
Colic and reflux are NOT a diagnosis. They should not be considered normal or advise given that they will pass in time. This does not help families who are experiencing a very upsetting time with an unsettled baby.
Colic and reflux are both umbrella terms for a range of symptoms where we cannot pinpoint exactly what is the root cause of upsetting baby. It could be a mixture of symptoms, or it could be one. Until the root cause is identified then the infant may go on suffering from these colicky or reflux symptoms.
Some reflux is normal in infant’s however it can cause them some distress as they regurgitate their milk. However excessive reflux, like colic can come from several symptoms or just the one. Again, until the root cause is identified then the infant may go on suffering reflux.
SILENT REFLUX is another term commonly used. Silent reflux is described as reflux where the regurgitation is swallowed rather than exiting the mouth. Babies may cry and show signs of distress but actually regurgitate their milk. Symptoms may otherwise be identical to reflux.



Some common causes of colic and reflux are-
- Allergies
- Tongue tie
- Excessive gulping of wind from poor latch to the breast / bottle.
- Allowing baby to express advanced hunger cues, such as crying before they are fed. This is making baby take in huge quantities of air and causing much distress to the whole family. Responsive feeding and feeding baby on demand when babies show early hunger signs is best practice.
- Overfeeding, fewer and bigger feeds and not PACE bottle feeding can cause more air to be swallowed by baby.
- Not making up formula safely to 70 degrees, use of perfect prep machines and lack of good bottle hygiene.
Also as babies are born immobile and are placed down in a prone position after feeding the milk can sit heavy on their stomachs and as they are unable to move they cannot get their own wind back up. Babies should be help upright for 20-30 minutes after each feed, winded and carried in a sling whenever possible. Baby massage to stomach and feet at every nappy change to encourage daily stools.