The best sleeping position for a newborn baby with reflux is on their backs (supine position), even better if they lie on a surface with an incline angle of about 30 degrees. If their head and chest are elevated slightly in relation to the rest of their body, the backflow of milk from their stomach is reduced.
Some babies have more problems with their reflux than others, but most babies outgrow the problem by 12 months of age. In some, it can last longer than this. Even if your child has a problem with reflux that requires treatment, he or she is still likely to outgrow their reflux.
Excessive caffeine in mom's diet can contribute to reflux. Allergy should be suspected in all infant reflux cases. According to a review article in Pediatrics [Salvatore 2002], up to half of all GERD cases in babies under a year are associated with cow's milk protein allergy.
Certain foods such as caffeine, chocolate, and garlic – can promote reflux. Consider cutting these things out of your diet if you are breastfeeding your infant. Some of these foods can leave traces in your breastmilk and have a negative impact on the severity of your baby's reflux.
Symptoms of GERD
Infants with this problem cry numerous times per day. They also act very unhappy when they are not crying. They are in almost constant discomfort. Poor Weight Gain.
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.
1. Cold milk: Milk has a high amount of calcium, which helps to prevent acid build-up by absorbing the excess acid produced. Also with if the milk is cold it sure does provides instant relief from the burning sensation that one feels during 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.
Doctors may recommend medicines—typically proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers—if an infant has esophagitis or has bothersome GERD symptoms that don't improve after lifestyle changes. Don't give infants medicines unless told to do so by a doctor. PPIs and H2 blockers lower the amount of acid the stomach makes.
GER is common in infants because they have a liquid diet and spend a lot of time lying down. They may outgrow this as they get bigger. If GER is more severe and longer lasting, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Causes of reflux in babies
It usually just occurs because a baby's food pipe (oesophagus) is still developing. It normally stops by the time a baby is a year old.
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.
Reflux can be worse at night for 3 reasons (3): 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.
Baby reflux symptoms
Constant or sudden crying when feeding. Bringing up milk during or after feeds (regularly). Frequent ear infections. Lots of hiccups or coughing.
Babies with silent reflux might fuss, cry, and arch their backs. They do not calm down after feedings. Instead, they make grunting noises while trying to rest.
Spitting up is a normal event for babies and doesn't usually cause them a problem although more severe forms are possible e.g. GORD or GERD. Certain underlying causes such as allergy or oversupply can make reflux worse.
While both breastfed and formula fed babies can experience reflux, research has shown that formula fed infants have episodes of reflux more often than breastfed babies and they last longer.
The best way to burp a baby experiencing reflux is by holding them with their tummy side against your chest and burping them over your shoulder. This will allow for removal of trapped gas and acid from your baby's system before giving them further milk to drink.