Reflux in Newborns: Signs, Symptoms & How to Help
- Alana Taylor
- Sep 13
- 9 min read
Your Complete Guide for Melbourne Parents
If you’ve found yourself Googling “why does my baby keep spitting up?” or “how do I know if my newborn has reflux?” at 2am, you’re not alone. Reflux in newborns is one of the most common worries for new parents. The good news? For most babies, it’s completely normal. The bad news? It can be messy, stressful, and sometimes even worrying.
As a Melbourne newborn photographer in Clyde. I spend my days surrounded by babies and believe me, I’ve seen my fair share of milky burps and reflux spills during sessions. While my main role is capturing those precious early moments, I also chat with hundreds of new parents each year about their experiences. Reflux comes up a lot.
This blog will cover everything you need to know about reflux in babies: the signs, the symptoms, when to worry, and how you can help your little one. And if you’re a tired mum Googling at 3am with spit-up on your shoulder — you’ve come to the right place.
What is Newborn Reflux?
Reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is when milk comes back up from your baby’s stomach into their oesophagus (and often out of their mouth). In simple terms? Baby eats, baby burps, baby spits up.
This happens because newborns have an immature digestive system. The muscle at the top of the stomach (the lower oesophageal sphincter) isn’t fully developed, so milk easily flows back up.
Key things to know:
Reflux is common in babies under 12 months.
Most babies grow out of it by their first birthday.
It’s usually harmless, but in some cases, it can cause discomfort or be a sign of reflux disease (GERD).
Common Signs & Symptoms of Reflux in Babies
So, how do you know if your baby has reflux? Here are the signs parents in Clyde, Cranbourne, Berwick, Officer, Pakenham and across Melbourne often notice:
Frequent spitting up or vomiting (especially after feeds).
Coughing, hiccupping, or gagging during or after feeding.
Back arching or stiffness — as if they’re uncomfortable.
Irritability or crying after feeds, sometimes called “colic-like” behaviour.
Poor weight gain (in more severe cases).
Frequent feeding but unsettled — baby feeds, then seems hungry again quickly.
Sleep disruptions (they don’t like lying flat).
💡 Note: Spit-up alone doesn’t always mean reflux. Some babies are “happy chuckers” — they vomit often but are otherwise content and thriving.
When is Reflux in Babies Normal?
Most of the time, reflux is just a laundry problem, not a medical one. If your baby is gaining weight, feeding well, and generally happy — reflux is usually just a phase.
It becomes more of a concern when you notice:
Refusal to feed.
Constant distress or inconsolable crying.
Green or yellow vomit.
Blood in vomit or stools.
Poor weight gain.
Breathing difficulties.
If you spot any of these, always check with your GP or paediatrician.
How to Help a Baby with Reflux
Every parent in Melbourne wants to know: “How do I make reflux better for my newborn?”
Here are some tried-and-true strategies:
1. Feeding Adjustments
Offer smaller, more frequent feeds.
Try keeping baby upright during and after feeding.
Make sure baby is latched properly if breastfeeding.
If bottle feeding, try a slow-flow teat.
2. Burping Techniques
Burp baby often during feeds (not just at the end).
Experiment with different burping positions (over the shoulder, sitting on your lap).
3. Positioning
Hold baby upright for at least 20–30 minutes after feeding.
Avoid lying baby flat straight after a feed.
4. Sleep Tips
Place baby on their back to sleep (always safest, even with reflux).
Try keeping the head of the bassinet slightly elevated (but never with unsafe props inside the cot).
5. Comfort Measures
A dummy can sometimes help.
Gentle rocking, swaddling, or white noise may calm a refluxy baby.
Medical Treatment for Baby Reflux
In some cases, your doctor may suggest:
Thickened formula (if bottle-feeding).
Medications to reduce stomach acid (in severe reflux or reflux disease).
Always consult your GP or paediatrician before making changes — especially when it comes to feeding and medications.
Emotional Side of Reflux: What Parents Go Through
Let’s be real. Reflux doesn’t just affect babies — it affects mums and dads too. Sleepless nights, constant outfit changes, stained furniture… it’s exhausting. Many mums in Clyde, Cranbourne and across Melbourne tell me they feel overwhelmed, guilty, or anxious.
If that’s you — please know you’re not alone. Talk to other parents, join local mum groups, and lean on support. And remember: reflux is usually temporary.
Everyday Tips from Melbourne Mums Who’ve Been There
Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories in my studio from parents managing reflux.
Here are some gems:
Always carry a spare outfit — for you and baby. Trust me, spit-up never respects your wardrobe.
Invest in good-quality bibs and burp cloths. You’ll go through more than you think.
Line the pram with a washable liner. Saves on endless scrubbing.
Stock up on washing powder. The laundry pile is real.
Don’t compare your baby to others. Some spit up more, some less. It’s not a reflection on your parenting.
Take turns with your partner. If possible, share night duty. A 3am reflux episode is easier with backup.
Seek out mum groups. Clyde, Cranbourne, and Berwick have great local Facebook mum communities where you can vent and get advice.
💡 Local Insight: Many mums I meet from Narre Warren and Officer say they didn’t realise how common reflux was until they joined local parent groups. Sometimes just knowing you’re not the only one helps lift that mental load.
Reflux vs Silent Reflux vs Colic: What’s the Difference?
One of the most confusing things for new parents is knowing whether their baby has reflux, silent reflux, or colic. The symptoms overlap, but there are key differences.
Standard Reflux
Baby spits up milk frequently.
Usually happens right after feeds.
Often messy but not always painful.
Silent Reflux
Milk comes up the oesophagus but is swallowed back down.
Baby doesn’t spit up much (so it’s “silent”).
Signs include constant coughing, gagging, back-arching, unsettled sleep.
Harder to diagnose because there’s no obvious vomit.
Colic
Long periods of intense crying (usually in the evenings).
No clear cause, though trapped wind or reflux may play a role.
Baby pulls knees to chest, clenches fists, looks distressed.
Peaks around 6 weeks, usually eases by 3–4 months.
💡 Tip for Melbourne mums searching late at night: If you’re typing “baby crying at night reflux or colic” into Google — know that you’re not alone. Lots of parents around Clyde, Berwick, and Cranbourne have been in your exact spot.
Reflux FAQs Every Parent Googles
I hear these questions all the time in my Clyde baby photography studio from tired mums and dads:
How long does reflux last in babies?
Most babies improve by 6 months, and nearly all outgrow reflux by 12 months when they’re upright and eating solids.
Not necessarily. In fact, breastmilk digests faster than formula. Sometimes mum’s diet (like caffeine or dairy) can affect reflux, but every baby is different.
Does my baby need medication?
Not always. Most cases are mild and resolve naturally. Medication is usually only considered if reflux is severe, painful, or causing weight issues.
Can tummy time help?
Yes — but wait at least 20–30 minutes after a feed before tummy time to avoid extra spit-ups.
Will reflux affect my baby’s sleep?
Unfortunately, yes. Babies with reflux often hate lying flat. Holding them upright after feeds and using safe sleep practices can help.
Does reflux mean something is wrong with my baby?
No — it’s usually just an immature digestive system. Unless your GP is concerned, it’s not harmful in the long run.
Local Connection: Reflux & New Parents in Melbourne
If you’re a mum in Clyde, Cranbourne, Berwick, Pakenham, Officer, Narre Warren, Frankston, or the Mornington Peninsula, chances are you’ve asked your GP, midwife, or maternal health nurse about reflux. It’s one of the most common concerns raised in baby clinics across Melbourne’s South East suburbs.
And if you’re already juggling reflux while Googling newborn sleep tips and feeding advice, I see you. You’re in survival mode.
This is also why so many parents book newborn photos with me at Alana Taylor Photography in Clyde — because even if your baby is refluxy, unsettled, or fussy, you’ll still want those early memories captured before they fly by. I’ve photographed thousands of babies (yes, including reflux babies who needed mid-session outfit changes), and I’ve got all the tricks to settle and soothe them during a session.
So while you’re knee-deep in washing burp cloths, let me take care of the photography side of things.
Advanced Tips for Managing Reflux
Once you’ve mastered the basics — smaller feeds, upright positioning, burping — you may want to try additional strategies that other Melbourne mums swear by:
1. Track Feeding & Symptoms
Keep a baby diary of when feeds happen, how much baby takes, and when symptoms occur. Patterns can help you and your GP decide if changes are needed.
2. Experiment with Diet (for Breastfeeding Mums)
Some mums find their baby’s reflux eases when they reduce dairy, caffeine, or spicy foods in their own diet. It doesn’t work for everyone, but it can be worth trialling under guidance.
3. Consider Formula Adjustments
If formula feeding, ask your GP if a partially hydrolysed or thickened formula may help. (Never switch without checking first — marketing claims are confusing, and not every formula suits every baby.)
4. Babywearing
Using a supportive carrier keeps baby upright after feeds and can reduce spit-up while giving you two free hands. Many mums around Cranbourne and Berwick say babywearing saved their sanity during reflux phases.
5. Stay Calm During Spit-Ups
Babies feed off our energy. If you panic every time baby vomits, they’ll sense it. Having a stash of wipes and a calm mindset can make reflux moments less stressful.
Reflux Myths vs Facts
Parents hear a lot of advice — some helpful, some not so much.
Let’s clear up a few:
Myth: Reflux means your baby has an allergy.
Fact: Most reflux is caused by immature digestion, not allergies.
Myth: Putting baby to sleep on their tummy helps reflux.
Fact: It may reduce spit-ups but dramatically increases SIDS risk. Back sleeping is always safest.
Myth: Medication fixes reflux instantly.
Fact: Medication only helps in severe cases. For most babies, it’s time and maturity that solves it.
Myth: If your baby spits up, they’re not keeping food down
Fact: Even refluxy babies usually keep enough milk to thrive. It just looks like more comes up than it really does.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re in Melbourne and worried about your baby’s reflux, you can talk to:
Your GP (many clinics in Clyde, Cranbourne, Pakenham and Berwick specialise in family health).
Your maternal child health nurse (free appointments through your local council).
A paediatrician (for more complex cases).
Signs you should definitely seek medical advice include:
Baby refusing to feed.
Persistent crying that nothing soothes.
Blood or green bile in vomit.
Failure to gain weight.
Breathing issues.
Newborn Photography & Reflux Babies: Why It Still Works
Here’s where I bring my world into yours: photography. A huge number of mums who book with me in Clyde, Cranbourne, Berwick, Officer, Pakenham, Narre Warren and surrounding suburbs have reflux babies. And here’s the good news: reflux doesn’t stop you from having
beautiful newborn photos melbourne near me.
Why Parents Worry
I often hear:
“My baby spits up constantly — what if they ruin the setup?”
“My baby cries a lot — we’ll never get nice photos.”
“Should I wait until reflux is over?”
My Answer
Don’t wait. These newborn weeks fly by, reflux or no reflux. I’ve worked with over 3,200 families and more than 2,300 newborns. Many of them were refluxy, colicky, or unsettled. We still created gorgeous, timeless photos their families treasure forever.
How I Manage Reflux Babies in the Studio
Extra time built into sessions — I expect breaks for feeding, burping, outfit changes.
Plenty of spare wraps and props (accidents happen, I’m ready).
Patience and soothing techniques — years of experience means I know how to settle even the fussiest baby.
Flexible posing — if baby won’t lie flat, I work around them for comfort.
Sanitised, baby-safe environment — everything in my Clyde studio is prepped with newborn health in mind.
So whether you’re from Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Narre Warren or right here in Clyde, don’t let reflux stop you from capturing these fleeting moments.
If you’re searching for:
“Newborn photography Cranbourne”
You’ve found Me. I’m Alana Taylor Photography, and I specialise in newborn, baby, maternity and newborn baby photos in Melbourne’s South East suburbs.
My purpose-built Clyde studio welcomes families from Cranbourne, Berwick, Officer, Pakenham, Narre Warren, Frankston and across the Mornington Peninsula. Whether your baby is chilled, refluxy, or somewhere in between — I’ll create images you’ll cherish forever.
Alana Taylor Photography is one of Melbourne’s most trusted and sought-after photographers, specialising in newborn, maternity, baby, kids, and cake smash photography Melbourne. My boutique studio is located in Clyde, welcoming families from Cranbourne, Berwick, Pakenham, Officer, Narre Warren, Frankston and across the Mornington Peninsula.
With over 15 years of experience, a patient and bubbly nature, and a passion for creating timeless memories, I ensure every family leaves with photographs they’ll treasure for a lifetime.
