baby reflux
this is general information, not medical advice. see your GP if you are concerned about your baby's reflux.
reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux or GOR) is extremely common in babies. more than half of all babies spit up regularly in the first few months. it happens because the valve at the top of the stomach is still maturing. in most cases, it's messy but harmless — the "happy spitter" who is gaining weight and otherwise content.
reflux becomes a concern (GORD — gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) when it causes pain, poor feeding, weight loss, or breathing problems.
normal reflux (GOR) vs reflux disease (GORD)
normal reflux (GOR)
- •spits up after feeds but seems happy
- •gaining weight well
- •feeding normally
- •not in obvious pain
- •no breathing problems
- •usually resolves by 12 months
reflux disease (GORD)
- •frequent, forceful vomiting
- •poor weight gain or weight loss
- •refusing feeds or crying during feeds
- •arching back during or after feeds
- •chronic cough or wheeze
- •blood in vomit or stool
silent reflux
silent reflux is when stomach contents come up but are swallowed back down — so there's no visible spit-up. it can be harder to spot. signs include:
- •discomfort during or after feeds without visible spitting
- •frequent hiccups
- •gagging or gulping sounds
- •arching back during feeds
- •refusing to feed or fussiness at the breast/bottle
- •disturbed sleep — waking with discomfort
- •hoarse cry or voice
what helps
- •keep baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeds
- •smaller, more frequent feeds rather than large ones
- •burp baby gently during and after each feed
- •for bottle-fed babies: try anti-colic bottles, check teat flow isn't too fast
- •avoid tight clothing or nappies around the tummy
- •elevate the head of the cot slightly (place a towel under the mattress, not a pillow)
- •for breastfed babies: try feeding from one breast per feed to avoid overloading
- •a GP may recommend a thickened formula or medication in severe cases
when to see your GP
- •your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight
- •your baby is refusing feeds regularly
- •vomiting is forceful or projectile
- •there is blood in the vomit or stool
- •your baby has a chronic cough or breathing difficulties
- •reflux is getting worse after 6 months (not better)
- •you are struggling to cope — reflux is exhausting and your wellbeing matters too
reflux timeline
0–3 months
reflux is very common and usually starts in the first few weeks.
4 months
reflux typically peaks around this age.
6–7 months
starts to improve as baby sits up more and starts solids.
12 months
about 90% of babies have outgrown reflux by now.
18 months
nearly all children have outgrown reflux.
related guides
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you are concerned about your baby's reflux, see your GP or child health nurse.