Natural Remedies for Colic and Reflux in Babies | Baby Digestion Relief
We understand how distressing colic and reflux can be for both babies and their families. These common concerns can disrupt feeding, sleep, and bonding, leaving parents feeling helpless. Our holistic approach focuses on identifying the underlying causes of colic and reflux and providing gentle, effective solutions to support your baby’s digestive comfort and overall wellbeing.
What is Colic and Reflux in Babies?
Brand new tummies haven’t needed to do any work before and while milk should be the easiest food for a baby to digest, it’s not always that simple. Differentiating between colic and reflux can sometimes be very difficult. Some babies can have both reflux and gas, which can involve different treatment approaches.
- Colic: Defined as regular, excessive crying and discomfort (usually in the afternoons and evenings) in an otherwise healthy baby. The term ‘colic’ can also be used loosely to describe tummy aches.
- Reflux: When stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus, and the acidity of the stomach acid is irritating the tissue in the throat. This causes pain and discomfort for your little one and causes extended periods spitting up, discomfort, or irritability.
Signs and Symptoms of Colic and Reflux in Babies
Your baby may experience;
- Persistent crying or fussiness, often for hours at a time
- Arching of the back or pulling up legs in discomfort
- Frequent spitting up or vomiting
- Difficulty feeding or refusing to feed
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Symptoms worsening after feeding
Common Causes of Colic and Reflux in Babies
- Immature digestive system
- Food sensitivities or intolerances (e.g., dairy or soy)
- Overfeeding or swallowing air during feeds
- Gut microbiome imbalances
- Structural issues, such as tongue or lip ties
- Stress or overstimulation
Download the ‘Wonky Winding’ diagram
To learn how to effectively burp your baby
Gas pain after feeding?
Download the ‘Wonky Winding’ diagram
To learn how to effectively burp your baby
Gas pain after feeding?
How We Provide Holistic and Natural Solutions for Babies with Colic and Reflu
When it comes to newborn reflux treatment, carminative herbs, colic drops and gripe water are common over-the-counter options to treat wind pain. However, these can actually make the symptoms of reflux worse for some babies. While conventional baby reflux treatments decrease stomach acidity, they can actually impact your little one’s ability to properly break down food once they make the transition onto solids.
- Comprehensive Assessment: Understanding your baby’s feeding habits, symptoms, and medical history.
- Identifying Triggers: Exploring potential contributors, such as food sensitivities, feeding techniques, or gut health imbalances.
- Nutritional Support: Guidance on maternal diet (if breastfeeding) or formula choices to minimise irritants.
- Gentle Remedies: Recommending age appropriate natural therapies, such as personalised probiotic therapy, herbal remedies, or nutritional medicines.
- Supportive Techniques: Practical tips for burping, positioning, and soothing your baby to reduce discomfort.
Booked an appointment? Here’s what you can do in the meantime
Ease your baby’s discomfort
Here are our top tips for relieving the symptoms of newborn reflux:
- Keep your baby upright during feeding and for 20 minutes afterwards
- Keep your baby elevated where possible (even for sleep) and consider baby wearing
- Burp your baby after every feed to decrease the amount of air building up in their stomach
- Take note of when your baby experiences symptoms of colic and reflux
- Use a slower-flow nipple if you bottle feed
- Apply warmth to the belly area
- Try ‘wonky winding’ to effectively move the trapped wind – you can download our wonky winding diagram
- Find out what medications were administered during birth (antibiotics, steroids)
FREE CONSULtation
Book Your Free Discovery Call
If you’re unsure if a naturopath is a good fit for your family, book in a 15min chat.
Free Consultation
Book Your Free Discovery Call
If you’re unsure if a naturopath is a good fit for your family, book in a 15min chat.