Reflux is common in infants because of several factors:
A shorter, more narrow oesophagus than in older children and adults
A lower oesophageal sphincter that is slightly above, rather than just below, the diaphragm
Delayed gastric emptying
The high calorie, liquid diet that babies need putting the stomach under strain
The fact that babies are often lying down, which means gravity can’t exert its usual effect.
Certain factors increase the risk of a baby developing reflux, including premature birth, parental history of heartburn or similar, obesity, anatomical abnormalities of the GI tract or surrounding muscles, and neurodisability disorders such as cerebral palsy.
