Baby RGO or infant colic: all the differences

Bébé RGO ou coliques du nourrisson : comment faire la différence ? - Élhée

At home, for some time now, your baby has been crying regularly, getting agitated, being irritable and difficult to console. You can see that he is suffering, but you have trouble putting your finger on the problem: infant colic or GERD? What if it is just regurgitation?

SUMMARY :

GERD and colic: two very common but different disorders
RGO or colic, how to tell the difference?
Our Élhée tips for soothing your baby
When to consult a healthcare professional?

GERD and colic: two very common but different disorders

As new parents, you have definitely heard about infant colic: you know, those pains that the Élhée bottle can help soothe ? And maybe friends or your pediatrician have also explained to you what GERD is for gastroesophageal reflux. However, these days when your baby starts crying, you feel helpless: where is it hurting and why?

GERD for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is the backflow of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus . From a technical point of view, the lower esophageal sphincter, which acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach, is not yet fully developed, which facilitates this backflow. In practice, babies may suffer from gagging and throw up the milk they have just drunk in the form of more or less powerful jets, which is always impressive for parents.

Note that GERD is considered pathological when the symptoms become bothersome , persistent or complications develop. However, it is rare in children under one year old . Do you think your baby could be affected? Be aware that there are three types of GERD.

Simple GERD is characterized by frequent regurgitation, without pain or impact on the baby's feeding or growth.
Pathological GERD causes pain and irritation of the esophagus (esophagitis), regular crying after bottle feeding or breastfeeding, sometimes refusal to eat and also difficulty sleeping. You can also recognize it or perhaps suspect it, by the arched position that baby takes to relieve his discomfort. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as growth disorders or respiratory tract infections.
Internal GERD , which is much rarer, does not cause regurgitation and can therefore go unnoticed. However, unexplained crying, chewing (a sign of regurgitation), sounds of liquid in the chest, and/or an attitude that may suggest a stiff neck (Sandifer syndrome) may give you some guidance.

Spitting up doesn't make a baby GERD

Common in 70% of 4-month-old babies and not serious , regurgitation occurs when the contents of the stomach rise up into the esophagus and exit through the mouth, often after eating. Without significant pain or crying, they tend to disappear spontaneously around 12 to 18 months with standing. Sometimes called "physiological regurgitation", they do not require any specific treatment, unless they become very frequent and bothersome for the baby.

RGO and regurgitation are therefore linked , but differ in their intensity and their impact on the well-being of the infant.

Infant colic

elhee, the bottle that relieves baby colic

Infant colic , well known to parents, affects many babies aged on average between 2 weeks and 4 months . Although impressive for parents, tiring for the whole family and of course, painful for babies, these episodes, often caused by the accumulation of air in the belly or an immature digestive system, remain harmless . Typical signs of colic include:

intense, inconsolable crying that occurs unpredictably, often in the late afternoon or evening.
A characteristic position, legs pulled towards the stomach , fists clenched, face red and sometimes body arched.
Regular episodes , several times a week, with no direct link to meals.
An otherwise healthy baby , who is feeding well and continuing to grow.

Do you think your baby has colic? Keep in mind that it is temporary and will disappear naturally around 3 or 4 months .

RGO or colic, how to tell the difference?

If the symptoms seem similar to you, that's normal. As a parent, seeing your child cry and sometimes even scream is really destabilizing, we understand. In addition, the two disorders are very similar, both in terms of their causes and their manifestations. This is why we have prepared a short summary for you, to read with a clear head, once the baby is calm or asleep.

💡 First, observe the timing of the symptoms. Note the position that relieves your baby. Monitor the impact of the disorder on his feeding, and finally, identify the presence or absence of regurgitation.

	GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)	Infant colic
Timing	Irregular, especially after meals	Regular hours, often late in the day
Position	Relieved in upright position, uncomfortable lying down	Squirms, legs folded over stomach
Regurgitations	Frequent or sometimes invisible (internal GERD)	Absent
Food	May refuse to eat or have difficulty	Normal appetite

And to find out more, let's detail the criteria in this table one by one.

⏰ 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.

👶 The relief position

A baby with GERD will be more comfortable in an upright position. Conversely, during a colic attack, you will notice that he will fold his legs over his stomach and may blush intensely.

🌊 Regurgitations

Their presence points towards RGO, whether they are visible or sometimes more discreet. Colic, however, is not accompanied by regurgitation.

🍼 The impact on food

GERD can interfere with feeding. If your baby has colic, he or she usually has a good appetite.

By observing these four aspects, you will already have valuable clues to identify what is bothering your baby. And remember: if in doubt, your pediatrician is there to guide you.

Our Élhée tips for soothing 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 him or her feel better.

In case of reflux, optimize digestion

Parents of babies with GERD can start by splitting up their meals . By eating less at a time, your baby will have a better chance of digesting properly. At the same time, avoid tight clothing such as jeans or tights, which can bloat your baby and make him feel more uncomfortable.

After bottle feeding or breastfeeding, keep your child upright against you to help him burp and digest better. Finally, depending on the discussions you have already had with your pediatrician, raise the possibility of opting for a thickened infant milk or perhaps an intolerance to certain proteins if you are breastfeeding.

Warmth and softness against colic

There are several solutions to relieve a baby with colic . Tummy massages , with your hand flat, in a clockwise direction, are among the classic essential remedies. Sit on the bed or on the changing table, add a little song and you will have a captivated baby. You can also rock baby on his stomach against your forearm , or gently fold his legs against his abdomen and gently rotate them to stimulate the evacuation of gas.

Again, another milk or a change of position for taking the bottle can be beneficial, as can carrying or skin-to-skin contact after feeding. Also, a small hot water bottle or your own body heat will work wonders.

Finally, quiet evenings, without over-stimulation, also help to reduce the frequency and intensity of colic attacks.

At Élhée, we contribute to your baby's well-being with a bottle that can be used from birth , specially developed to prevent colic. A soft, round body made of medical silicone and an anti-colic valve integrated into the teat effectively reduce air ingestion , the main cause of pain.

When to consult a healthcare professional?

To help you get your bearings 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 instincts are precious: if you sense that something is not normal, trust yourself.

Weight loss or stagnation on the growth curve is an important signal. Similarly, if your baby refuses to eat or has profuse and repeated vomiting , a consultation is necessary.

Fever , blood in the stool or regurgitation , or any other unusual signs should prompt you to make an appointment or go to the pediatric emergency room.

More generally, if you have trouble identifying the cause of your baby's crying, if you are hesitating between colic and reflux, or if the problems, even benign, persist despite your care, do not wait. Make an appointment with your pediatrician who will make a precise diagnosis and advise you on an appropriate treatment. Remember, it is always safer to consult, if only to reassure yourself.

Listen to your inner voice

Reflux and colic are common childhood challenges. Rest assured: the vast majority of babies go through this period naturally, even if it can seem endless. Also, on a daily basis, don't forget that your caring presence is already therapeutic in itself. Your attention and tenderness are the first remedies your baby needs, moments of comfort, which strengthen your bond day after day.

Frequently Asked Questions

My baby spits up but doesn't cry, should I be worried?

No, simple spit-up is very common in babies. If your baby is happy and gaining weight normally, there is no need to worry.

Can colic last longer than 4 months?

Colic usually disappears by 3-4 months. If symptoms persist beyond that, consult your pediatrician to rule out other causes.

Can GERD go away on its own?

Yes, simple GERD often improves naturally as the digestive system matures. However, if symptoms are bothersome, don't wait to seek medical attention.

How do you know if milk is suitable?

Suitable milk allows for good digestion: baby is satisfied after the meal, gains weight normally and does not present 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 key role.