Kids Reflux & Colic Treatment – How we can help

We see an array of tummy complaints in children and babies everyday in the clinic; some of these include colic and reflux. Whilst for the most part, these conditions are fairly benign, they can cause fussiness and irritability in babies, and a lot of worry, distress and lost sleep for parents. We cover natural reflux and colic treatment in more detail below.

Colic is defined as frequent and prolonged crying in an otherwise healthy infant, typically within the first 3 months of life. It is identified using a rule of 3’s: inconsolable crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks. These babies are otherwise healthy, eating well, and growing as they should, however colic can be distressing and frustrating for parents, as these babies cannot be consoled and there is usually no obvious reason for their discomfort.

Symptoms you may notice if your baby has colic include:

• a high-pitched cry or a scream that rocking or soothing does not relieve
• tension such as pulled up or stiffened legs, clenched fists, stiffened arms, arched back
• red or flushed face
• fussiness, even after crying has stopped
• a predictable pattern, usually worse in the evening

Reflux is common in babies, especially after they have fed. For the most part, this is because their digestive system is still developing, and the muscle at the entrance to the stomach is not yet strong enough to keep the stomach contents where they belong. Instead, they come back up into the esophagus or the mouth. This does not usually cause pain or any issues with weight gain, and for the most part, it is a completely harmless condition that babies grow out of as their digestive system develops.

It is important to note, however, that occasionally reflux can have associated complications like gastro-osophageal reflux disease (GORD). It is always best to have your child checked over by a medical professional who can give you an accurate diagnosis.

Many factors can contribute to these types of tummy complaints, which is the reason Naturopathic reflux and colic treatment can be so useful. We consider all variables of diet, lifestyle, and health history of both the mother and child to identify these contributing factors. Once they have been identified, they can be addressed, and the baby’s symptoms closely monitored to track their progress and watch for other clues that may be useful. The good news is, most cases respond quickly to some simple changes, setting up good gut health moving forwards. As we know, many health issues begin with the gut, so ensuring your child has the best gut health possible is one great way to ensure they are as happy and healthy as they can be.