Acid reflux is a very common problem for newborns. More than twenty-five percent of babies experience some level of gastroesophageal reflux. You may find that your baby’s condition can range from a mild form of painless spitting up or they may have a more severe form that will keep both you and the baby up all night. Acid reflux is the main cause of infant colic. As a parent, you only want your baby to be healthy and happy. However, this can be challenging if they suffer from GER. There are many ways to help improve your baby’s comfort and sleep patterns at night. One way is to purchase a baby acid reflux pillow to help keep them elevated after mealtimes and during periods of rest.
What GER Does
There are muscles in a circular band that separates the esophagus from the stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter. Once the food enters into the tummy this sphincter closes and stops the contents and acid in the stomach from being regurgitated back into the esophagus. When this sphincter is not as mature, it can allow the contents and acid of the tummy to come back up into the throat of your baby. The esophagus then becomes irritated and causes heartburn pain making the child colicky.
How to Prevent Acid Reflux
First off, try feeding your baby half their normal feeding volume and feed them more often. The smaller amount of milk in the tummy will allow for it to be digested faster. You will want to keep your child upright for 30 minutes after feedings, this will help to keep the milk down in their belly. You want to make sure you are feeding your child milk that is friendly for their tummy. Some babies are allergic to formula milk and have a hard time digesting it. If this is the case, you should consider breastfeeding them or ask your pediatrician to help find a new formula that is better tolerated. Lastly, reflux can keep babies awake at night from the pain it causes. By elevating your child at a 30 degree angle using an infant wedge can help them sleep more soundly. This small inclination can help lessen the chance of your baby regurgitating during the night time.
