Baby illnesses

Why do some babies have such a difficult start?

The first year of life is a period of rapid development, particularly of the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. In some infants, this phase is accompanied by symptoms such as excessive crying, feeding difficulties, reflux, colic and general irritability.

Infant colic, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and unsettled behaviour are among the most common reasons for paediatric consultations. These may occur separately, but often present together.

Several mechanisms can contribute, including:

Immaturity of gastrointestinal function and motility
Transient dysfunction of the lower oesophageal sphincter (leading to reflux)
Increased visceral sensitivity
Early development of the gut microbiome
Feeding-related factors (e.g. air swallowing, overfeeding, intolerance)
Neurological immaturity affecting regulation and sleep

In most cases, these are functional and self-limiting conditions, meaning no structural abnormality is present, and symptoms improve over time. However, the impact on both the infant and family can be considerable, often leading to parental concern and exhaustion.

What standard treatments are offered by doctors?

The standard medical approach to colic and infant reflux treatment focuses on careful clinical evaluation, reassurance, and targeted symptom management.

Key elements include:

Medical assessment to exclude underlying pathology (e.g. infection, cow’s milk protein allergy, anatomical abnormalities)
Feeding evaluation and support, including optimization of breastfeeding technique or formula choice
Reflux management strategies, such as:
- Upright positioning after feeds
- Smaller, more frequent feeds
- Thickened feeds in selected cases
- Medications are used less frequently due to unwanted side effects
Parental guidance and reassurance, as many symptoms resolve with maturation

For infant colic, treatment is often supportive, focusing on soothing techniques and parental coping strategies, as no single intervention is universally effective.

How does the Clinic for Children approach the treatment of these baby illnesses?

Due to Dr Buskin’s extensive experience as a neonatologist in the United Kingdom, the clinic has a strong focus on health concerns during a child’s first year of life. At the Clinic for Children, we provide comprehensive care for colic, reflux, and unsettled infants, combining conventional paediatric assessment with an integrative, child-centred approach. Conventional medicine always remains the foundation, while we also consider the broader context of each infant’s symptoms.

Our approach includes:

Comprehensive assessment
We take time to evaluate feeding patterns (breast or bottle), growth, stool patterns, sleep and crying behaviour, as well as family context and parental wellbeing.
Gut function and microbiome support
Given the central role of the gastrointestinal system, we assess feeding tolerance, possible sensitivities, and signs of gut immaturity. Where appropriate, we provide evidence-informed guidance to support digestion and the developing gut microbiome.
Regulation and practical support
We guide parents in strategies to support infant comfort and regulation, including feeding rhythm, sleep structure, and soothing techniques.
Integrative care
When appropriate and safe, we may incorporate complementary therapies alongside standard care, tailored to the individual child. These are always used in addition to, not instead of, conventional paediatric management.

Our goal is to reduce symptoms such as crying, discomfort, and reflux, improve feeding and sleep, support healthy development, and strengthen parental confidence.

Looking for an integrative paediatrician and classical homeopath near The Hague or Wassenaar?

We have over 22 years of experience in paediatric care and expertise in guiding expat families in the Netherlands. Call us to make an appointment or ask any questions — in both English and Dutch.

Call +31 (0)70 517 0890Call +31 (0)70 517 0890

Studies and updates of interest for further reading on common baby illnesses

Probiotics and the gut microbiome

Several systematic reviews suggest that certain probiotic strains (particularly Lactobacillus reuteri) may reduce crying time in breastfed infants with colic, although results remain variable across studies.

Here are links to articles related to this topic:
Publication 1
Publication 2

Probiotics in reflux and digestion

Research suggests probiotics may influence gut motility, visceral sensitivity, and gastric emptying, which could play a role in reducing regurgitation and digestive discomfort in infants.

Here is a link to an article related to this topic:
Publication 1

Homeopathy and Colic

Some observational studies and small clinical trials have explored the use of homeopathic remedies in infants with colic, reporting improvements in crying time and overall comfort. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to small sample sizes, methodological variability, and lower levels of scientific evidence.

At present, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to draw firm conclusions about effectiveness. In clinical practice, some families report perceived benefit when homeopathy is used as part of a broader, integrative approach.

Here are links to articles related to this topic:
Publication 1
Publication 2