What is baby reflux?
A small number of babies who tend to spit up a lot are also experiencing what is called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. These babies tend to not only spit up frequently but also tend to be fussy and poor sleepers. Reflux is most common in premature babies due to their immature gastrointestinal systems, but can also occur in full-term babies. What are the symptoms of reflux? Babies with reflux tend to spit up frequently after and between meals, and may vomit and show discomfort when spitting up. Many of the babies will also gag or choke on the spit-up, burp a lot, hiccup a lot, and even have bad breath due to the semi-digested acidic foods coming back into their esophagus and mouth. In more severe cases, the reflux may cause severe crying after and between feedings, poor weight gain (‘failure to thrive’), and refusal of food or breast. These babies may also spit up bile (green/yellow fluid) or blood, develop chronic sinus or ear infection problems, and even develop breathing problems.
