or Zantac, although rare cases may require surgical intervention.
Acid reflux in babies has also been linked to colic. Often, babies will spit up small amounts of stomach bile and acid into the esophagus and swallow it back down. This causes persistent irritation and burning. However, since the infant may not visibly spit up or vomit, parents may not know what is causing the discomfort. This condition is referred to as silent acid reflux. Doctors can diagnose silent reflux by looking for signs of stomach bile in the throat and esophagus, or by conducting a barium swallow or upper GI series to identify any obstructions or narrowing in the digestive tract. In most cases, a simple medical history and parent-provided information are enough for doctors to diagnose and treat acid reflux in babies.
For new parents, acid reflux can be unsettling. It’s clear that the baby is uncomfortable, and even more evident that they are struggling to keep down their fluids and sometimes not thriving as expected. Many parents begin addressing the issue by switching formulas until they find one that works for their baby. However, this process can cause gas and irritation, and parents often spend large amounts on specialized formulas. There are certain signs that indicate your baby may have acid reflux rather than just formula intolerance. These signs include:
- Frequent or recurring vomiting
- Frequent cough
- Choking or gagging easily during feeding
- Crying during feedings
- Gas and abdominal pain (drawing up the knees)
- Colic
- Poor growth
- Breathing problems or pneumonia
If your baby is otherwise healthy but experiencing any of these symptoms, you may want to consult your healthcare provider.
Home Remedies and Tips for Managing Acid Reflux
There are several at-home techniques that can help manage your baby’s acid reflux. In many cases, breastfeeding can be a solution. If your baby is young enough, you might consider relactating to see if they will latch onto the breast. If breastfeeding isn’t an option, try these tips:
- Burp your baby frequently during feedings
- Avoid swaying or rocking your baby immediately after eating
- Feed your baby in an upright position
- Offer smaller, more frequent feedings throughout the day
- Give a pacifier after feedings, which may help manage reflux
- Keep your baby upright for half an hour after all feedings instead of lying them down. You can also find infant wedges that safely raise the crib at no more than a 45-degree angle
There are many home remedies available for colicky babies that may help with digestion. However, be sure to consult your pediatrician before using any remedies. Many, such as Colic Calm, have proven effective for babies with acid reflux.
It’s also essential to get support from others if you have a baby with acid reflux. This period can be full of anxiety, and you may need frequent breaks to recharge. Worrying that something might be wrong with your baby can be overwhelming. Make sure you have a pediatrician you trust—someone who listens to your concerns and respects your observations. Since you spend the most time with your child, it’s important that physicians value the information you provide.
In rare cases, acid reflux can result from abnormalities in your baby’s digestive tract. If further testing reveals such abnormalities, rest assured that simple surgeries can often resolve the issue quickly. Most babies, once their acid reflux is under control, begin to thrive in a short period.
The good news is that acid reflux in babies typically resolves within the first year. Although it may reoccur occasionally throughout childhood, it is usually manageable through diet. If your toddler experiences acid reflux later on, it’s important to avoid acidic foods and identify any triggers that might exacerbate the condition. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are your toddler’s best defense against acid reflux.
