Reflux in Babies | GORD & Infant Reflux: Symptoms and Causes

If your baby cries during or after feeding, spits up frequently, or seems uncomfortable lying down, you may be wondering if your baby has reflux. Many parents worry when milk keeps coming back up or when their infant seems unsettled after feeds. The truth is that reflux in babies is very common , especially in the early months of life. Most babies experience some degree of infant reflux , and in many cases, it improves naturally as their digestive system matures. Understanding the difference between normal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease GORD can help you decide when reassurance is enough and when your baby might need treatment. If you are unsure about your baby’s symptoms, you can also explore the Parenting Hub's free tools to learn more about feeding patterns, sleep, and common infant behaviours. What Is Reflux in Babies? Reflux happens when stomach contents come back up into the oesophagus . The oesophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. In babies, the valve at the top of the stomach is still developing, which makes it easier for milk to flow back into the stomach. This means that stomach contents can back up into the oesophagus , causing spit-ups or mild discomfort. Many infants experience reflux because: Their digestive system is still developing They spend a lot of time lying down They feed frequently The muscle between the stomach and oesophagus is immature Because of this, reflux is common in babies , particularly during the first six months of life. Most of the time, reflux usually does not need treatment and improves as babies grow. Sometimes reflux happens when milk and stomach contents come back from the stomach , and symptoms may include discomfort or crying after you feed your baby . When reflux occurs, your baby gets unsettled after feeding because small amounts of milk from the stomach come back into the oesophagus. Reflux vs GORD in Babies There is a difference between simple reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease GORD . Simple reflux means milk occasionally comes back up, but the baby is otherwise healthy, gaining weight, and comfortable. GORD , however, is a more severe form of reflux where symptoms cause significant discomfort or affect feeding and growth. Signs that reflux may be developing into gastoesophageal reflux disease include: Frequent vomiting Poor weight gain Persistent crying during feeds…