Reflux in Toddlers and Older Children: Symptoms After Year One

You got the cake, you lit the candles and sang the song. But something about this birthday isn't all that happy. 

They said your baby would outgrow its reflux in 12 months and here you are. You made it through this first insane year, leaning on the premise "this too shall pass,"  but not sure what happens now.

Or maybe you've had a pretty good go at year one, but suddenly things have changed for your child - and drastically - with no obvious cause.

According to Crying Over Spilt Milk, when reflux (in all forms) persists or emerges past age one, it can be be difficult to gain support from health professionals, who might attribute challenges to more "behavioral" concerns than lingering reflux issues or complications. 

In addition to the obvious signals such as continued spit up and vomit (long after they've gone vertical), some common symptoms, as shared in the article, include, but aren't limited to:

• Irritable, clingy, cries lots
  
• Sleeps poorly, wakes often
  
• Poor eater, or refuses to drink/eat
  
• Becomes worse if given acidic, spicy or fizzy food
  
• A virus, ‘stomach bug’ or teething may trigger an attack of reflux
  
• and more (Read the full helpful article here)

It was hard enough figuring out how to help and comfort your newborn or infant, but reflux in older babies brings a whole new set of challenges as they grow. And until they can learn to express themselves through a form of communication, the cries can only get louder, longer and deeper into your psyche. 

For more on this challenging topic, check out this comprehensive article from RISA, the Reflux Infants Support Association, on Reflux in Older Children, beyond the 12- to 18-month-window that most parents expect to be through with reflux. 

As always, hang in there, stay tough, and find a way to celebrate the good days; cake or no cake.