References:

1. MyHealth.Alberta.ca – Gastroesophageal Reflux in Babies and Children
2. La Leche League International – Why Infant Reflux Matters

What is Reflux?

• When food and stomach acid flow back into the throat from the stomach
• Reflux is often not a serious problem in babies
• Most babies stop having reflux around 1 year of age

What Causes Reflux?

• Often occurs because your baby’s digestive tract is still growing
  • The ring of muscle at the end of the esophagus can be weak, allowing stomach contents to come back to the esophagus
• Baby swallowing too much too quickly which overfills the stomach and cause overflow back into the esophagus
• Baby is swallowing air during feeds

Baby should see a doctor when:

• They are not gaining weight
• They do not want to eat
• They cry during feeds or when spitting up

How is Reflux Diagnosed?

• A doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your baby’s symptoms

Things You Can Do To Reduce Spitting Up:

• Burp your baby a few times during feeds
• Keep baby upright for 30 minutes following feeds
• Give your baby smaller meals, more frequently
• Keep your baby away from smoky areas
• Doctor may recommend thickening baby’s breast milk or formula

• Avoid giving your baby over-the-counter medicine without consulting your baby’s doctor  

Further Your Learning:

1. MyHealth.Alberta.ca – Gastroesophageal Reflux in Babies and Children
2. Sick Kids-About Kids Health – Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Shareable Resource For Clients:

1.  Caring for Kids – Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)