Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in babies: symptoms and solutions

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a common phenomenon in newborns. It manifests as the regurgitation of gastric contents into the oesophagus and mouth. Although it is temporary and not dangerous, this phenomenon can cause discomfort for both children and parents. It is therefore essential to be aware of the symptoms and solutions available to relieve the baby.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in babies: what are the symptoms?

Gastro-oesophageal reflux sends out several signs that need to be identified in order to provide an appropriate solution. Here are some symptoms that might alert you.

Frequent regurgitation in babies

Regurgitation is one of the signs indicating that your infant is suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux. It often appears after a bottle feed or breastfeed. The baby brings up milk, sometimes in small quantities or sometimes in larger amounts. In reality, this condition is caused by the immaturity of the lower oesophageal sphincter. This organ is not yet sufficiently developed to close completely. Regurgitation is generally associated with spitting up or wet burps.

Delayed weight gain or weight loss

Reflux is often linked to poor digestion in the infant. This nutritional disruption can affect the baby's growth. For example, a lack of nutrients can slow normal weight gain.

Moreover, if the condition is accompanied by pain, the infant may refuse the bottle, which could reduce calorie intake. At this stage, the baby's growth curve may be affected. In this context, the ideal course of action is to consult a healthcare professional to find solutions ensuring good nutrition.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in babies: what are the treatment solutions?

There are various solutions for relieving an infant suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux. However, the appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the child's comfort.

Modifying feeding

One of the solutions for reducing GOR symptoms is to reconsider the newborn's feeding. You should offer smaller, more frequent feeds. For babies who like bottle feeding, give them thickened milk to make the gastric contents denser, thus limiting regurgitation.

For breastfed infants, mothers are advised to adjust their diet and avoid foods that might exacerbate reflux.

Positioning the baby after feeding

For some, this may seem obvious, but the way the baby is positioned after feeding plays an essential role in digestion. The baby should be kept upright for at least 20 minutes after feeding to allow food to travel down into the stomach easily.

Likewise, at bedtime, it is advisable to slightly elevate the head of the cot to prevent acid reflux. However, it is important to know and respect baby sleep safety guidelines to avoid the risk of suffocation.

In cases of painful or severe reflux, medical treatment may be the better solution. The healthcare professional may prescribe gastric acid suppressants to limit acid production in the stomach.