An aggravation of reflux symptoms This is perhaps explains why many families find that their reflux baby seems worse after using this remedy. It is for this reason why I recommend families to stop using Infacol, if their baby presents with reflux symptoms.
Offering Smaller, More Frequent Feedings
Overfeeding can increase abdominal pressure, which worsens reflux symptoms. You may also find nipples with smaller holes (and a slower flow) to be helpful for your baby. Look for bottles that are designed to reduce the amount of air your baby takes in during feedings.
If you take too much
Taking too much simeticone is not likely to cause any serious problems. However, it may cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea or constipation.
An aggravation of reflux symptoms
It is the acidic nature of Infacol that causes concern. Foods which are high in acid can aggravate reflux symptoms. The acidity of the orange can contribute to the burning of the already damaged and raw oesophagus caused by the reflux.
️ You can continue to use Infacol for several weeks. However, if your baby's symptoms persist or seem to be getting worse, despite increasing the dose to two droppers full, get medical advice from your doctor, health visitor or pharmacist.
Reflux tends to peak around four to six months and then improve. The reason: Older babies start eating solid foods and consume less liquid — and solids are easier to keep down. But reflux isn't something babies just have to live with until they grow older.
A baby suffering from Silent Reflux will often have bouts of unexplained crying and show obvious signs of discomfort.
Fortunately, most babies will outgrow reflux by 12 to 18 months of age. When GER leads to troublesome symptoms and/or complications, we call it Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). An infant with GERD may experience: Coughing, choking or gagging.
Foods that people with laryngopharyngeal reflux should avoid include spicy, fried and fatty foods; citrus fruits; tomatoes; chocolate; peppermint; cheese; and garlic. Foods that contain caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol also can worsen symptoms.
Commonly with silent reflux the symptoms are worse in the morning after lying down all night. The sphincters at the top and bottom of the throat which are meant to be tightly controlled can stay open allowing acid to splash up into the throat resulting in these symtoms.
Reflux can be quite concerning for parents, but it's very common and usually gets better on its own. Reflux usually starts before a baby is eight weeks old, improves by six months, and has usually stopped by the time a baby is one year old.
How soon should I see Infacol working? Treatment with Infacol may provide a progressive improvement over several days. You should see a difference in the frequency and severity of your baby's crying attacks over a period of days.
Infacol can be used as often as required, before each and every feed regardless of how many times you feed your baby during the day. Infacol's active ingredient, simeticone, does not get absorbed into your baby's body.
Infacol has a progressive effect, which means that it should be given to your baby for several days to achieve the best results. If your baby's colic hasn't improved after three to four days you can increase the dosage to two droppers full (1ml).
Acid concentration in the stomach is higher at night. The baby is likely lying down, so there is no assistance from gravity to help keep the contents of the stomach down.
Medication such as omeprazole (often packaged under the brand name 'Losec') or Ranitidine may be considered by your doctor, for the small number of babies that have silent reflux. These meds work to neutralise the acid in the tummy, so when liquid comes up the oesophagus it doesn't burn.
If your baby has reflux, you can and should continue with tummy time. Try the positions where your baby is more upright such as on your chest, over your legs or on a gym ball. Remember to leave 20 to 30 minutes after a feed before placing your baby on their tummy to reduce vomiting and discomfort.
Back sleeping is the best way to reduce the risk of SIDS and is the recommended position until babies can roll over fully on their own―even for babies with reflux.
Additionally, a medical study found that the 'non-nutritive' sucking (sucking without feeding) with a dummy can improve the rate the stomach empties and also decrease the number of reflux episodes in a group of premature infants.
This may be especially useful at night, before the evening feed. Infacol should be used for several days to achieve the best results, as treatment may show a progressive effect. Continued use may help to prevent a further build up of wind. You can continue to use Infacol for several weeks.
It is likely that your baby will get wind sometimes, as air can get into their tummy whilst feeding. You can generally ease the discomfort this causes by straightening her back and letting them burp. Click here for ways to wind your baby.
If you're breastfeeding simply administer the liquid before the feed and if you're using a bottle the liquid can be added to the milk/fomula. Make sure you use Infacol with every feed to ensure the product builds up in your baby's system.