Babies are known to be super cute and cuddly. If you have a baby, you also know that they can spit up a lot. Spitting up is a common thing that babies do (and right up there with diaper blowouts on the ick factor) and a sign that they could have acid reflux. While you may think of acid reflux only a condition that adults have, babies can experience it too.
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux happens when stomach contents rise back up into the esophagus. Our bodies have a muscle (called the lower esophageal sphincter) located at the top of the stomach that opens to let food in and closes to keep the food and acid from coming back up. When that muscle is underdeveloped or doesn’t work correctly, stomach contents can rise back into the esophagus resulting in reflux.
Reflux is a normal, common condition for a baby to have. When babies are born, their digestive system is still developing, so that muscle is weak or underdeveloped. Typically, babies prone to acid reflux grow out of it by the time they reach 18 months. There is little need for concern as long as your baby is generally happy, healthy, eats well, and experiences normal weight gain.
At Home Reflux Remedies
When it comes to mild cases of acid reflux, you can make some simple lifestyle changes at home that should help get your baby’s reflux under control and make them more comfortable.
- Try feeding them in a more upright position so that food settles in their stomach better
- Use bottles designed to minimize air bubbles and regulate the amount of liquid that flows through it
- Feed them only when they seem hungry or more often with smaller amounts to keep them from getting an overfly full stomach, which can put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter
- Consult your baby’s pediatrician – it may be that a change their diet may help
- Burp them often during feedings and for at least 30 minutes after they’re done
- Avoid laying them down for at least 30 minutes after feedings
With some help from your pediatrician and changes at home, you should be able to find the right combination that will ease and prevent their reflux.
Disclaimer: PerkinElmer and ViaCord do not endorse or make recommendations with respect to research, medications or treatment. All information is provided for informational purposes only.
Resources:
Mayo Clinic. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
Medical News Today. What's to know about acid reflux in infants? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315590
Mayo Clinic. Infant reflux. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infant-acid-reflux/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351412
Today’s Parent. Does your baby have acid reflux, or are they just barfy? https://www.todaysparent.com/baby/baby-health/treating-acid-reflux-in-babies/
