Does child health consultation treat reflux in babies?

Many babies bring up small amounts of milk because the valve between the food pipe and stomach is still developing. The clinician asks about timing, volume and force of spit-up, feeding behaviour, wet nappies, growth and comfort. They also look for signs that another condition, feeding problem or allergy could be involved.

Keep a short record of feeds, spit-up, crying and wet nappies. Hold your baby upright during and after feeds while awake, burp as advised and avoid overfeeding. Always place a sleeping baby flat on their back in a clear sleep space; do not raise the mattress or use sleep positioners. Do not thicken feeds or change formula without guidance.

Seek urgent medical care for green or bloody vomit, forceful repeated vomiting, blood in stools, a swollen abdomen, breathing trouble, fever in a very young baby, poor feeding or markedly fewer wet nappies. Emergency help is needed if the baby is floppy, blue, difficult to wake or struggling to breathe.

Ask whether your baby’s growth is on track, which feeding adjustments are safe, whether medicine is appropriate, and which vomiting or breathing changes should trigger immediate review.