Natural evolution of regurgitation in healthy infants

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the natural history of infant regurgitation during the first year of life. METHODS: Parents recorded prospectively the frequency of regurgitation for 1 week before consultation during the first year of life. A sub-group analysis according to the method of feeding was planned. RESULTS: A total of 130 infants of an original sample of 163 (80%) newborns were followed up for 1 year. Daily spilling was highest during the first month of life (73%) and decreased gradually to 50% during the fifth month of life. During the first 2 months of life, 20% of the infants regurgitated more than four times per day. After the age of 12 months, only 4% of the infants had daily regurgitations. Exclusively breastfed infants did regurgitate less than partially breastfed infants. Weight gain was influenced by the frequency of regurgitation, especially in partially breastfed infants. CONCLUSION: Regurgitation in infancy is common, decreasing from birth, and tends to disappear by 12 months of age. Weight gain during the first 4 months of life is decreased in infants who regurgitate more than four times a day. Our data suggest that exclusively breastfed infants regurgitate less than partially breastfed babies.