Reflux, Colic or Something More?

A baby who cries for long periods or seems uncomfortable can leave any parent feeling worried and exhausted. Reflux and colic are both common in infancy, and I have created this video to help you understand what is happening, and find further help quickly if needed. Reflux is when milk travels back up from your baby's stomach into the food pipe. It happens because the muscle at the top of the stomach is still developing during the first months of life. NHS guidance reports that around four in ten babies are affected by reflux to some degree. Typical signs include: bringing up small amounts of milk during or shortly after a feed. Most babies with simple reflux still feed well, gain weight as expected, and remain happy in themselves. A smaller group of babies have reflux that causes more obvious distress - sometimes called "gastro-oesophageal reflux disease". They may arch their back during feeds; refuse milk; or struggle to settle - and faltering weight gain often signals a need for review. Colic is a different but equally common cause of an unsettled baby in the first months. While reflux usually involves feeding and posseting, colic is defined by patterns of crying rather than physical symptoms. The NHS defines colic as - crying for more than three hours a day; on three or more days a week; and for at least one week. Your baby may go red in the face, clench their fists, pull their knees up, or appear very windy during these episodes. Colic typically begins in the first few weeks of life, and usually settles by three to four months of age. The cause is not fully understood, but it may relate to an immature digestive system. Several simple measures can help an unsettled baby at home; whether reflux or colic is the cause. Holding your baby upright during feeds; winding mid-feed; and offering smaller more frequent feeds may all help. Gentle rocking, white noise, or a warm bath can also bring welcome moments of calm. Sometimes your baby's discomfort can be something more than simple reflux, or colic in early infancy. If your instinct tells you something is not quite right; please trust it and seek further advice. Cows' milk protein allergy can mimic both reflux and colic - especially with skin changes or unusual stools. Other less common causes include: an infection; or a problem with the way the gut is formed. Several warning signs in babies always need urgent medical attention, without any delay or hesitation. These include: green or yellow vomit; blood in vomit or stool; projectile vomiting; a high temperature; or unusual floppiness. Caring for a baby who cries for long periods can be genuinely exhausting, and overwhelming at times. The NHS encourages parents to reach out to a health visitor, GP, or NHS 1 1 1. And The Cry-sis helpline also offers free parent support seven days a week, from morning until late evening. Please do not feel you need to wait until things feel serious, before seeking a paediatric review for your baby. As a consultant paediatrician, I take time to listen, examine your baby carefully, and answer your questions in detail. Please contact me anytime if you have further questions or need help with your baby's care. To book a consultation, please visit planetmedikids.com ; and I would be glad to help.