Paediatrics, by video or in person
Reflux in Babies (Posseting)
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Reflux in Babies (Posseting)
- Bringing up small amounts of milk during or after feeds
- Hiccups or coughing during feeds
- Some unsettled crying after feeds
- In troublesome reflux: arching the back, refusing feeds, or crying during most feeds
- Poor weight gain
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
Reflux is when milk comes back up from a baby's stomach, sometimes as a small spill after a feed, called posseting. It is very common in the first months of life, because the ring of muscle at the top of the stomach is still developing, and most babies grow out of it by their first birthday. A baby who is gaining weight, feeding well and mostly content does not usually need medicine. Reflux needs a doctor when it causes pain, feeding refusal or poor weight gain, or when vomiting is forceful, green or bloody.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Bringing up small amounts of milk during or after feeds
- Hiccups or coughing during feeds
- Some unsettled crying after feeds
- In troublesome reflux: arching the back, refusing feeds, or crying during most feeds
- Poor weight gain
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if your baby is not gaining weight, refuses feeds, cries during most feeds, or still has frequent reflux after one year. Go to a hospital emergency department now if the vomit is green or yellow, contains blood, or is forceful and shoots across the room, or if your baby has a swollen tummy, fewer wet nappies, a fever, or is very drowsy or floppy.
Treatment options
- Feeding smaller amounts more often
- Holding the baby upright during and after feeds
- Winding during feeds
- Checking bottle teat size and feed volume with a doctor
- Medicine, or a trial of a different formula, only when a doctor advises it
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Is my baby vomiting too much?
If your baby is gaining weight, has plenty of wet nappies and is mostly content, small spills after feeds are normal. Poor weight gain, distress or green vomit are reasons to see a doctor.
Should I thicken the feeds with pap or cereal?
Not without a doctor's advice. Adding cereal or pap to bottles can cause choking and too many calories. A doctor can advise on a thickened formula if it is needed.
Should my baby sleep on their tummy to stop reflux?
No. Babies should always sleep on their back, on a flat, firm surface, even with reflux. This is the safest way to prevent sudden infant death.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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