---
title: "Reflux in babies: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "Normal baby reflux, silent reflux, feeding measures that may help, and red flags such as green vomit, poor growth or blood."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/reflux-in-babies/
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---

# Reflux in babies: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

Normal baby reflux, silent reflux, feeding measures that may help, and red flags such as green vomit, poor growth or blood.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What are reflux in babies? Reflux is when milk comes back up during or after feeds. It is very common in babies and usually improves by age 1. If a baby is content, feeding and gaining weight, treatment is rarely needed. Green or bloody vomit, forceful vomiting, poor feeding or a very unwell baby needs urgent assessment.

General UK health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency call 999 ; for urgent advice use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/) (GP out-of-hours in Northern Ireland).

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about reflux in babies

- Small effortless possets are common in babies under 1.
- Keep babies upright during and after feeds, but always put them flat on their back to sleep.
- Do not raise the head of a cot or use sleep positioners.

## Common reflux symptoms

Babies may bring up milk, hiccup, [cough](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/cough/) or gulp during feeds and seem unsettled. Reflux is more reassuring when the baby is otherwise comfortable and growing normally.

## Feeding steps to try

Ask a health visitor to check feeding position and attachment. Hold the baby upright during and after feeds and wind regularly. Do not change formula, restrict feeds or add thickeners without advice.

## When medicine may be considered

Most babies do not need medicine. If symptoms are severe, a clinician may check for feeding difficulties, cow’s-milk allergy or another cause before recommending treatment.

## ! When to see a GP about reflux in babies

Contact a health visitor or GP if reflux is distressing, feeds are difficult, or weight gain is poor. Call **NHS 111 urgently** for forceful vomiting, blood in vomit or poo, a swollen tender tummy, persistent diarrhoea or dehydration. Green vomit or a very unwell, floppy or hard-to-wake baby needs emergency assessment.

## Common questions about reflux in babies

What is silent reflux? Silent reflux describes reflux symptoms without obvious milk coming out of the mouth. The term is commonly used, but feeding problems and distress still need proper assessment. Should a baby with reflux sleep propped up? No. Babies should sleep flat on their back on a firm mattress. Do not raise the cot or use pillows or wedges. When does baby reflux improve? It often starts before 8 weeks and improves as the digestive system matures, usually by 12 months.

## Sources

- [NHS — Reflux in babies](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/reflux-in-babies/)

## How we reviewed this page

Medically reviewed by the [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/)

First published 1 August 2026 Medically reviewed 1 August 2026 Next review due 1 August 2029 or sooner if NHS or NICE guidance changes

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