Acid Reflux in Infants, What You Can Do

Acid reflux in infants is unthinkable for many adults but it does occur. You may wonder if your baby has the disorder and you also may wonder how to treat the condition as well. Following is some information to help you identify the symptoms and some approaches you can take to treat acid reflux in infants. The symptoms include vomiting. This is different from the common spit-up that parents face on a daily basis.

Acid reflux in infants includes excessive vomiting that reoccurs through the day and through the night as well. If your baby throws up significantly throughout the course of the day you want to seek medical attention. Vomiting is one of the most obvious signs in acid reflux in babies. Other symptoms are subtle and may be difficult to recognize. For example, if the baby has a cough that just won’t seem to go away and he has difficulty breathing he may have acid reflux disease. 

Symptoms like heartburn and abdominal pain are difficult to detect simply because the baby can’t tell you what specifically is wrong. A sign of acid reflux in infants includes gas and stomach discomfort. This will usually manifest itself with fussiness and crying, especially during and right after feedings. The baby may also have difficulty eating. He may choke and cough while you are trying to feed him.

These more subtle symptoms resemble colic and it is important to note that the two conditions may be related in some cases. Colic and acid reflux in infants often go hand in hand. So how is acid reflux in infants treated? The good news is that the baby will probably outgrow the condition but it is crucial that you consult his pediatrician if you believe that he has acid reflux. While you are waiting for your appointment here are some things that you can try to reduce the symptoms in the meantime.

Elevate the baby’s head. Of course, you don’t want to pile pillows under his little head. There are raisers that can be put under the mattress in the crib or right in the bassinette. These items are easily installed and they are relatively inexpensive as well. Since the problem with the condition is that that the contents in the stomach come up into the esophagus it is important to keep the baby’s head elevated. You want to hold the baby upright for about 30 minutes after each feeding to make sure that his stomach has settled completely before lying down.