Acid Reflux in Babies, Infants - Causes, How to Deal With ?

Have you noticed that your child is spitting milk or frequently vomiting post feeds? If yes, then maybe your baby is suffering from acid reflux. So before we go further into the causes and symptoms and how to deal with acid reflux let's understand what is acid reflux. Scroll down to read more about acid reflux in babies and how you can deal with it.

What Is Acid Reflux In Babies?

When your baby spits out some milk post feeding it is known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GR) in Infants. While acid reflux is quite common in newborn babies, it becomes a serious issue when the baby is frequently vomiting after every feed, is not gaining weight as per his or her age and is irritated most of the time that is when you need doctor's intervention.

What Are The Causes Of Acid Reflux In Infant?

The major cause of acid reflux in children is the underdeveloped muscles of the stomach. Hence when your baby drinks your milk some of it spat back in the form curdled milk.

How To Deal With Acid Reflux In Babies?

Here are few simple ways you can deal with acid reflux in your child.

1. Frequent feedings: You need to keep feeding your baby frequently so that he or she doesn't go hungry. Also, avoid overfeeding hence feed the baby when he or she demands and stop when the baby pulls himself or herself off the nipple.
2. Check the bottle nipple size: While the bottle feeding at any cost should be avoided but if it is not avoidable then please ensure that the nipple size and shape is like a mother's breast so that there is no nipple confusion and the baby doesn't gulp air
3. Burp your child often: When you are feeding your child, make sure to burp him or her frequently ideally after each and every feed, which will help release the air inside his/her stomach.
4. No playtime immediately after feed: Avoid initiating the playtime just after the feed, as it increases the chances of acid reflux in your baby.

Apart from all these, your baby's sleeping position should also be considered to avoid acid reflux. You must put your baby to sleep on his/her back on a firm mattress, avoid thick blankets, pillows, loose objects or any toys next to the sleeping area.

Remembering these points will help you avoid acid reflux in your infant. If the condition becomes severe then consult your doctor immediately.

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