Infant Reflux & GERD
Infant Reflux & GERD
Calm, evidence-based help for spitting up, fussy feeds, and reflux that has the whole family worn out.
Most babies spit up. Some babies are miserable, refuse feeds, arch with pain, or struggle to gain weight, and that is when reflux deserves a specialist's eyes.
Dr. Mendez evaluates infant reflux in the context of feeding, growth, allergy, and anatomy, and works with families to find the smallest, safest plan that actually helps.
Signs and symptoms
- Frequent spitting up or vomiting after feeds
- Arching, crying, or back-extending during or after feeds
- Refusing the bottle or breast partway through a feed
- Coughing, choking, or congestion with feeds
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Frequent hiccups or wet burps
- Sleep disrupted by reflux symptoms
How we treat it
- Detailed feeding history, growth review, and physical exam.
- Practical positioning, pacing, and volume adjustments before reaching for medication.
- Evaluation for cow's milk protein allergy and other feeding-related contributors.
- Thoughtful, time-limited use of acid suppression when truly indicated.
- Close follow-up so we add or stop interventions based on real progress.
When to call a pediatric GI
- Poor weight gain or weight loss in a refluxing infant.
- Recurrent choking, coughing, or breathing issues with feeds.
- Severe arching, crying, or feeding refusal.
- Blood in spit-up or stool.
- A baby already on reflux medication who is still struggling.
Frequently asked
Does my baby need reflux medication?
Often the answer is no. Many infants improve dramatically with feeding and positioning changes alone. When medication is appropriate, we use it briefly and reassess.
What is the difference between reflux and GERD?
Reflux is normal in babies. GERD is when reflux causes complications like poor growth, feeding refusal, esophagitis, or breathing problems. The distinction matters because GERD warrants treatment and reflux usually does not.
Could this be a milk protein allergy?
Yes. Cow's milk protein allergy can mimic GERD almost exactly. A short structured trial of a maternal dairy elimination or specialized formula often gives a clear answer.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.