Baby reflux treatment
Easy does it
Soothe the symptoms of reflux
Reflux and regurgitation, or ‘posseting’, are very common – about 30% of babies will experience them at some point1, and it’s thought to be related to a developing digestive system. Your baby will usually grow out of the symptoms by their first birthday, but they can be distressing for you both. If you think your baby’s showing signs of reflux and regurgitation, or they are having feeding problems or losing weight, you should talk to your health visitor, pharmacist or GP.
Reducing the symptoms
If your baby has been diagnosed with reflux or regurgitation, there are practical things you can try to make them more comfortable, such as adapting the way that you feed and hold them. Feeding little and often will help your baby’s stomach from getting too full, while keeping them upright after a feed can help keep everything down (with a little help from gravity). You should also avoid dressing your baby in tight clothing, especially around their tummy.
These practical tips can help manage your baby's reflux and regurgitation1
- Avoid overfeeding – try feeding smaller amounts more frequently
- Burp your baby before, during and after feeding
- If your baby is bottle-fed, check the hole in the teat is not too large. This can cause babies to gulp their feed too quickly
- If your baby is having
formula , you might want to consider asking your healthcare professional about suitable specialist formulas for the dietary management of reflux and regurgitation - Keep your baby upright during, and for about 30 minutes after, feeding
- Dress your baby in loose clothes
Tips to manage reflux and regurgitation
These practical tips can help manage your baby's reflux and regurgitation1
- Avoid overfeeding – try feeding smaller amounts more frequently
- Burp your baby before, during and after feeding
- If your baby is bottle-fed, check the hole in the teat is not too large. This can cause babies to gulp their feed too quickly
- If your baby is having
formula , you might want to consider asking your healthcare professional about suitable specialist formulas for the dietary management of reflux and regurgitation - Keep your baby upright during, and for about 30 minutes after, feeding
- Dress your baby in loose clothes
Talking to friends and other new mums can help to reassure you that your baby’s symptoms are normal. Our Careline team are also available to answer questions or listen to worries, big or small, anytime day or night. Your healthcare professional will be able to advise on practical ways you can ease the symptoms and, if appropriate, talk you through the nutritional solutions available.
Questions to ask your health visitor:
- Is my baby’s weight normal?
- Am I feeding them correctly?
Next steps
- Try our tips and techniques
- Make a note of your baby's symptoms and how often they occur
- Talk to your health visitor, local pharmacist, or book an appointment with your GP.
Last reviewed: 12th September 2016
Questions about feeding and nutrition?
Our midwives, nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch.