Keeping Your Baby Protected

Acid reflux, which is also termed as gastroesophageal reflux, is one of the most frequent problems among infants. Babies with acid reflux often suffer from a range of conditions, from a mild degree to a severe one, such as recurrent spitting up, abdominal pain, and night waking.

This discussion would be more comprehensive with the understanding of the physiological or the mechanical aspect of the condition. The body has a band of muscle in a circular structure that is called the lower esophageal sphincter. This muscle detaches the esophagus from the stomach. When food comes into the stomach, it closes so as to prevent the stomach acids and contents from backing up into the esophagus or regurgitating. But in the case of some babies, the lower esophageal sphincter has grown immature. As such, the partially digested food and digestive acids are allowed to be refluxed. This condition causes irritation in the esophagus lining which results to inflammation that is also commonly called as heartburn.

Acid reflux among babies usually develops when they are between two to four weeks old. Doctors usually prescribe medicines that minimize the production of digestive acids. Within six to nine months, the acid reflux starts to naturally subside. At this time period, the babies spend most of their time in an upright position. This is to apply the law of gravity on the food taken in; that is, the food stays down more naturally and reduces possible regurgitation.

The following are helpful pointers on feeding and positioning of babies to lessen acid reflux:

Prepare smaller feedings recurrently. It makes sense to feed your baby more than usual but less than the accustomed. If lesser volume of milk goes into the stomach, the digestion will be faster and there will be fewer amounts of contents available for regurgitation.

Maintain the baby in an upright position after feeding. As discussed earlier, gravity helps to keep the digestive contents down. Position your baby seated in your lap while his head rests on your chest. Keep this position for at least half an hour after feeding.

Breastfeeding helps a lot. Breast milk is well-known to have many advantages over other commercial formula, mainly for babies with acid reflux. Breast milk can be digested faster, which of course lessens spitting up, and it has special enzymes that assists digestion. In addition to that, breast milk does not trigger allergy to babies compared to other milks available in the market. But for those who are formula-feeding, it is advisable to use milk with a hypoallergenic formula as advised by a doctor. Aside from having higher tolerance with sensitive intestines, hypoallergenic milk can also be digested faster by the stomach so as to minimize refluxes.

Set your baby in a comfortable position when asleep. Since when a baby lies flat when sleeping, gravity cannot help in keeping the food down in this set-up. As a result, a baby with acid reflux often has to endure a sore night waking. If a baby can sleep soundly, then there will be no need to call for a change in his habit. But some babies become restless, which can be noted by abdominal pain, acid breath, and wet burps. In this case, it is recommended to elevate the baby’s crib to about 30 degrees. This will be enough to reduce the regurgitation. You may also try to train him to sleep on his left side. It is in this position where the inlet of the stomach is higher than the exit. This will also help to keep the food down.

What is Acid Reflux in Babies?

 

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when the stomach's contents flow back into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, isn't fully developed or doesn't close properly. It's important to note that most babies experience some degree of reflux, especially during the first few months of life. However, when reflux causes discomfort or complications, it's referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

 

Recognizing Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Babies

It can be challenging to identify acid reflux in babies, as they can't express their discomfort through words. Look out for the following signs that may indicate acid reflux:

Frequent Spit-Up: Occasional spitting up is normal, but if your baby is spitting up large amounts after feeding, it could be a sign of reflux.

Fussy Behavior: Acid reflux can cause discomfort and irritability in babies. They may cry more than usual, especially during or after feeding.

Arching Back: Babies with reflux may arch their back during or after feeding, as if trying to alleviate discomfort.

Poor Weight Gain: If your baby isn't gaining weight as expected, it could be due to acid reflux affecting their feeding habits.

Coughing or Wheezing: Acid reflux can cause stomach contents to irritate the throat, leading to coughing or wheezing.

 

Managing Acid Reflux in Babies

While acid reflux can be concerning, there are steps you can take to help manage your baby's symptoms:

Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Overfeeding can worsen reflux symptoms. Offer smaller, more frequent feedings to prevent overloading the stomach.

Hold Your Baby Upright: After feeding, hold your baby upright for about 30 minutes to allow gravity to help keep stomach contents down.

Elevate the Crib: Elevating the head of your baby's crib slightly can help reduce reflux during sleep.

Burp Your Baby: Burp your baby frequently during feedings to release excess air and prevent pressure on the stomach.

Choose the Right Formula: If your baby is formula-fed, consider using a formula specifically designed for babies with reflux.

Breastfeeding Tips: If you're breastfeeding, experiment with your diet to identify any foods that might be exacerbating your baby's reflux.

 Foods to Avoid

While your baby's diet consists primarily of breast milk or formula, certain foods in your diet can affect their reflux:

Spicy Foods: Spices can contribute to stomach discomfort in breastfed babies.

Acidic Foods: Citrus fruits and juices can irritate your baby's stomach.

Dairy Products: Some babies may be sensitive to cow's milk protein, so consider eliminating dairy from your diet if breastfeeding.

Caffeine and Chocolate: These substances can relax the LES and worsen reflux symptoms.

 

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

If you suspect that your baby is experiencing acid reflux, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance. In some cases, acid reflux can lead to complications such as failure to thrive, breathing difficulties, or esophagitis. Your healthcare provider can recommend appropriate measures based on the severity of your baby's reflux.

Acid reflux in babies is a common issue that can cause discomfort and concern for parents. By recognizing the symptoms and implementing practical strategies like smaller, more frequent feedings and upright positioning after meals, you can help manage your baby's reflux. It's also crucial to pay attention to your baby's diet if you're breastfeeding and to consult a healthcare professional for expert guidance. With your attentive care and the right approach, you can keep your baby protected and ensure their well-being as they navigate this phase of development.