The All Night Reflux Rock - Silent Reflux In Babies

Sleep – I have actually forgotten just what that is now. Harry has reflux – silent reflux to be exact and he just doesn’t sleep unless it is upright on me. This means I can’t lay down to sleep and have moved into Emmy’s single bed with a bedguard on the side, and I sleep propped upright with Harry sleeping on my chest.

I knew there was something wrong with Harry and took him to the doctors on numerous occasions, however, it took quite a while to get a diagnosis of silent reflux because he was gaining weight, drinking his milk (breastfeeding) and he wasn’t being sick. It actually took me videoing him screaming, arching his back in pain and showing it to our health visitor for anyone to listen. She then knew straightaway it was silent reflux and called through to the GP. He was then diagnosed with silent reflux and prescribed Gaviscon which was a turning point from then on.

If you think your baby may have silent reflux, I would recommend taking a video of them after a feed and showing the doctor and/or health visitor, as it is easier for them to see it firsthand than to listen to your description of the symptoms.

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Silent reflux in babies

silent reflux is also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or acid reflux, is a condition in which stomach contents flow back into the baby’s oesophagus but don’t necessarily cause visible symptoms like being sick. Unlike typical reflux, silent reflux doesn’t always result in noticeable regurgitation or vomiting.

In babies with silent reflux, their stomach acid can irritate the lining of the oesophagus, leading to discomfort and potential complications.

Symptoms may include:

Irritability: Babies with silent reflux may seem fussy, especially during or after feeding.
Arching of the back: Some babies may arch their back to try to alleviate discomfort.

Difficulty swallowing: Your baby might show signs of discomfort or pain when swallowing.
Coughing and wheezing: The irritation caused by reflux can lead to coughing or wheezing.
Poor weight gain: In severe cases, if feeding is uncomfortable, babies might not eat as much, leading to slower weight gain.

It’s important to consult with a doctor if you suspect silent reflux in your baby. They can provide guidance on managing the condition, which may include adjustments to feeding techniques, changes in feeding positions, or medications if necessary.

This is our Reflux Rock song I sing to Harry when pacing the floors all night long:

(You know the tune – join in!)

One, two, three o’clock, four o’clock, rock,
Five, six, seven o’clock, eight o’clock, rock,
Nine, ten, eleven o’clock, twelve o’clock, rock,
We’re gonna rock around the clock all night.

Put your pj’s on and join me, son,
We’ll have no fun when the clock strikes one,
We’re gonna rock around the clock all night,
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight.
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock all night.

When the clock strikes two, three and four,
If mummy slows down you’ll yell some more,
We’re gonna rock around the clock all night,
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight.
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock all night.

When the chimes ring five, six and seven,
We’ll be stuck in reflux hell.
We’re gonna rock around the clock all night,
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight.
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock all night.

When it’s eight, nine, ten, eleven too,
I’ll be crying and so will you.
We’re gonna rock around the clock all night,
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight.
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock all night.

When the clock strikes twelve, I’ll hope you’ll cool off then,
Nope, best get rockin’ round the clock again.
We’re gonna rock around the clock all night,
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight.
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock all night.