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Help for babies and young children who frequently bring back up their food

	Babies and young children often regurgitate (bring back up) their food. But if this happens frequently or causes problems, they may have gastroesophageal reflux disease. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to learn about changes in feeding and medication to treat this condition.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org for the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating gastroesophageal reflux disease in children. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose the best treatment options.

Many babies and children bring back up their food. Reflux is present when partly digested food comes up from the stomach into the tube that links the mouth to the stomach. If it happens frequently or causes problems, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Key points about gastroesophageal reflux disease in children

• The muscle joining the stomach to this tube usually prevents food in the stomach from going back up the tube. But in babies and children, this muscle may not be working well. The stomach contents may go back up into the tube, and your child may vomit.
• Most children grow out of this condition. Treatment may be necessary if your child is not growing or thriving.
• Thickening your babies food should help prevent vomiting, but don’t do this if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not put your baby to sleep on their front or side to try to reduce reflux. This increases their risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
• Children who sleep with their heads raised may have less reflux.
• Doctors sometimes prescribe certain drugs but we don’t know if they help this condition or not. There isn’t enough research to tell.
• If other treatments do not work, your doctor may recommend surgery, but this is risky.

Many babies and children bring back up their food. But if your child is not growing or gaining weight, brings up a large amount of most food, or is vomiting something that looks like coffee grinds, you should talk to your doctor.

As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for your child. We'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.