Reflux is common in babies--an estimated 40-65% of all babies have some degree of reflux in the early months. Many times these babies are "colicy" or "fussy". Reflux is usually due to immaturity of the esophagus muscle to the stomach and often resolves in 1st year of life.
Signs of infant acid reflux:
- poor weight gain or rapid weight gain
- frequent spitting up or gulping with a painful look on face
- projectile vomitting
- sour breath
- persistent hiccups/cough
- persistent hoarseness, congestion
- excessive fussiness, crying or colic
- sudden bursts of painful crying
- poor day/night sleep patterns/habits
- constantly feeding or refusing to feed
- poor feeding: arching, stiffening, screaming, pulling up legs
- prefers upright/inclined positions
- needs to be held to be comfortable all the time
Many times reflux can be managed with simple feeding changes but if not, contact you baby's doctor for an evaluation.
More information for parents on reflux can be found in "A Parent's Guide to Living with Infant Acid Reflux "at:
www.PollywogBaby.com