Remedies for infant reflux

Reflux happens when milk and stomach contents flow back toward the food pipe. Many babies bring up small amounts because their feeding and digestive systems are still developing. Spitting up is less concerning when a baby remains comfortable, feeds well, and grows as expected. Crying, back arching, coughing, feeding refusal, or poor weight gain may indicate a need for assessment rather than routine spit-up.

Keep feeds calm and allow pauses for burping. Avoid overfeeding and ask a child-health professional whether feed volume, frequency, or teat flow needs review. Hold the baby upright while awake after feeding, with close supervision. Always place a baby flat on their back for sleep on a clear, firm sleep surface; do not use wedges, pillows, or inclined sleep products. Do not thicken feeds or give medicines unless a clinician specifically recommends them.

Arrange a child health consultation if reflux is affecting feeding, sleep, comfort, or growth. Seek urgent care for green or bloody vomit, forceful repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, breathing difficulty, blue or pale colour, unusual sleepiness, fever in a young infant, signs of dehydration, or refusal of feeds.

Record feeds, spit-up, wet nappies, crying, and growth concerns. Ask whether the pattern is normal reflux, whether feeding technique needs adjustment, and which warning signs should prompt immediate review.