Gastro-oesophageal reflux: is common, affecting at least 40% of infants. usually begins before 8 weeks of age, peaks at 4 months and resolves by 1 year of age in majority of cases.
More than 50% of babies spit up regularly in the first months of life. Reflux usually peaks at 4 – 5 months of life and stops by 12 – 18 months.
Reflux usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old and gets better by the time they're 1. Symptoms of reflux in babies include: bringing up milk or being sick during or shortly after feeding.
Acid reflux in babies typically begin between weeks 2 and 4. Newborn acid reflux tends to peak around 4 months, and the symptoms finally subside around 7 months. Keep in mind that every baby is different and the acid reflux can last shorter or longer depending on your baby.
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.
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. While sleeping we don't swallow.
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.
Many parents have found that when introducing solid foods to their baby with infant reflux that some fruits and juices like oranges, apples, and tomatoes make the reflux worse. Let's take a look at a list of foods that increases the amount of burping and therefore may worsen an infant's reflux.
While dummy use is often controversial as they have known advantages and disadvantages, some infants with reflux seem to benefit from using a dummy. Dummy use is a personal choice and this may be one option you could consider.
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.
Their doctor or health care provider will tell you how much they should be eating with each feed. 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.
It has become associated with a baby who is vomiting, posseting (regurgitating milk after feeding), waking frequently, wanting to be held often, or not wanting to lie alone. Western society has started to confuse reflux with other issues and behaviors.
If you are planning to cure acid reflux then going for cold milk is the best, but if you are looking for a remedy to cure body pain or treat sore throat or cold, or induce sleep then going for warm milk is the best. Also, if you have lactose intolerance, then it is best to avoid drinking regular milk.
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 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.
Overfeeding, weak abdominal muscles or a weak sphincter muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach all can contribute to acid from the stomach coming back into the esophagus. In some infants, reflux is due to food allergies or lactose intolerance (inability to process the sugar found in milk).
Reflux symptoms, often accompanied by signs of distress (such as back-arching and restlessness), can be a symptom of cow's milk allergy.
Non-physiological reflux
Recent evidence suggests that allergy, in particular to Cows' Milk Protein, is the frequently the cause. Babies with this type of reflux may have a number of additional symptoms such as: being difficult to settle. arching after feeds and drawing their legs up.
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.
Quite a few different things can cause your little one to grunt and squirm. Things like struggling with bowel movements, acid reflux, blocked nasal passages, difficulty with oxygen intake, trouble passing gas, or hunger can result in this sort of behavior.
You shouldn't give your baby any medicines unless the doctor tells you to. Medicines for GERD in babies include: H2 blockers, which decrease acid production. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which lower the amount of acid the stomach makes.
Many babies with reflux find it uncomfortable to lie down, and difficult to sleep because the pain in their body is keeping them awake. Colic is a subset of reflux, that is focused on digestive discomfort and it seems that babies “grow out of it” by the age of 12 weeks.
Medications that are sometimes prescribed for treating infant reflux include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Sometimes, over-the-counter (OTC) formulations can be used. Or your baby's pediatrician might recommend a prescription.