Do you have a baby that cries constantly and you are not sure why? Do they tend to spit up constantly especially after they are done feeding? Have you noticed while they are sleeping their breathing seems irregular? If you said yes to one or all of these questions you should speak with your baby’s doctor to discover if they are suffering from gastroesophageal reflux. If your child does suffer from acid reflux, there are several treatments you can try to help reduce or eliminate this problem. Their physician can even prescribe them medication or recommend over-the-counter remedies to help them. Another great way to help reduce your baby’s GER is to consider investing in an infant reflux wedge for them to lie on while they are resting.
Ways to Prevent Gastroesophageal Reflux
* Feed your baby half as much as what you would usually feed them and schedule their feedings more often. This reduces the amount of milk that is left lying in their tummy and aids in digestion.
* Once your infant has finished eating, make sure you keep them upright for about thirty minutes. This position helps let the food settle for a bit before you lay them down.
* Determine if they are allergic to their formula. Your child may need to drink breast milk or formula created for more sensitive tummies.
* At night, reflux can be severe causing your child so much pain that they cannot sleep very well. You should keep their body elevated at a 30 degree angle to help prevent regurgitation.
* Adjust how you are feeding them if they are being breast-fed and seem to be gagging. Try pumping your milk first to help control the flow which may cause them to choke.
A Well Rested Baby Can Make for a Happy Home
When you have an infant that is fussy, this can lead to a very chaotic home. Your child may be suffering emotionally from the reflux pain and this can cause them to stop feeding. They may begin to relate eating to the source of their misery. In the end, you can have an infant who is underweight and in a great deal of pain. It is best to seek medical consultation, which can help provide solutions for a more happy and well rested baby.
