It's normal for a baby to cry for 2–3 hours a day for the first 6 weeks, but as a new mom you may be concerned that there is something else that could be irking your baby if this becomes consistent. Tears are your baby's natural way of expressing their discomfort, however many babies with silent reflux do not cry but can be difficult to calm or put to sleep. This can leave you feeling exasperated at what could be causing their upset. So how do you know if your baby has silent reflux? Read our blog below to understand better how to spot the signs of silent reflux and what you can do about it.
What is silent reflux?
Spitting up is common in newborns and is caused by a still-developing digestive system. If your baby is not spitting up, and appears to be in discomfort they may be suffering from silent reflux. Silent reflux is painful for your baby but not always easy to diagnose at first glance. Knowing your baby is in pain but not knowing how to solve it can be a heart-wrenching experience as a new mother, but there are things you can do to help resolve this for your baby.
Silent reflux occurs when babies don’t spit out what comes back up but swallow it instead. Early symptoms of silent reflux include being unsettled after they are fed or having a cough / hoarse voice. As you won’t see your baby spewing up, you may not be aware that your baby is suffering from it, but there are signs to look out for.
What are the symptoms of silent reflux?
Although silent reflux is called silent, your baby’s cries and obvious discomfort are a good indication that they may be suffering from this common newborn issue. Below are some of the symptoms of silent reflux and ones you should be vigilant about if you suspect your baby is more unsettled than usual.
Symptoms of silent reflux include:
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Choking
- Gagging
- Nasal congestion
- Arching the back while feeding
- Chronic coughing
- Refusing to eat
- Pauses in breathing (apnea)
- Noisy breathing or wheezing
- Hoarseness
One or more of these symptoms could mean that your baby has silent reflux. Silent reflux shares a lot of symptoms with colic, so in order to treat your baby for what they are suffering from it is important to know the differences.
What is the difference between silent reflux and colic?
Although silent reflux and colic can appear similar, the main difference between silent reflux and colic is that babies suffering from colic will typically cry in the evening, whilst silent reflux babies will cry throughout the day. Colic will typically resolve within your baby around the three month mark whilst silent reflux can take up to six months to resolve when your baby’s digestive system has matured.
Can I prevent silent reflux in my baby?
Because silent reflux is caused by an immature digestive system, there is not much you can do to prevent it in your baby. It is important to remember that silent reflux is incredibly common, and you are certainly not on your own when it comes to having a baby with silent reflux. Silent reflux can be more common in babies with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, premature babies, a family history of reflux, hiatal hernia or a weak upper stomach valve.
How can I help relieve silent reflux for my baby?
After feeding, letting your baby lie at an incline can prevent regurgitation, one of the tried-and-true treatments for reflux. The ability to adjust the angle to place your baby in the ideal position to prevent acid reflux is one of the main advantages of the Babocush Bouncer and Cushion Combo. Our Babocush items help avoid colic by holding your baby on their tummy, and they also provide the added comfort of a moderate vibration and heartbeat sound for added relaxation. Since reflux can sometimes induce colic in babies, having a Babocush Comfort Cushion and Ergonomic Bouncer in your home is a must-have. Treatment for reflux and silent reflux is the same, and a paediatrician / GP can usually spot the signs during a simple examination. In a few severe cases, medication might be prescribed. Rest assured, however, that in most instances, because the cause is often down to gut immaturity, the condition dissipates around six months or when solids are established – even in the absence of treatment.
What are the effects of silent reflux?
Whilst silent reflux typically clears up from 6-13 months there can be some after effects that may cause further issues with your little one’s development. Infants with silent reflux also often present with feeding difficulties, which can slow weight gain and even cause weight loss. In extreme cases, this can result in undernutrition. Inadequate growth or inability to maintain growth during early childhood is referred to as failure to thrive and can occur due to reflux. If you have any concerns that there may be lasting effects of your baby suffering from silent reflux, make sure to contact your paediatrician / GP as soon as possible.
If you’d like to learn more about reflux and colic, check out our other advice pieces below;
