Baby Reflux: Signs, Soothing & When to See a GP

Up to half of Australian babies will posset, spit up or arch through a feed at some point. Most of the time it's physiological reflux — uncomfortable but harmless. Here's how to tell the difference between normal reflux, silent reflux, and the small group of babies who need medical review. Holding upright after a feed eases most reflux symptoms. What is reflux? Reflux is the backflow of milk from the stomach into the oesophagus. A newborn's lower oesophageal sphincter is still maturing, which is why it's so common in the first 6 months. By 12 months, around 95% of babies have grown out of it. Typical signs Bringing up small amounts of milk after feeds posseting . Mild fussiness or arching during or after feeds. Hiccups, occasional gagging. Weight gain stays on track. Reflux usually peaks around 4 months and settles by the first birthday. Silent reflux signs Silent reflux happens when milk comes up but is re-swallowed. Watch for: Frequent throat-clearing, gulping, or wet hiccups. Discomfort 20–60 minutes after feeds. Better with upright holding, worse lying flat. What actually helps Smaller, more frequent feeds. Overfeeding is the most common trigger. Pause to burp halfway through and at the end. Hold upright for 20–30 minutes after every feed. Avoid tight nappies and waistbands after feeds. Tummy time — but only 30+ minutes after eating. Track patterns in our free Baby Tracker — feed time, volume, and unsettled periods often reveal a clear trigger. When to see your GP Book a visit or call 13HEALTH if you notice: Poor weight gain or weight loss. Forceful or projectile vomiting. Green or bloody vomit. Refusing feeds repeatedly. Breathing difficulties, persistent cough, or blue spells. Medication is only used when reflux is causing complications — most Australian GPs and paediatricians follow a conservative approach. Keep reading Colic in newborns: signs & soothing How to burp a newborn Baby formula stages explained All free parenting tools Personalised care plans by a Maternal Health Nurse Frequently asked questions Is spit-up after every feed normal? Small amounts a tablespoon or so after feeds is normal in babies under 6 months as long as weight is tracking well. Does formula make reflux worse? Not usually. Overfeeding does. Stick to age-appropriate feed sizes. Should I prop the cot up? No. Australian safe-sleep guidance is a flat, firm mattress. Use uprigh…