Acid Reflux in Babies
Acid reflux in babies often familiarized by the name infant acid reflux is a condition in which the baby spits out the contents in the stomach, immediately after feeding. Even though acid reflux most often occurs after a feeding, it can happen anytime when the baby coughs, cries or strains.
In case of serious acid reflux, babies need medical attention. The common symptoms of infant acid reflux are spitting up & vomiting.
Also, you need to see the pediatrician if your baby:
Is not gaining weight
Refuses to eat/drink anything
Forcefully spits green or yellow fluid (projectile vomiting)
Begins vomiting at the age of 6 months or older
Spits up blood
Has blood in her stool
Faces difficulty in breathing
Once, the cause of infant reflux is identified, do not panic; simply follow the following preventive measures that will help to reduce acid reflux in babies:
Hold the baby upright during feedings & for at least 30 minutes after feedings, as this will decrease the amount of acid reflux.
Feed the baby every two to three hours when she is awake to reduce the occurrence of acid reflux.
For the night-time sleeping position, position the infant on her back & elevate the head on the bed 30 degrees, as the gravity will help to keep the stomach content where they belong.
To reduce the amount the baby will spit out, feed the baby with rice cereal.
In case the baby is breastfed, then the mother should abstain certain food items such as caffeine, chocolate, garlic etc.
To help minimize gastric pressure & the acid reflux it can cause, make sure that the baby burps several times during the feed.
Avoid dressing the baby with clothes that have tight elastic around the wait, keep the diapers loose etc.