What it is
Your baby spits up a lot, or arches and cries during feeds, and you are searching 'silent reflux' or 'GERD baby.' Almost all babies spit up. The valve at the top of the stomach is loose, the diet is liquid, and the baby lies flat most of the day. A 'happy spitter' spits up and keeps growing and smiling. GERD is the uncommon version with pain, poor growth, or breathing trouble.
What's typical
About half of babies spit up daily by two to four months. It peaks around four months and mostly stops by 12 to 14 months. A tablespoon of spit-up spreads wide and looks like more. 'Silent reflux' means swallowing it back down with a grimace or cough.
What's known
The AAP and the pediatric GI society, NASPGHAN, say most infant reflux needs no medicine and that acid blockers are overused in babies. Some providers prescribe medication for true GERD; ask what they'd suggest and why.
What helps
- Hold the baby upright 20 to 30 minutes after feeds. A carrier works for this.
- Smaller, more frequent feeds. Burp when the baby comes off on her own.
- Lay the baby flat on her back to sleep anyway. Inclined sleepers are not safe.
When to call someone
- Nowgreen or yellow vomit, blood in vomit, forceful vomiting, trouble breathing, or a baby who turns blue.
- Todayrefusing feeds, fewer wet diapers, or arching and crying with most feeds.
- At your next visitslow weight gain, a lasting cough, or spit-up that gets worse after six months.
Who helps
Tools: Birthworker Directory
Related
- Oversupply and forceful letdownFeeding Your Baby
- Dairy and other sensitivities in a breastfed babyFeeding Your Baby
- Newborn sleep and safe sleepBaby Basics
- When to call the pediatrician (and when to go in)Baby Basics
What mothers here say
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Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Patient FAQ on why babies spit up
- NASPGHAN and ESPGHAN — Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux clinical practice guidelines
Sources are named, not yet linked. The steward verifies each one and adds the link.
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