Does My Baby Have Reflux?
Does My Baby Have Reflux? What’s Normal and When to Worry…
It’s common for babies to bring up small amounts of milk, especially in the early months. But as a parent, it can still feel worrying when you see milk coming back up after every feed. Is it normal? Should you be concerned? In this blog I breakdown what reflux is, why it happens, what’s normal, and when it’s time to seek extra help all based on NHS guidance and the latest child-health research.
(An evidence-based guide for parents by The Healthy Child Co.)
What Is Baby Reflux?
Reflux (also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux or GOR) happens when milk travels back up from your baby’s tummy into their food pipe (oesophagus). This happens because the muscle at the bottom of the food pipe called the lower oesophageal sphincter is still developing, so it doesn’t always keep milk in the stomach where it belongs. According to the NHS, reflux is very common in babies and usually starts in the first few weeks of life. Around 40% of babies experience it at some stage. It often peaks at around 4–5 months and tends to improve as your baby grows, becomes more upright, and starts solids. Most babies outgrow reflux completely by 12 months.
Why Does Reflux Happen?
Reflux is mainly due to immaturity of the digestive system. Babies spend a lot of time lying flat and have small tummies that fill quickly, so when they feed, cry, or strain, a bit of milk can easily come back up.
Contributing factors include:
A short oesophagus and an underdeveloped valve between the stomach and oesophagus.
Large milk feeds or swallowing air during feeding.
Lying down soon after a feed.
As your baby’s digestive system matures, the valve becomes stronger and reflux gradually improves.
Signs of ‘Normal’ Reflux
Some amount of “spitting up” or “possetting” is perfectly normal. You might notice:
Milk coming up during or shortly after a feed.
Hiccups or mild coughing when feeding.
Occasional fussing or arching after a feed.
Gulping or swallowing noises.
No signs of pain and good weight gain overall.
These babies are often called “happy spitters” they may bring up milk but remain settled and thriving.
When It Might Be More Than Reflux
Sometimes reflux causes distress or complications. This is known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
You should seek advice from your GP or Health Visitor if you notice:
Your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight.
Frequent crying, irritability or arching back during/after feeds.
Refusing feeds or only taking small amounts.
Persistent coughing or wheezing.
Reflux symptoms beginning after 6 months, or continuing beyond 1 year.
Urgent medical help (call NHS 111 or your GP urgently) if:
Vomit is green, yellow, or contains blood.
Vomiting is forceful (projectile).
There’s blood in your baby’s poo.
Your baby has a swollen or tender tummy, looks very unwell, or has a high temperature.
Your baby can’t keep any milk down or shows signs of dehydration (fewer wet nappies, dry mouth, sunken eyes).
These could be signs of a more serious condition and need prompt medical attention.
How You Can Help at Home
For most babies, gentle care and small adjustments make a big difference.
1. Feed in an upright position
Try holding your baby more upright during feeds and for around 20–30 minutes afterwards.
2. Burp your baby regularly
Burping midway and after a feed helps release trapped air that can push milk back up.
3. Offer smaller, more frequent feeds
Large feeds can overload the stomach and increase reflux episodes.
4. Keep baby’s sleep safe
Always place your baby flat on their back for sleep, never on their side or tummy. Raising the head of the cot is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of unsafe sleep positions.
5. Formula-fed babies
If your baby is bottle-fed and struggling, your health visitor or GP may suggest a thickened formula or a feed thickener. Never change formula without professional advice.
6. Breastfed babies
Most of the time, no change to your diet is needed. However, if a cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is suspected, your HV/ GP may advise a short trial of dairy exclusion with dietitian support.
When to Ask for Extra Support
If you’ve tried these strategies and your baby is still distressed, not feeding well, or losing weight, speak with your Health Visitor or GP.
They may:
Review feeding technique and positioning.
Check for possible allergy or intolerance.
Consider a medical review or referral to paediatrics.
Occasionally, prescribe medication to reduce stomach acid if GORD is suspected.
Most importantly, you don’t need to go through this alone. Reflux can be exhausting for parents especially if your baby cries frequently or struggles with sleep. Extra support and reassurance can make a big difference to your confidence and wellbeing.
Responsive Parenting and Reflux
At The Healthy Child Co., we always return to one principle: responsive care. When babies are unsettled or in discomfort, their crying is communication not manipulation. Holding, soothing, and feeding responsively all help reduce stress hormones, regulate your baby’s system, and promote healing. You cannot “spoil” a baby by responding to their needs especially when they’re uncomfortable. Reassurance, patience, and consistency are key.
When Will It Get Better?
Most babies improve gradually from 4–6 months, and symptoms usually resolve completely by their first birthday. If reflux continues beyond this point, or your baby is showing any red-flag symptoms, seek advice from your healthcare professional.
Final Thoughts
Reflux can be one of those challenges that feels never-ending in the early weeks, especially when feeds, sleep, and comfort all seem affected. But in most cases, it’s a completely normal stage of development that improves as your baby’s digestive system matures. While it can be messy and tiring, it’s rarely a sign that something is wrong. If you ever feel unsure, trust your instincts and reach out for support that’s exactly what your Health Visitor, GP, or community team are there for. You know your baby best, and seeking reassurance or guidance is never overreacting. With time, gentle adjustments, and responsive care, reflux almost always passes. And in the meantime, you’re doing an amazing job helping your baby feel safe, loved, and comforted through it.
Need More Support?
If reflux or feeding difficulties are causing stress in your family, you don’t have to manage it alone. My Parent Coaching Sessions can help you understand your baby’s cues, feeding patterns, and ways to reduce discomfort, while protecting your own wellbeing too.
References
NHS (2024). Reflux in Babies. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/reflux-in-babies/
NHS Start for Life (2024). Reflux and Breastfeeding. https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-challenges/reflux/
NHS Start for Life (2024). Reflux and Bottle Feeding. https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding-challenges/reflux-and-bottle-feeding/
Frimley Healthier Together (2024). Reflux in Babies Parent Leaflet. https://frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/
Great Ormond Street Hospital (2023). Gastro-oesophageal Reflux in Children. https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/gastro-oesophageal-reflux/
NCT (2024). What Is Baby Reflux? Symptoms and Support. https://www.nct.org.uk/information/baby-toddler/baby-and-toddler-health/what-baby-reflux-symptoms-and-support
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (2023). Reflux in Babies: Parent Information Leaflet.
Derbyshire Medicines Management (2023). Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) in Children and Young People.
NHS 111 Wales (2023). Reflux in Babies (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux). https://111.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/r/article/refluxinbabies/