How to Reduce Acid Reflux in Babies

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Gastroesophageal reflux, or as it is more commonly known, acid reflux, is extremely common in young babies. According to Dr. Sears, about one fourth of infants have acid reflux. Different babies show different symptoms of this condition, which may include spitting up, stomachaches, waking up at night and colic. There are a number of strategies that one can take when feeding a baby who has acid reflux in order to minimize the condition.
A baby with acid reflux usually does better with smaller feedings. He or she may not spit up as much with less milk in the stomach. Of course you have to make up for the smaller feedings by feeding your baby more often.
The best subsidence for your baby is breast milk. Babies digest breast milk the best, and a baby may be more likely to show signs of acid reflux with formula. Breast milk is specifically made for babies, and formula simply cannot replicate it. If you have no choice but to use formula, there are some types that might be better for babies who have acid reflux. Your baby’s pediatrician can recommend the right type for your child.
Do not lay your baby down right after he or she eats. Hold him or her in an upright position so that the milk is more likely to stay in the stomach due to gravity. You can hold your baby sitting on your lap and hold his or her head to you. Dr. Sears recommends staying this way for half an hour after a meal. You should also try to keep your baby upright while you are actually feeding him or her. For instance, you can breast-feed with the baby in a sitting position.
There are other measures you can take while breastfeeding baby with acid reflux. Make sure that the latch is very secure because if he or she swallows extra air then he or she may spit up more. Let him or her finish nursing on one side before switching to the other.
Your baby may also spit up more if he or she is fussy while eating. Try to calm your baby down so that he or she is less likely to spit up.
Fortunately, most babies outgrow acid reflux and will stop spitting up as they grow older. According to Kelly Mom, many are done by the time they are eight months, and most are finished by their first birthday. If the acid reflux is severe, the doctor may prescribe medication. Try all of the above strategies to minimize this potentially painful condition for your child.