Reduce Your Infant’s Acid Reflux
Throwing up is quite common when it comes to infants but is not something to be worried about. During the first 12 months of a child’s life, his / her lower esophageal sphincter is not developed completely and thus doesn’t function properly during Acid Reflux. Therefore, whenever the infant is fed lying down or is overfed, he / she may give the indication of Acid Reflux, which occurs when the matter from their stomach goes back up the esophagus.
Though infant acid reflux is not a serious problem for which extra medical attention is required, but there are some tips that can be followed to reduce its effect in infants.
Position During Feeding
In order to reduce acid reflux after meals, keep the child in an upright position for at least half hour after feeding. This allows gravity to hold the food down. Also, avoid too much motion immediately after feeds.
Carrying
Try to carry your baby around using a baby carried as much as possible as it keeps the baby upright as well as babies cry lesser when being carried. Crying also makes infant reflux a lot worse.
Avoid Tight Clothing
Clothing that are tight around the tummy of the baby as well as in other parts of the body can worsen infant reflux as it increases the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. Therefore, make your child wear loose and comfortable clothing.
Food
Breastfeed is undoubtedly the best food for the baby as it a more hypoallergenic in comparison to formula and can be digested easily as well. Also, watch the formula of the baby closely as the baby might be intolerance or allergic towards certain ingredients like lactose or milk which can make reflux worse.
Breastfeeding
When breastfeeding, avoid all foods that can worsen acid reflux in your baby. Avoid dairy products, caffeine, spicy foods, fatty foods and citrus fruits.
Burping
Burp the baby frequently (once after each ounce of food taken) to reduce acid reflux.
Use a Pacifier
Giving a pacified to the baby to suck can lead to increase in saliva production which can neutralize many acids that rise up in esophagus as it is alkaline in nature.
Infant Massage
Massaging the infant also helps in improving digestion and helps the baby to relax.
