Read on to find out more about baby reflux, silent reflux, GERD (also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder – a fancy way of saying severe reflux) and a different view and approach that works to correct it.

Things You Need to Know About Reflux In Babies

Every baby spills occasionally with feeding and burping, baby reflux is different. Reflux is when this happens more often, and other symptoms occur at the same time.

Many babies in those first few weeks feed well, they may spill a few times but after a month or so … you see a change! The spilling is occurring more frequently and other symptoms start to develop also.

You suddenly you have an unsettled baby, that cries or gets unsettled when the stomach has pressure placed on it – such as tummy time.

Silent reflux can be a bit more confusing. Your baby may not spill, but you know they are uncomfortable, don’t like tummy time and may have some of the symptoms below.

Why Do Babies Get Reflux

Our baby’s digestive systems are still developing even after they are born. There are a few common reasons why reflux can occur:

• the valve leading to the stomach is not closing properly
• Liquids are easier to regurgitate than solids
• Babies have more time lying down, which makes it easier for foods to come back up.

However, there can be many other reasons too. If the diaphragm is tight then that causes pressure on the stomach and thew valve allowing it to stay open. The diaphragm can tighten with crying, which becomes a vicious cycle. 

The acidity in the stomach can be too high, or the digestive system out of balance. There can be many other reasons too. Which is why it is best to not just wait it out, but to address the overall health of your baby.

So what are the common symptoms?

Infant Reflux & Silent Reflux Symptoms

There isn’t a lot of difference between baby reflux and silent reflux, however with silent reflux there will be less of the spilling/vomiting of food.

Reflux symptoms include:

• A hoarse sounding voice 
• Chronic cough which can bark too
• Breathing can be noisy, they may wheeze or even pause during breathing
• Infections can be more common both chest and ears 
• Have trouble feeding, spitting up or inhaling food
• Difficulty gaining weight
• They might gag or even seem like they are choking
• Nasal congestion and being “snuffly” can occur too.
• Irritable and over sensitive, which may mean more crying, screaming and fussiness and hard to console.
• Sleep may be erratic ands wake often at night, due to discomfort.

As the stomach is tender, and food easily travels up the oesophagus, any pressure on this area can cause discomfort. So you may find tummy time is unpleasant, they may feel more settled in an upright position.

After feeding the symptoms are worse. Just think of yourself – you’ve had a very large meal that is sitting in your stomach. Any pressure on your stomach will make your grizzle and gripe … your baby is the same but just can’t voice it out. 

Common Approach in Infant Reflux Treatment

Now, you may have been told that there is nothing to worry about. That babies commonly grow out of this as they become more upright.

Many sites, doctors and groups will say they get better once they are about a year old, earning solid food and  are spending more time sitting or standing.

But who wants an upset baby, who doesn’t like to be on their tummy, who doesn’t enjoy feeding, that doesn’t sleep well … for the next year?

A Different View On Infant Reflux and Silent Reflux

What I offer is unique in that I don’t accept that babies will “just grow out of it”. The symptoms may ease once they are more upright, but the reason why the reflux occurred remains.

This is why it is best to look at not only the symptoms but also to balance the system to make sure the cause goes away also. To get your baby settled and happy quickly (many times overnight).

I use a unique blend of Jin Shin Jyutsu (a gentle acupressure technique), reflexes, Homeopathy along with teaching you techniques to use at home. This means you can help your baby heal too.

Also our after hours service is free of charge, so you can call, text ore mail me for advice and help if you need it.

I have helped countless babies since 1991 here in Christchurch for their reflux, colic, skin issues, poor sleep and so much more.

If you’d like a simple answer, techniques that are highly effective yet gentle in their approach. To have a baby that is both happy and healthy, then feel free to click the button to read more about our clinic or make an appointment.

You are welcome to call for a chat too, no obligation for treatment, just honest answers to your questions. You can use the form below to ask questions too if you feel that is easier.