Nutrition Support for Reflux (GORD) in Babies & Children

Reflux vs. GORD

Acid reflux is the backflow of gastric acids and bile from the stomach up into the oesophagus (food pipe).

Majority of babies with reflux are well  as they are breathing normally. There are nutritional interventions that may decrease the incidence or reflux from occurring. 

GORD is different in that it causes pain and discomfort in a babies chest and stomach. 

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What Is GORD (Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease)?

Reflux, or gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), is when stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus. This is very common in babies and can also affect toddlers and older children. When it becomes persistent, painful, or affects feeding, growth, or sleep — it may be diagnosed as GORD (reflux disease).

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Common Signs of Reflux or GORD in Children:

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 Babies:

• Frequent spitting up or vomiting after feeds

• Arching of the back during or after feeding

• Crying, irritability, or unsettled behaviour

• Poor weight gain or feeding refusal

• Chronic hiccups, coughing, or wheezing

• Difficulty sleeping when laid flat

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Toddlers and Older Children:

• Complaints of heartburn or chest pain

• Chronic cough or sore throat

• Bad breath or sour taste in the mouth

• Difficulty swallowing or fear of eating

• Recurrent vomiting or nausea

• Preference for small frequent meals

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Causes and Risk Factors:

• Immature digestive system in infants

• Overfeeding or feeding too quickly

• Dairy protein allergy or intolerance

• Delayed gastric emptying

• Structural issues (rare)

• Pressure on the tummy (e.g., from constipation or tight clothing)

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How Can Nutrition Help Manage Reflux?

Nutrition plays a key role in managing reflux symptoms — both in babies and older children — and often works alongside medical or positional strategies.

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 For Babies:

• Feeding position and timing strategies

• Feed volume and pacing adjustments

• Formula changes if needed (e.g., thickened or hydrolysed formulas)

• Dairy-free trials if cow’s milk protein allergy is suspected (under guidance)

• Support for breastfed babies with maternal diet modifications

Tip: Keeping baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeds can help reduce regurgitation and discomfort.

 

For Toddlers and Children:

• Identifying and avoiding common triggers (spicy foods, acidic drinks, chocolate, large meals)

• Meal timing to avoid reflux near bedtime

• High-calorie, reflux-friendly meal planning for underweight children

• Texture and portion adjustments

• Addressing co-existing constipation which may worsen reflux

• Support with fear or anxiety around eating if feeding aversions have developed

When to See a Paediatric Dietitian

Book a consultation if your child:

• Has ongoing reflux symptoms affecting sleep, feeding, or growth

• Has been prescribed reflux medication but symptoms continue

• Has food refusal, anxiety, or extreme fussiness around meals

• Has suspected or confirmed cow’s milk allergy

• Needs support with weight gain or nutrition despite reflux

• Has a history of tube feeding or feeding therapy

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How We Can Help

Our specialist paediatric dietitians offer:

• Full feeding and symptom assessments

• Tailored dietary strategies to reduce reflux discomfort

• Guidance on trialling dairy-free or allergy-safe formulas (if applicable)

• Reflux-friendly weaning plans and toddler meals

• Support in reducing dependency on medications (alongside your doctor)

• Empathetic support for families coping with mealtime challenges