Parenting: Infant Reflux: Recommended Lifestyle Changes

Acid reflux is a painful condition that causes stomach contents to back up into the esophagus after food is consumed. The National Digestive Disorders Information Clearinghouse explains that both adults and babies can suffer from acid reflux, although it is very common in babies when babies cry, cough or do any other action which causes their lower esophageal sphincter to open up, allowing stomach contents to back up. Some of the ways that babies are fed and what they are given can affect acid reflux in babies. 

Babies are being medicated for infant reflux at an alarming rate these days, often before common sense lifestyle changes are recommended. As a society we have been programmed to look for medication as a quick symptom mask but when it comes to a baby we are more concerned that the product is "natural".

Recommended lifestyle changes to sooth acid reflux in babies

Infant Reflux - Breastfeeding Natural Remedies

Breastfeed your baby

Minimize forceful letdowns.

Be sure to finish the first breast before switching sides.

Nurse on one breast for at least 2 hours before switching if your baby wants to constantly nurse.

Alter your diet for a trial period of several weeks.

Avoid offering your baby formula as a means to end fussy behavior. 

 

Infant Reflux - General Feeding Natural Remedies

Breast or bottle feed your baby on an angle of at least 30 degrees and with a totally straight spine.

Give your baby smaller, more frequent feedings that are easier for him to digest.

Burp your baby thoroughly.

Exercise extreme caution if you choose to thicken feedings.

Experiment with different bottles if bottle feeding.

Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after each feeding.

Keep from stimulating your baby for 20-30 minutes after each feeding.

If your baby is having a feeding aversion or seems to be more uncomfortable than usual check with your pediatrician to be sure that the medication dose he is on is still appropriate for his weight. 

 

Infant Reflux - Positioning as a Natural Remedy

Avoid placing your baby flat on his back.

Avoid putting your baby in any seat or baby carrier (bouncy or car or sling) that causes him to slump right after feedings.

Elevate the head of the crib and changing station by 30 degrees. 

 

Infant Reflux - Other Natural Remedies

Change your baby's diaper before feeding.

Avoid putting your baby in tight diapers and clothing that put pressure on his tummy.

Avoid exposing your baby to cigarette smoke, dust, mold or other respiratory triggers.

Carry or hold your baby often with a straight spine and no pressure on his tummy.