It is normal for babies to spit up or vomit after drink milk or eating food but if this happens a lot, it could be acid reflux. Since the digestive system of babies is in the developing stage, they might not be able to digest anything and everything they are fed. This condition is called acid reflux or heartburn. In most cases, this is normal and doesn't cause any trouble unless it becomes a daily thing. When acid reflux becomes chronic with serious symptoms leading to GERD( gastroesophageal reflux disease). So, it is important to treat this condition at initial level itself. Since you wouldn't want to give medicines to your tiny tot, we have some natural remedies that you can try to ease baby reflux. If you are a first-time parent with absolutely no idea about acid reflux in babies, read this article for causes, symptoms and home remedies.
Infant Baby Reflux Causes
Let us first talk about what causes acid reflux in babies. Well, all babies go through infant reflux because of underdeveloped digestive system. As per experts, the muscle that separates stomach and esophagus is not fully developed and so, it functions abnormally making the acid in the stomach come up to the throat and causing the babies a reflux action.
Besides, their mind is not able to understand the whole mechanism that is why it cannot regulate digestion and bowel movements. So, babies end up vomiting or spitting up the acid that reached their throat. Becaus of this reason only, parents are asked to burp the baby by keeping him on the stomach and petting his back.
Also Read: 8 Things To Know About Acid Reflux For Faster Relief
Symptoms of acid reflux in babies
Vomiting and spitting up are not the only symptoms of acid reflux in babies. Here is the list of potential symptoms.
- Coughing often
- Feels like choking
- Crying while eating
- Refusing milk
- Resisting to lie on back
- Foamy poop
- Feeling colicky
- Breathing difficulties
- Getting burps and hiccups often
- Not gaining weight
- Sour breath
These are some signs that parents must notice to provide right aid to the baby on time.
Home Remedies To Treat Acid Reflux In Babies
It is not necessary to give medications for such problems, some can be easily treated at home. Acid reflux or infant reflux is one of them. Scroll down to read how to treat acid reflux in babies at home naturally.
Also Read: 5 Steps To Prevent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Breastfeed
Some babies would resist to breastfeeding when they have severe reflux. However, experts suggest that breastfeeding is a potent solution to ease acid reflux symptoms in babies. Milk is easilu digested. However, if breastfeeding is not possible, you can also give formula milk to the baby. Just consult with your paediatrician about the right formula milk for acid reflux.
Feed frequently
If your baby has acid reflux, do not ignore feeding. You must feed your baby frequently in small portions that would not cause strain to your baby’s stomach. This would feed him without triggering acid reflux. Or else, they might get cranky.
Burp often
It is very essential to burp your baby. Along with feeding frequently, you must also burp the baby often. Take 2-3 hours break between feeding to burp the baby. This will help in releasing gas and alleviating symptoms of acid reflux.
Also Read: The Importance Of Making The Baby Burp After Feeding And Right Ways To Do
Make baby sit straight after feeding
Try to keep the baby in upright position while feeding and do not let him/her arch after feeding. This position will allow the milk/food to reach the stomach without choking the esophagus. It might be difficult to keep the baby sit straight but this is important to prevent acid reflux after feeding.
Change your diet
Infant nutrition depends on mother’s diet for as long as they are breastfed. Not just during pregnancy but post-delivery too, a mother should eat for the child. This is important as when mother eats healthy, wholesome, nutritious foods with all the essential nutrients, the baby will get that. Acid reflux in your baby might also be due to your poor diet. So, avoid consuming foods that produce gas and trigger acid reflux in babies.
These are some of the remedies that can help parents ease symptoms of acid reflux in babies. If the problem still persists, consult a pediatrician for detailed checkup before the problem becomes severe.
Image credits- freepik
