Acid Reflux in Babies

Acid Reflux in Babies is more common than you might think.

All babies spit up, but a newborn with acid reflux will spit up more often and suffer from several other symptoms. Some babies outgrow acid reflux and sometimes they do not. 

After the first birthday they may actually experience an improvement in symptoms once they master sitting up.

Acid reflux is not typically serious in newborns, but parents should make the baby's doctor aware of all symptoms resembling the condition.
 
Acid reflux in infants or GERD  (GastroesophagealReflux Disease) is a less common, more serious process that usually necessitates medical management and diagnostic evaluation.

It is also referred to as “Pathogenic GER”. About 1 in 300 infants will present signs and symptoms of GERD or acid reflux and it is more common in children with some neurological impairments.
 
Breastfed babies have been shown to have fewer and less severe reflux episodes than their artificially fed counterparts. 

Treatments

The following methods, or lifestyle changes, will help the majority of infants with reflux, and include:

• Continue breast feeding: Reflux is milder in babies that breast feed.
• Feed Smaller Amounts: Reflux is always worse with overfeeding. It is better to feed your infant small amounts more frequently than giving a large amount and overfilling the stomach.
• Frequent Burping: You should try to burp your child frequently during each feeding.
• Thicken Feedings: add 1-2 teaspoons of Rice cereal to each ounce of formula to thicken it up. Stop if you don't notice any improvement in 3-5 days.
• Positioning: Avoid seated or upright positions and vigorous activities after feedings. Also avoid putting pressure on their abdomen after meals.

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