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.
Is Acid reflux worse for babies at night? When babies are suffering from acid reflux they prefer to be held upright. Fussy behavior from reflux can occur all day, rather than just at night. However, if acid reflux is uncomfortable it can cause restlessness in your baby and difficulty sleeping at night.
If vomiting or reflux symptoms occur, give less at each feeding. Feed your baby about every 2 to 4 hours during the day, and on demand at night (when your infant wakes up) or as directed by their doctor. Some infants need to be fed during both the day and night to gain weight.
1ndividuals with nighttime GERD may wake up more often choking or coughing or with regurgitation (ie, an acid or sour taste in their mouth) at nighttime. A recent study has also shown that individuals with nighttime heartburn tend to have more severe GERD symptoms.
Normal reflux in babies
Reflux is one of the most common infant feeding problems. It usually starts around the 2 to 3 week mark, peaks around 4 to 5 months, and typically goes away by about 9 to 12 months.
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.
Reflux usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old and gets better by the time they're 1.
Reflux usually peaks at 4 – 5 months of life and stops by 12 – 18 months.
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.
Some factors that contribute to infant reflux are common in babies and often can't be avoided. These include lying flat most of the time and being fed an almost completely liquid diet. Sometimes, infant reflux can be caused by more-serious conditions, such as: GERD .
Some babies get acid reflux. This can cause gurgling and grunting sounds during digestion. The muscles of your baby's digestive system are still developing, so the muscle between the stomach and esophagus doesn't always remain closed properly.
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.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that the back sleeping position be recommended in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux for mild to moderate cases 5. The tummy and side sleeping positions significantly increase the risk of sudden infant death for babies under six months of age 5, 6.
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.
Currently, there is no robust evidence to support early (before 6 months) weaning to help alleviate symptoms of reflux in babies. Often, babies suffering from reflux are prescribed a thickener which helps their milk stay down.
4) Feed small amounts, frequently. For small infants, this means 1-2 oz every 1-2 hours; bigger infants need 2-4 oz every 2-3 hours and increase gradually. Do not over-feed your baby, this will lead to more discomfort!
Coffee and tea – Caffeinated beverages aggravate acid reflux. Opt for teas without caffeine. Carbonated beverages – The bubbles expand in your stomach, creating more pressure and pain.
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.
Bottle feeding your baby in an upright position can help reduce the symptoms of reflux.
Reflux and regurgitation are when your baby brings up small amounts of milk after a feed. It's perfectly normal. In fact, around 30% of healthy babies experience regurgitation during their first year, while their digestive system is still maturing1.
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.