Acid Reflux, also named gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is one of the most frequent problems among infants (between 40 and 60 percent of all newborns). A baby with reflux often suffers from symptoms ranging from mild to severe, such as recurrent spitting up, abdominal pain, and night waking.

Baby Acid Reflux Cause

The stomach and the esophagus is separated by a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When food passes down into the stomach the LES closes to prevent stomach acid and other contents refluxing back up into the esophagus. But in babies the LES may not be fully functioning and as such, allows digestive acids and partially digested food back up. These acids cause irritation to the esophagus lining and results in heartburn.

Signs of Reflux in Infants

A baby with reflux may experience these symptoms:
- Crying or fussing when the bottle or breast is presented
- Taking a long time to eat just small amounts
- Skips feedings without fuss
- Cries and distresses during a meal
- Coughs, vomits or chokes during or after meals.
- Is hungry but refuses meals.
- Takes a small amount and then cries.
- Spits out their milk
- Becomes agitated during feeding
see also Silent Acid Reflux

Most babies stop spitting up between 12 to 18 months of age but in a small number of cases, the symptoms of reflux in babies may become cause for concern.

These symptoms include

Vomiting large amounts, particularly in babies under 2 months old
- Vomiting blood or green or yellow fluids
- Difficulty breathing after vomiting or spitting up
- Slow growth or weight loss due to an inability to retain enough food
- Unable to feed due to pain
- Blood loss caused from acid burning the esophagus
- Respiratory problems
These problems are not exclusive to acid reflux and can be caused by other disorders.
Your health care provider needs to establish if acid reflux is the cause of the symptoms.

Baby Reflux Remedies

Some reflux medications are considered to be safe for use in babies, however the first line of treatment should be a natural approach, below are some proven natural baby reflux remedies.

When feeding, try to keep your baby as upright as possible with a straight spine.

Burp your baby after 1 or 2 ounces of formula are taken or for breastfed babies, after feeding on each side.

Do not overfeed. Discuss with your healthcare provider about the amount of formula or breast milk your baby should take.

Liquids usually reflux more than solids. Sometimes your doctor may recommend thickening feed with 1 tablespoon of cereal per ounce of formula. Special cross-cut bottle nipples will be needed.

Keep your baby upright in your arms for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Try to keep still for this time to let the food settle.

Avoid tight diapers and clothing that put pressure on your babies tummy.

Try to keep your baby’s spine straight when carrying and do not put pressure on their tummy.

Raise the head of the crib or use a reflux wedge to let gravity help keep your baby’s food down and stop acid refluxing back up.

Note: A baby more than about three months old will gradually slide to the bottom of a raised mattress, so be sure to use special sheets with pockets (Tucker Slinfs) to remedy this.
(For more information about special reflux pillows and Tucker Slings, including customer comments check out Amazon here)

Avoid exposing your baby to smoke or dust or other triggers that can cause respiratory problems.

Baby Acid Reflux – posted by reflux

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