At home, for some time now, the baby has been crying regularly, becoming restless, irritable, and difficult to soothe. You can see that he's suffering, but you're having trouble pinpointing the problem: is it colic or reflux? Or could it just be spit-up?
SUMMARY :
- GERD and colic: two very common, but different, disorders
- GERD or colic, how to tell the difference?
- Our tips from Élhée to soothe your baby
- When should you consult a healthcare professional?
GERD and colic: two very common, but different, disorders
As new parents, you've undoubtedly heard about infant colic: you know, those pains that the Élhée bottle can help soothe ? And perhaps friends or your pediatrician have also explained what GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is. Even so, these days when your baby starts crying, you feel helpless: where does it hurt and why?
GERD for gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when acidic stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus . Technically, the lower esophageal sphincter, which acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach, is not yet fully developed, making this reflux easier. In practice, the baby may experience gagging and spit up the milk they have just drunk in more or less forceful jets, which is always alarming for parents.
It's important to note that GERD is considered pathological when symptoms become bothersome , persistent , or when complications develop. However, it is rare in children under one year old . Do you think your baby might be affected? There are three types of GERD.
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Simple GERD is characterized by frequent regurgitation, without pain or impact on the baby's feeding or growth.
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Pathological GERD, on the other hand, causes pain and irritation of the esophagus (esophagitis), frequent crying after bottle or breastfeeds, sometimes a refusal to eat, and also difficulty sleeping. You can also recognize it, or perhaps suspect it, by the arched position the baby adopts to relieve discomfort. Left untreated, it can lead to complications such as growth problems or respiratory infections.
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Internal GERD , much rarer, does not cause regurgitation and can therefore go unnoticed. However, unexplained crying, chewing (a sign of reflux), sounds of fluid in the chest, and/or a posture that may suggest torticollis (Sandifer syndrome) can provide clues.
Spitting up doesn't mean a baby has reflux.
Common in 70% of 4-month-old babies and harmless , regurgitation occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus and out through the mouth, often after eating. Without significant pain or crying, it tends to disappear spontaneously around 12 to 18 months of age, once the baby starts standing. Sometimes called "physiological regurgitation," it requires no specific treatment unless it becomes very frequent and bothersome for the baby.
GERD and regurgitation are therefore linked , but differ in their intensity and their impact on the well-being of the infant.
Infant colic
Infant colic , well known to parents, affects many babies between the ages of 2 weeks and 4 months . Although alarming for parents, tiring for the whole family, and of course, painful for babies, these episodes, often caused by gas or an immature digestive system, are harmless . Typical signs of colic include:
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intense and inconsolable crying that occurs unpredictably, often in the late afternoon or evening.
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A characteristic position, with legs drawn up towards the stomach , fists clenched, face red and sometimes the body braced.
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Regular episodes , several times a week, with no direct link to meals.
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A baby who is otherwise healthy , who eats well and continues to grow.
Do you think your baby has colic? Keep in mind that it is temporary and disappears naturally around 3 or 4 months .
GERD or colic, how to tell the difference?
If the symptoms seem similar, that's normal. As a parent, seeing your child cry and sometimes even scream is truly unsettling, we understand. Furthermore, the two conditions are very similar, both in terms of their causes and their manifestations. That's why we've prepared a short summary for you to read at your leisure, once your baby has calmed down or fallen asleep.
💡 First, observe the timing of the symptoms. Note the position that soothes your baby. Monitor the impact of the disorder on their feeding, and finally, note whether or not there is any regurgitation.
| GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) | Infant colic | |
| Timing | Irregular, especially after meals | Regular hours, often at the end of the day |
| Position | Relieved when upright, uncomfortable lying down | She writhes, legs folded up against her stomach |
| Regurgitation | Frequent or sometimes invisible (internal GERD) | Absent |
| Food | May refuse to eat or have difficulty | Normal appetite |
And to learn more, let's examine the criteria in this table one by one.
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⏰ The timing
GERD occurs irregularly, mainly after bottle-feeding or breastfeeding. Colic, on the other hand, tends to occur at specific times, often at the end of the day, like a sort of daily appointment.
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👶 The relief position
A baby suffering from reflux will be more comfortable in an upright position. Conversely, during a colic attack, you will notice that they draw their legs up to their stomach and may turn bright red.
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🌊 Regurgitation
Their presence suggests GERD, whether they are visible or sometimes more subtle. Colic, however, is not accompanied by regurgitation.
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🍼 The impact on diet
GERD can disrupt feeding. In cases of colic, your baby usually maintains a good appetite.
By observing these four aspects, you'll already have valuable clues to identify what's bothering your baby. And remember: if you have any doubts, your pediatrician is there to guide you.
Our tips from Élhée to soothe your baby
Once the cause of your child's distress has been identified, in addition to the treatment or support put in place, certain actions and a few little tips can help them feel better.
In case of reflux, optimize digestion
Parents of babies with reflux can start by offering smaller, more frequent meals . By eating less each time, the baby increases their chances of digesting well. At the same time, avoid tight clothing like jeans or tights, which can cause bloating and worsen discomfort.
After bottle or breastfeeding, hold your baby upright against you to help them burp and digest better. Finally, depending on your discussions with your pediatrician, raise the possibility of switching to a thickened infant formula or, if breastfeeding, perhaps considering a possible protein intolerance .
Warmth and softness to soothe colic
There are several ways to soothe a colicky baby . Massaging the tummy with a flat hand in a clockwise direction is a classic and essential remedy. Sit on the bed or changing table, add a little lullaby, and you'll have a captivated baby. You can also rock the baby while they are lying tummy-down against your forearm , or gently fold their legs up towards their abdomen and rotate them slightly to help release gas.
Again, switching to a different formula or changing the feeding position can be beneficial, as can babywearing or skin-to-skin contact after feeding. A small baby hot water bottle or your own body heat will also work wonders.
Finally, calm evenings, without overstimulation, also help to reduce the frequency and intensity of colic attacks.
At Élhée, we contribute to your baby's well-being with a bottle suitable from birth , specially developed to prevent colic. A soft, round body made of medical-grade silicone and an anti-colic valve integrated into the teat effectively reduce air ingestion , the main cause of colic.
When should you consult a healthcare professional?
To help you determine the situation before calling the pediatrician, here are the signs that should alert you and encourage you to consult quickly.
Your baby seems particularly unwell, with inconsolable crying . Your parental instinct is invaluable: if you feel something isn't right, trust your instincts.
Weight loss or a plateau in growth is an important sign. Similarly, if your baby refuses to feed or experiences frequent and severe vomiting , a consultation is necessary.
Fever , blood in the stool or regurgitation , or any other unusual sign, should prompt you to make an appointment or go to the pediatric emergency room.
More generally, if you're having trouble identifying the cause of your baby's crying, if you're unsure whether it's colic or reflux, or if even minor issues persist despite your efforts, don't wait. Make an appointment with your pediatrician, who will make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment. Remember, it's always safer to consult a doctor, even if just for peace of mind.
Listen to your inner voice
Reflux and colic are common challenges of infancy. Rest assured: the vast majority of babies naturally go through this phase, even if it can seem endless. Also, remember that your loving presence is therapeutic in itself. Your attention and tenderness are the first remedies your baby needs—moments of comfort that strengthen your bond day after day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- My baby is spitting up but not crying, should I be worried?
No, simple regurgitation is very common in babies. If your baby is happy and gaining weight normally, there's no need to worry.
- Can colic last more than 4 months?
Colic usually disappears around 3-4 months of age. If symptoms persist beyond this time, consult your pediatrician to rule out other causes.
- Can GERD disappear on its own?
Yes, simple GERD often improves naturally as the digestive system matures. However, if the symptoms are bothersome, don't wait to consult a doctor.
- How can I tell if the milk is suitable?
A suitable milk allows for good digestion: baby is satisfied after the meal, gains weight normally and does not experience any particular discomfort.
- Can an anti-colic bottle make a difference?
Yes, a well-designed bottle significantly reduces air ingestion during feeding, the main cause of colic. The anti-colic valve and the physiological shape of the teat play a crucial role.
- When do we see the first effects of a change in milk?
The first effects can be felt in 2-3 days, but it often takes a full week to judge the effectiveness of the change.
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