Reflux in babies - Spit up? GERD? When is it a problem?

Why do babies spit up so much? When is reflux normal and when is it a problem? How is it treated in babies? Learn about the mechanism of reflux and why it's so common among young babies.
Dr. Amy Fan is a Harvard affiliated pediatrician and founder of Kinder, the first and only online primary care clinic for children.
Interested in personalized healthcare for your children wherever you are, whenever you need it? Please visit us at Kinder and set up a consult today. | www.GoKinderKid.com
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This video is for educational purposes only. Without a physician-patient relationship, content of the video is not to be taken as medical advice.

[@kikupub71]

Excellent explanation ma’am! Thank you for your expertise!

[@melissat9120]

FINALLY. A thorough explanation on this topic. Thank you!!

[@duncelleperucho6682]

Great explanation & very helpful, thank you so much!

[@haotingpei5284]

Hi Dr. Amy, thank you for the awesome video! And you have such a beautiful voice!

[@tina714]

comprehensive and informative. thank you

[@muazzammalik4714]

Wow... I viewed almost 20 videos but your way of explaining is excellent! Thank you very much

[@AskDoctorAmy]

Thanks so much for your kind words! So happy to hear it's helpful.

[@carrieadcock1250]

I agree 100%.

[@opetrescu]

Fantastic content. Love the whiteboarding to accompany the words :)

[@sunday3pm735]

This channel should have A LOT more subs!

[@ifedunjoledo3129]

You did a good job explaining. thank you

[@AskDoctorAmy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mdpartner3963]

a great explanation for parents who worry a great deal about reflux. It's good to know that all babies have the anatomy and diet to become a perfect storm for reflux. Maybe we should go back to calling it spit-up to make it sound less worrisome than reflux.

[@zainabshoeb1808]

Very nice explanation your word relaxes my mind thanks🥰♥️

[@AskDoctorAmy]

Thanks so much, glad it helps!

[@MM-pk5tk]

Thanks! Oddly calmed my nerves the way you explained the milk jug. Can you do a video about 2 month olds, or zero to three month olds, and their breathing? My two month old sounds like she's gasping for air when she's laying on her back or sitting down to be burped at times. (Her pediatrician says she's a healthy baby) I'm just curious as to why she sounds like this sometimes and maybe other moms might have similar questions. Thanks again 😊💜

[@edgarz7330]

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[@namhoangtung6924]

Thanks you so much for the explaination.

[@cliffhanger1991]

Such a helpful video :)

[@MrMarcomedina]

There are several factors in reducing heartburn at home . One plan I discovered which succeeds in merging these is the Fergs Treatment Crusher (check it out on google) without a doubt the most incredible plan i've heard of. look at all the unbelievable information .

[@craftySD]

This is a great video to explain GER and GERD. My baby seems to be a happy spitter, and I'm the not-so-happy-with-all-the-laundry mom. Jokes aside, I have one question: why would they spit undigested milk(yogurt like) one or two hours after feeding? Too much gas swallowed during feeding? I burp her after each feeding and would get some gas out and milk as well... I should try portion control more, although our baby is not happy with that...

[@kyciarelli3847]

I would like to know this ad well!!

[@elenegoodman4295]

Hello, my baby is almost 3 month and she was spitting up a lot before I changed a formula, now she eats nutrilon ar and spits up less than before, she has a discomfort when the food comes up. Is it ok to check with gastro doctor? I'm afraid because as a know the have to fall asleep baby like make a narcos before the test.

[@siri59nunna25]

Ma'am l need u to please go through my niece's reports

[@kollinandkhalia3354]

My son still suffering with gerd. Starts when he was 9m old until now 7yrs old. It all starts when he was confined with kawasaki disease. When he was 9m after the hospitalization he vomit a lot we always went to hospital just for re hydration. Until when he turned 1yr old and with the help of pediasure he eliminates his vomiting but still he always vomits everytime he eats.. until now i feel frustrated because everytime he eats he always vomit. i hope and wish he will out grow it. :(

[@AskDoctorAmy]

Hey there. I hear you. Kawasaki can be a difficult and long process. The gut is so complex and I'm sorry to hear he's still having this issue.

[@ladycarrasco]

Omg! That was explained so well. Thank you so much. I di gave a question. Why does severe reflex cause babies to turn blue?

[@AskDoctorAmy]

Babies can sometimes have breath holding spells, which in a healthy term baby should be a temporary thing. However, the blue-ness that's usually seen is usually just around the lips and on the outside of the mouth. The inside of the mouth (inside lips, buccal surfaces), or mucosal surfaces, should never be blue, as that suggests true hypoxia.

[@JuhiChong]

Thank you so much for the video, now I have a peace of mind that my 4months old is just a happy spitter. Because his weight gain is really good it's just he spit 30 minutes after a fed.

[@abithapachiappen2046]

How is ur baby know

[@JuhiChong]

@@abithapachiappen2046 He is good now, no more spit up since 5 months. If it's happy spit up, they will grow out of it.

[@abithapachiappen2046]

@@JuhiChong how ur baby outgrow this gerd problem....my baby also same problem she spit up more... now my baby is 4 month old... Plz tell what r the symptoms of ur baby .... Like cough and wheezing

[@JuhiChong]

@@abithapachiappen2046 My baby don't have GERD. He's just a happy spit. His weight gain was really good He eats really good. That's not GERD, so I wouldn't know what, and when GERD stop to tell you bc GERd is a medical problem. I did a lot of study and knows the different. If your baby had GERD you should seek medical treatment for it. Because regular happy spit up stop by 5-6 months like my baby.

[@JuhiChong]

My baby don't have any symptom he's just spit up after his fed here and there. There's really no symptom. That's why I said that it's not GERD, and his pediatrician confirm it to.

[@jayjimeno3935]

Hi dr.! Just wanna ask, why does my baby acts like she's gonna vomit everytime we start to feed her? It always happen when the first milk from the bottle goes into her mouth? After that she's a little fussy when you try to put the bottle back but after a few seconds of trying to latch she's fine. Before she did it a couple of times when she was a month old then it went away. now she's 3months and she doing it everytime we start feeding.. been a few days now.. We mentioned it to our pediatrician and we are observing if it will go away.. is this GERD as well? Thank you

[@jayjimeno3935]

She's breastfed and formula fed by the way.. she does it with both milk

[@guguntuli7222]

May you please help after watching your video I'm still not sure which reflux my baby has, she would suffocate and little milk would come out her nose long after she has ate and burg, may you please enlighten me on what to do

[@Ntwadumela1000]

Did you ever find a solution for your baby? My baby is having the same problem. He's 2 weeks old, and when he's sleeping, he suffocates from the puke that comes out his mouth and nose

[@Rivertowner]

What medications are given if the GER continues upto 2 years of baby's age?

[@AskDoctorAmy]

Usually the treatment is about acid suppression in order to lessen the symptom of pain, and only given if the baby is not gaining weight. If there is severe reflux up to 2 years, I'm guessing more of a workup is needed and treatment would depend on what is found.

[@aliyahossaini8772]

my son is 3 weeks old and he is on formula. from few days i have notice that when i feed him and burp him after that he spits(sometimes forcefully,sometimes just comes out) or some times after 1 hours he spits. which make him so fussy and disturb his sleep. i m so worried about this coz i dont over feed him and not force him for feeding. after every 2 hours i give him 70 to 90 ml.

[@sarahdublin3906]

Slower nipple

[@MariaKamosho]

same problem

[@oldfashioned9805]

Same problem 😢

[@saradamulupuru865]

Hi I have 6months baby he is suffering reflux ...he sounds like spiting means vomting feeling but not spit up only sounding and I m using lanzol tab ...and he gaining weight so is there any problm and how many months this problm last....and how many months I use this medcine when I stop using this tab again the problem repeats

[@abithapachiappen2046]

Hi how is ur baby know my baby also have same this problem when was u stop using this lanzol tab... because I also using this lanzol tablet

[@abithapachiappen2046]

How is ur baby now

[@siobhanklink176]

Hi there my son is 5 months and has been in ICU Multiple times for sleep apnea, however doctors suggests that he has silent reflux that created the episodes. Which he gets about every second week it usually lasts and entire day, looks painful, he stops breathing and pulls stiff. His formula has been changed thrice and his currently on digestive drops, nexiam, and a asthma pump. It is very hard to see him like this, problem is that he doesn't spit up or vommit its always him Sleeping waking up with a loud vry n straight into that episode. With all tests they discovered his nasal airway was much narrow on the one side. So my question, doc wants to operate on his adenoids should I? And secondly please help me make sense of what's actually happening with my boy please please. Thank u

[@abithapachiappen2046]

How is ur baby now my baby also this problem

[@rajeshwariraju5501]

Hey doc I am from India...very nice explained information..loved it...My baby is 1 and half month old 35 weeks born ...she s suffering reflux and gastric prob. Sometimes gets the milk out from nose too...the medicenes (domperidone drops and neopeptine drops )dsnt seems to be working much...I do the tummy massage gently release the gas...still every feed she suffers...any guidance how do I resolve plz?

[@nithyapriya4368]

Hi sis I am from Tamil Nadu how is your o little one.now mybaby is 57 days old.she does the same 😢

[@matthewfreeland5957]

Is the reflux always in a milkish form ? Our baby struggles with the tummy area pain but spits Silvia more than the milk.

[@desserteyes6978]

Thats reflux

[@abithapachiappen2046]

How is ur baby now my daughter is ur struggling this problem..... Plz plz reply me ur baby out of this reflex.... Plz tell me what r the treatment of ur baby.... Plz reply

[@abithapachiappen2046]

@@desserteyes6978 plz tell about silvia spit up.... My baby have this reflex problem... Did babies outgrow of this problem ...

[@alpanagautam8476]

Ye vidio hindi me banaye plz

[@nhuddy]

My 3 month has to take omeprazole once daily for 6 weeks bc of reflux. He gets fussy during feeding almost everytime. Hopefully he will grow out of this stage soon.

[@kitty09090]

My baby is fussy during feed too he just pulls his head back n cries a lot.. I have been confused why hez doing that 🙁

[@AskDoctorAmy]

Reflux can definitely cause that, but is not the only possible reason. I suggest you talk to his pediatrician, especially if it's keeping him from feeding well!

[@nicolemasauli2304]

Did the Omeprazole help? My 2 month old has reflux. It's really distressing. She's on Omeprazole but it doesn't seem to be helping. Apart from binding the acids, what else is it supposed to do?

[@nhuddy]

@@nicolemasauli2304 my little one had reflux until around five months. I continued to give him omeprazole until then to decrease the acid and discomfort. I did purchase a wedge that buckles him in place in the crib, that helped more in my opinion to keep his head elevated which helped with the reflux. I hope this helps!

[@shabanas9969]

@ nhu tran My baby is 97 days old..he had gerd..did ur baby outgrew gerd..what treatment did u take to overcome reflux

[@soumenbiswas8273]

my baby is 2 months old. in his sleep he is having reflux which is leading to chocking of the baby, facing very difficulty in breathing for some time. what to do..pls suggest

[@ManojSingh-cn3ev]

Pliz doc reply We also have the same problem with our baby

[@desserteyes6978]

This is why I sleep with my baby I can feel her.

[@abithapachiappen2046]

@@fridahmaingi1632 hi how is ur baby now baby also same this problem what r the treatment s of ur baby

[@lalanthobatsang2420]

@@abithapachiappen2046 hi.. How is your baby doing?. What did you do to help the baby.. My 3 weeks old baby has the same problem of choking n her vomit while sleeping...

[@abithapachiappen2046]

@@lalanthobatsang2420 still have this problem now I give junior lanzole to reduce acid production.... She was six month old now I started solid food to her I hope it will reduce her spit up

[@sheelabaip5866]

Hi G m madam my daughter is now 4 month old she is vomiting a lot I'm working mam can I give formula milk ? Please reply mam Thank you

[@AskDoctorAmy]

Hi there! I’m sorry to hear that. Unfortunately I cannot give personalized medical advice without a doctor patient relationship through Kinder. I would recommend that you speak to her pediatrician. Best of luck to you.

[@sheelabaip5866]

Thank u mam

[@Tina-Trinity]

I do not have access to a pediatrician and go to a family medical doc. He has prescribed prilosec. I have heard that babies metabolize this medicine very quickly compared to adults and this makes sense , as about 8 hours after I give my grandbaby her medicine, the symptoms are back. Is there any truth to this? I cant find anything about it. Has there been any studies on this medication and babies?

[@momtoanangelboytwinsdogsan1731]

Tina Willis this happens with my twins also. They are taking Zantac. It only lasts about 5 hours and I’m only allowed to give it to them every 12 hours.

[@Tina-Trinity]

@@momtoanangelboytwinsdogsan1731 My grand-daughter is 3 months. For the last month or so I have searched the internet for ways I can help her, as the doctor refused to increase her Prilosec. First off I dont EVER lay her Flat on her back, and I mean EVER. Her changing table and crib has the head of the bed raised 30 degrees. She either sleeps with her head and shoulders raised or on her tummy (I know I know, people freak out when they hear that but if it's been more than an hour since I have fed her and I am awake and can keep an eye on her, I relieve her bum and back, by laying her on her tummy.) You can try laying them on their left side, if the belly bothers you....the stomach's opening is more on the right side. I have also started feeding her 2 oz. at a time. I knew 4 oz made her miserable so I decreased by 1/2 oz until I found an amount that didn't bother her. Of course this means I have to feed her more often and sometimes I have to wake her up to do it, but I believe it has helped and every little thing helps! At her age (about the same age as yours) as long as she eats 4 oz within 4 hours we maintain and gain wieght. I have also used gas drops, and plain flavored Mylanta. When she burps and it sounds wet, or coughs, or gives any indication she is tasting and hurting from acid, and sometimes I can even smell it on her breath I give a small amount of mylanta very slowly intill she isnt fussing anymore. It has taken a surprisingly small amount to help her. I have to remember I cant give her the prilosec within at least an hour when using the mylanta as it will coat her stomache and prohibit the med from absorbing. The prilosec helps reduce the acid, but does NOTHING about her projectile vomiting, swallowing, and other throat and chest PAIN that comes with GERD. Mylanta helps with that pain. Things are still hard, but we actually had a full day where she was happy and smiling without vomiting or fussiness, I am hopeful that we have more of those. I HOPE that YOU have help. I cannot even imagine trying to deal with 2 babies suffering from this. Why did your doc start them on a histamine blocker (zantac) instead of a proton pump inhibitor? I know that both kinds of meds have been used together and just as long as they are given far enough spaced apart I can see how that could help. Is your doc willing to listen to you and try different meds, or increase meds, or anything? Oh, I almost forgot, the other thing I wanted to try is a thickening agent in her formula (You have them on nutramagin or alimentum Formula I assume...at least I hope!) The things I have learned I have learned on my own....no one at the docs office taught me any of these seemingly small tricks, but every one of them together has helped. My doc said that some docs are startig to not even treat this and allow the baby to grow out of it naturally.....I cant imagine. But the medicines gave not been studied for babies and they have been extreemly over prescribed. In any case...if there is anything I can do to help please let meknow.

[@momtoanangelboytwinsdogsan1731]

Tina Willis thank you so much for the information. Nope no help. I have a husband but he works and gets up at 4 am So he can’t stay up all night with the babies. It’s very exhausting. Luckily my twin B doesn’t have it as bad as my twin A. I can kinda soothe him to sleep. The formula they are on is similac neosure for preemies. They are just a little over a month old and was born at 37weeks 4 days gestation. They weighed 5lbs4oz and 4lbs14oz. They are up to 7 and 8lbs now. I have no ideal why they just prescribed the Zantac. I went to the doctor 4 times in there 3 week life span trying to get help. First she suggested rice in milk, changing bottles, and burping every 2 oz and sitting them upright and all that stuff. It didn’t help so now we are doing the Zantac. It’s helping but wears off very quickly. I’m taking them back today. So we will see what they say. I’m hoping they will get them off this preemie milk because it has extra calories in it and I feel they are gaining weight to fast.

[@momtoanangelboytwinsdogsan1731]

The doctor switched there formula and upped their dosage to see if that helps. They was taking 0.5ml now they gonna take 0.6

[@Tina-Trinity]

@@momtoanangelboytwinsdogsan1731M Y grandbaby was on premie formula too and it TORE HER UP. It is great to get all those calories in but it is VERY hard on their tummies. I wouldnt worry about wieght gain in the babies, at this stage, in their life. Let them gain wieght and get strong and healthy and free of pain (and if they over gain a little bit, address that with your doctor AFTER they get over these major hurdles) I have never seen a baby OVER eat or OVER gain unless there was something drastically metabollically wrong. Babies have strong instincts to do what is best for them and I try to trust that instinct in them and the instincts in myself as well. There are videos on You tube I just saw today about different burping techniques that I have never seen before and baby with GERD/GORD massages. I am including these in the many other little things I already do that I believe add up and help and that are natural and not invasive.

[@melisssali]

Would medication to lower stomach acid be an option for my 2 month old who is gaining weight well but cries alot due to stomach acid pains? We have followed all the treatment tips, including holding her upright for 30 minutes, but she will still sometimes have clumpy spit up 2 hours later. Are there ways to help the sphincter develop quicker? Thanks!

[@AskDoctorAmy]

Hi there. We usually don't treat if the baby is gaining weight well, which means the reflux is not interfering with feeding. Treatment is only symptomatic (lowers acidity of the content but doesn't keep it from refluxing), so if it's not interfering with weight gain, there is no indication to treat. Best of luck to you!

[@lillianvicente4254]

Hi So much great information in this video. My baby is currently 7 weeks and is very fussy and vomits, gags and chokes after feedings. We’ve switched milks and he is now on Similac Alimentum free of protein but still vomits here and there and still chokes and gags :-( he seems to be uncomfortable and cries when choking and spitting out or vomiting. Does this mean GERDS or can it still be considered a reflux he’ll grow out of if he’s not loosing weight ?! Help! I’m so terrified

[@lillianvicente4254]

I took him to a pediatrician and they did an X-ray of his abdomen, all was well. They then did an ultrasound and all was well. He was put on zantac (ranitidine) but it seems some what better but not completely. He still vomits here and there and fusses when he chokes and spits out and cry’s

[@AskDoctorAmy]

@@lillianvicente4254 I'm very sorry to hear your baby is going through that. Must be very difficult for all of you. It's a good sign he's gaining weight and that his doctors have done a workup. I unfortunately cannot legally give you more specific medical advice without being your doctor. If you are interested, I do offer personalized medical care through my practice, Kinder. I hope your baby starts to have an easier time soon.

[@erikadanielle3571]

My son constantly cries unlike he’s in the carrier he’s spit up blood 2 times already and is currently on nexium second day and I haven’t really seen a difference it’s extremely tiring to always have to hold him especially upright

[@Tina-Trinity]

@@erikadanielle3571 BLOOD? Is it brite red or dark? If it is brite red then he is probably causing some damage when he throws up, if it is dark then there is a bleed somwhere that is bleeding freely for a while. IN any case I would take him in NOW.

[@erikadanielle3571]

Tina Willis it was bright red I’m actually waiting for him to see a GI hopefully they can give me some answers and how do u feel about nexium for a 2 month old? I wanted to see how he would do after stoping him from continuously using it and he actually seemed a little calmer now that he’s been off the medicine for 2 days but he still cries whenever I put him down