GER, gastroesophageal reflux is the condition where stomach acid and food will flow back up into the esophagus because the lower esophageal sphincter is not strong enough to help keep the food down in the stomach. This sometimes can happen when the sphincter opens slightly to release gas a baby has after eating. The problem is more than gas can come back up and the acid from the GER can irritate your baby’s throat making it painful and uncomfortable for them. Sometimes vomiting or a small amount of spitting up may happen. When a baby is lying down, this can increase the chance of the child having acid reflux. A baby acid reflux pillow can help reduce this problem by keeping the child elevated at a thirty-degree angle.
How to Know if Your Infant Suffers From Acid Reflux
- Your baby may refuse to eat food or may only eat small amounts.
- While you are feeding them, they may seem fussy or irritable.
- They may often have “wet” burps.
- Your child may frequently spit up or vomit after they have eaten.
- While they are feeding, they may arch their back often.
- Your child can have bad breath.
- You catch them frequently coughing or hiccupping.
- They may all of a sudden start crying or may never stop.
- They may wake up several times during sleep from poor sleeping habits.
Speak with a Specialist to Get Your Child Diagnosed
When it comes to your child’s health and to help you determine the severity of the reflux you should contact their doctor. A doctor can give you recommendations on how to make your child comfortable during the process until they outgrow it which usually happens by one year of age. There are both over-the-counter and prescription medications available as well as natural treatment options such as proper positioning techniques. Their doctor can also determine if it is the formula your child is ingesting that is contributing to the reflux. If so, they may recommend that you breastfeed your child or switch to a formula that is designed for sensitive tummies. You can also try feeding your baby more often and in smaller amounts to lower the quantity of milk they have to digest. Another great way to help your child feel better is by keeping them inclined for about thirty minutes after they have finished eating to help aid in digestion.
