In babies, Gastroesophageal Reflux occurs when an infant's muscular sphincter—where the esophagus enters the stomach—allows acidic, gastric (stomach) fluids to reflux, or flow backwards up into the esophagus and sometimes reach as high as the mouth or nose.

Reflux is a condition that is normal and temporary for the vast majority of babies. Spitting up tends to peak at 4 months and most infants stop spitting up by 12 months of age.

• If your baby is spitting up without discomfort and is making appropriate weight gains, then your baby is probably a normal "spitter".
• When spiting up is severe or persistent and causes other problems for your baby, such as interfering with weight gain, pneumonia or vomiting blood, it is considered a condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD.

Things that you can do at home to help reduce spitting up:

• Provide smaller feedings
• Burp more frequently
• Stick to a regular feeding schedule
• Keep the baby away from tobacco smoke
• Avoid tight diapers and waistbands to help reduce spitting up
• For formula fed infants, feedings can be thickened with rice cereal
• Keep infant upright for at least 30 minutes after meals
• Avoid car seat positioning in the home

For older children:

• Have your child eat smaller meals more often
• Avoid eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime
• Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees
• Avoid carbonated drinks, chocolate, caffeine, and foods that are high in fat (french fries and pizza) or contain a lot of acid (citrus, pickles, tomato products) or spicy foods
• Avoid large meals prior to exercise
• Help your child lose weight if he or she is overweight
• Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke

Worrisome Symptoms of Reflux Disease