Gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD or simply as reflux) is common in infants and children, although it is often overlooked. Children's immature digestive systems are usually to blame, and most infants grow out of GERD by the time they are a year old.
 
Understanding Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when stomach contents come back up into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) during or after a meal. A ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus opens and closes to allow food to enter the stomach. This ring of muscle is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This sphincter opens to release gas after meals in normal infants, children, and adults in the form of burping. When the sphincter opens in infants, the stomach contents often go up the esophagus and out the mouth (spitting up or vomiting). Reflux can also occur when babies cough, cry, or strain.