7 Surprising Signs Your Baby Has Reflux

Infant reflux is “when food backs up (refluxes) from a baby’s stomach, causing the baby to spit up. Sometimes called gastroesophageal reflux (GER)”, as described by the Mayo Clinic.

Most baby’s will reflux and spit up occasionally because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is still immature during infancy and may not close completely, which allows food and digestive juices to flow back up the esophagus. As a baby gets older and the muscle gets stronger, reflux tends to go away on its own, usually by 12-18 months.

For many children, reflux is occasional or minor and doesn’t cause any problems. For others, infant reflux can cause a host of challenges, and not all of the symptoms are obviously related to reflux. Below are 7 signs of infant reflux that might surprise you.

(1) Hiccups and Wet Burps

We all get hiccups and most of us associate them with the silly things that we do to try to get them to go away. For a baby, though, frequent hiccups and / or the occasional “wet burp” are big indicators of infant reflux.

(2) Persistent Cough or Wheezing

Does your baby cough even when not sick? Or make lots of little throat clearing sounds? Acid refluxing up the esophagus can irritate the throat and cause these symptoms.

(3) Grabs or Touches Throat Frequently

Older baby’s who have chronic discomfort or pain in their throats may frequently touch the area in an attempt to self-soothe.

(4) Unable to Tolerate a Car Seat

Reflux can be more intense when laying or sitting at certain angles. A common complaint among parents of infants with severe reflux is that they become hysterical when placed in their car seats.  Other equipment that can cause difficulties with reflux include: baby swings, high chairs, and of course, (laying flat in) a crib.

(5) Disturbed Sleep

Infant reflux can be the source of a myriad of sleep challenges, from difficulty settling to problems staying asleep. Babies with reflux may also be very light sleepers that are woken easily, and restless when they finally do fall asleep. A small percentage of infants are only able to sleep upright in a baby carrier, and struggle to self-soothe.

(6) Unusually Irritable During or After Eating

Depending on the severity of the symptoms and your baby’s temperament, irritability in this context can range from “fussiness” to inconsolable crying that can last for hours at a time.

(7) Clingy or “High Needs”

Infants with reflux experience unusual amounts of discomfort and pain. It is not surprising that they need unusual amounts of comfort to get through it! This particular symptom can be particularly challenging for the primary caregiver (as well as the infant, of course), so make sure that you have lots of support for you and your baby!

Helpful Hint

“Silent” reflux refers to a baby that has reflux but does not spit up or vomit. Infants with silent reflux are often under diagnosed compared to their peers who spit up frequently.

Additional signs and symptoms of reflux:

• Frequent spitting up or vomiting
• Inconsolable crying
• Difficult to settle and be calm
• Failure to gain weight
• Abnormal arching and stiffening of the back
• Colic

Helpful Hint

Reflux can be a symptom of other health concerns, such as MFPI / FPIES.

Every child is different and the signs and symptoms of reflux can vary quite a bit from baby to baby. If you suspect that your little one might have reflux, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.