Oli6 Goat Milk Formula For Reflux: Why It Might Help
Regurgitation, also known as infant reflux, also known as your baby vomiting all over you several times a day, is usually quite harmless. More than half of all babies experience reflux symptoms to some extent, and in most cases it goes away by itself with time.
Infant reflux isn’t typically linked to colic or time spent crying. But if you’re worried about your baby’s tendency to spit up after feeds, it’s always worth seeking medical advice and getting some strategies for managing it.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about reflux, including tips that might help with reflux when formula-feeding, and how other parents have found success managing reflux with Oli6.
First things first, what is infant reflux?
Infant reflux occurs when the contents of your baby’s stomach are regurgitated up the oesophagus and sometimes into the mouth (not to mention both of your outfits).
As already noted, it’s very common in little babies. It usually shows up before they reach eight weeks, and peaks at around four months. Infant reflux then tends to get better as babies learn to sit up independently, start to eat solids, and as the ring of muscle at the top of their stomach becomes strong enough to keep stomach contents where they belong — typically around seven months.
Most babies tend to outgrow reflux (whether formula-fed or breastfed) by the time they reach their first birthday. It’s rare for them to still have it after 18 months of age, but it’s not unheard of.
When is infant reflux serious?
As long as your baby is feeding well, gaining weight and seems comfortable, a vomit here and there (or everywhere) isn’t anything to be concerned about.
However, a small number of little ones may experience additional symptoms that indicate a more serious form of infant reflux referred to as gastro-oesphageal reflux disease (GORD).
- Irritability or excessive crying
- Arching their back
- Disrupted sleep or difficulty settling
- Poor weight gain
- Breathing and swallowing problems, such as gagging, choking, wheezing or frequent coughing.
If your baby is experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor or paediatrician. They might prescribe medication, or suggest other strategies like switching to a reflux-friendly formula.
What causes infant reflux?
There are several reasons why babies may experience infant reflux, including:
- An immature digestive system – Especially small babies, including those born prematurely, may struggle to fully digest milk or formula.
- An allergy to cow’s milk – Around one in 50 babies have an allergy to cow’s milk and related dairy products. In some cases, this can trigger or worsen infant reflux symptoms.
- Lactose intolerance – Some babies (and adults too) lack the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down the milk sugar lactose. If your baby has a lactose intolerance they may experience similar symptoms to that of a cow’s milk allergy, including diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and gas.
Managing infant reflux in formula-fed babies
While your doctor or paediatrician can advise on the best way for you to manage infant reflux, here are some changes you can make that may help.
Keep your baby upright
Gravity can give you a helping hand with infant reflux, making it harder for stomach contents to travel back up. If you can, feed in an upright position, and keep them elevated for 20–30 minutes afterwards.
Try smaller, more frequent feeds
Too much formula at once can trigger acid reflux. Try feeding your little one smaller amounts more often and see if this reduces their symptoms. Check with your doctor before reducing feeds or changing feeding frequency.
Breastfeeding
While breastfeeding isn’t always an option, studies show that breastfed babies tend to experience infant reflux less commonly, and have shorter episodes of reflux than formula-fed babies. If you do breastfeed or mix feed and your baby has a sensitivity, your doctor may recommend changes to your diet.
Try a more reflux-friendly formula
In some cases, the specific makeup of the formula you’re using simply doesn’t sit well with your little one’s tummy. Some parents find that switching formulas helps ease their baby’s reflux.
There are lots of different formula types to try, including goat’s milk, soy, ‘pre-digested’ formulas, and formulas with added compounds.
What’s the best formula for acid reflux?
The best reflux formula for your little one will depend on what’s causing the issue and what sits well with them generally. This differs from child to child.
With the popularity of goat’s milk formula on the rise, some people wonder if it can help with managing infant reflux. With Oli6 and other types of goat’s milk formula, little ones with sensitive tummies can experience a range of benefits. Goat’s milk formula may be easier to digest for a few reasons:
- Smaller protein and fat molecules make it easier to process.
- Lower levels of A1 beta-casein protein make it a potentially different option for some children — though goat’s milk is **not suitable for babies with confirmed cow’s milk protein allergy**.
- Slightly less lactose than cow’s milk formula may suit some babies who are sensitive to lactose.
If you’re considering Oli6 Goat Milk Formula for reflux, you can compare it to other types of formula designed for sensitive babies.
What our customers say about managing reflux with Oli6
Many families have shared positive experiences managing infant reflux after switching to Oli6. The accounts below are individual experiences shared on the third-party review platform Product Review — individual results vary, and we always encourage families to work with their paediatrician on formula decisions.
Renee found that Oli6 suited her son’s sensitive tummy.
“We have tried 7 different formulas for my son as he has reflux and a sensitive tummy…. we decided to finally switch to goat milk formula. My fussy little guy is now drinking a whole bottle without fighting it, burps so easily, and seems so much more settled. He still spits up here and there, but nothing like he previously did with the other formulas.”
Kim would suggest Oli6 for parents managing colic and silent reflux.
“Would advise to anyone struggling with a colic/silent reflux baby. My poor baby boy struggled with the first 6–8 weeks; we changed formula a few times but decided to try Oli6. My beautiful 11-week-old has since been a totally different baby… it’s honestly been so great.”
Megan found Oli6 was gentle for her baby from the start.
“From the start she had reflux and seemed to always have an upset tummy. I wanted something gentle and easy on her stomach; I gave Oli6 a go and my daughter took the bottle straight away and loved it! I tried another formula before going to this and it wasn’t as gentle. So glad I came across Oli6.”
Annie was glad she switched to Oli6.
“My son had digestion problems including reflux and he spat up a bit… I thought I would try Oli6 — so glad we did. He is now feeding and sleeping so much better, which is such a relief to our family.”
You can read more about what our customers have to say about managing reflux with Oli6 on the trusted 3rd party review platform Product Review.
If your little one is experiencing infant reflux, Oli6 formula might help. Use our Stockist Finder to locate Oli6 Goat Milk Formula near you, and remember you can always chat to your paediatrician if you’re concerned about your baby’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can goat milk formula help with infant reflux?
Some parents find that switching to goat’s milk formula helps their baby’s reflux. Goat’s milk formula has smaller protein and fat molecules, which may be easier to digest for some babies. However, it won’t work for every baby, and if your baby has confirmed cow’s milk protein allergy, goat’s milk formula is not appropriate. Always consult your paediatrician before switching formula.
What causes infant reflux?
Infant reflux is most commonly caused by an immature sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach, which isn’t yet strong enough to keep milk down. It can also be related to a cow’s milk protein sensitivity or lactose sensitivity. Most babies outgrow reflux by their first birthday.
When should I see a doctor about my baby’s reflux?
See your doctor if your baby is showing signs of GORD: excessive crying/irritability, arching their back, poor weight gain, or breathing/swallowing problems. If reflux seems to be causing distress or affecting feeding, a paediatrician can advise on formula options and other strategies.
How do I trial a new formula for reflux?
Change formula gradually — replace one feed at a time over several days so your baby’s tummy can adjust. Always do this with guidance from your paediatrician or child health nurse, particularly if your baby has a known sensitivity or allergy.
