Baby struggling to sleep through? It could be infant reflux

If you have a baby who has reflux, you’ll understand the struggle that parents have when dealing with a reflux baby. When a baby has reflux, they are often fussy, only happy in your arms and are usually rotten sleepers.

The diagnosis of infant reflux is on the rise but what is it and why are refluxy babies so miserable?

Reflux in its simplest form is medically defined as “the non-forceful regurgitation of milk into the oesophagus whereby an infant may regurgitate their feed a number of times a day.” This is often referred to as ‘chucky babies’ or ‘happy spitters’.

This type of reflux is very common with an estimated 40%-50% of babies under 3 months regurgitate some of their feed at least once a day and it tends to peak at about 4 months old.

Health practitioners tend not to be concerned about these ‘happy spitters’ because in most cases, babies continue to thrive and gain weight. It is often referred to as a ‘laundry issue’ due to the amount of washing you tend to do when you have a baby with reflux.

However, these babies often cry and exhibit colic symptoms of being fussy and upset. It isn’t just ‘a laundry issue’. Especially, when families are not getting the sleep that they need.

Many babies with reflux struggle to sleep well, especially during the night. They don’t like being laid flat. This is because the connection between the stomach and oesophagus is located towards the back so when baby is laid flat on their back (as recommended to reduce SIDS) it is more uncomfortable for them.

If your baby is losing weight and refusing to feed, then this is likely to be Gastro-Oesophageal Disease (GORD). This is when the acid washes back up the oesophagus causing irritation, inflammation and pain.

As well as the symptoms mentioned above for reflux there are additional symptoms including

Unlike colic and simple reflux, GORD is regarded as a medical concern because there maybe ‘failure to thrive’ due to the baby not gaining weight and baby vomiting frequently and forcefully. Also due to the pain caused by the acid, the baby may refuse feeds as they associate feeding with the pain.

My top tip for parents who have a baby struggling with reflux is to keep your baby upright as much as possible. Gravity is their best friend as it keeps the stomach contents down in the stomach and less likely to return back up the oesophagus. When placing your baby down to sleep, elevate the crib/cot by placing a book underneath the legs at one end. Then place your baby feet to foot to prevent your baby sliding down. Throughout the day then babywearing is an excellent way of keeping baby upright but enabling you to get on with your tasks for the day.

If you are concerned about your baby, if they are losing weight or there is a reduction in soiled diapers then please seek medical advice. There are acid suppressant medications available to your baby if they are deemed necessary. No baby needs to suffer and help is available for families who are facing the reflux battle.

Rebecca Palmer offers personalised support with infant colic and poor baby sleep related to colic and infant relux online at Colicsos.com.