Babies spit up---it's a fact of life. However, if a baby spits up frequently, it may be a sign of infant acid reflux or infant gastroesophageal reflux. While parents may feel concerned about their child's well being, the Mayo Clinic advises that, "most babies who have infant acid reflux are healthy and content." However, precautions can be taken to help a baby avoid acid reflux symptoms and treat them when they occur.
Causes and Symptoms
Acid reflux is caused by recently-consumed food and drink coming back up the esophagus from the stomach. According to the Mayo Clinic, this occurs in some infants, especially because their esophagus may not be fully developed enough to close off after swallowing and prevent the reflux from happening. Symptoms of normal acid reflux in infants include spitting up or irritability, particularly after a feeding. If a baby drinks too much too fast, acid reflux is more likely to occur.
Changes in Feeding
Change feeding routines and schedules if your baby exhibits any symptoms. Simple changes in the feeding routine can improve acid reflux symptoms for a baby. Instead of long feedings, give short feedings more frequently. Burping regularly during feeding can also help by eliminating air bubbles, which can cause reflux.
Breastfeeding mothers may have to change their own dietary habits if the foods they eat irritate their babies. Babies who drink formula might need to switch to a different brand.
Medications
Doctors may prescribe anti-reflux medication if acid reflux symptoms persist or do not improve with changes in feeding. Parents can also purchase over-the-counter medications such as Mylicon. The advantage of this is that it can be given several times a day without risk to the infant. Ask your doctor before giving any medication to a baby.
Surgery
In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to improve acid reflux symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, a surgeon can operate and tighten the esophagus to prevent future reflux. Surgery is only an option for babies whose acid reflux interferes with their ability to eat and drink.
Alternative Remedies
Thicken formula or breast milk. If a doctor approves, parents can add a little bit of rice cereal to the baby's bottle. Sometimes this helps the baby hold down the food more easily, since it is thicker than a regular liquid.
Elevate the baby's sleeping level in the crib. Keeping baby on his back, you can prop up one side of the crib mattress to provide an elevated position of the head over the feet. This will help the food and milk stay down where it belongs: in the baby's stomach. Likewise, feeding a baby in an upright position or holding a baby upright for a while after feeding will help reduce reflux.
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