Babies with Acid Reflux

Do you believe your child may have Acid Reflux?

Does your child spit up frequently?
When spitting up is it a large amount?
Does it usually happen within 30 minutes of feeding?
Does your child have colic like symptoms?
Was your child between 1 and 4 months when it first started to occur?

Acid Reflux is when your baby has a weak or not completely developed esophagus sphincter. I know that it sounds highly confusing throwing both those words at you, but if you look below there is a small diagram showing exactly where that is located at. In most cases the acid reflux shows up between 1 and 4 months. They should grow out of it anywhere between 6 and 12 months, but there have been very extreme cases where they did not grow out of it until 18 months.

Before you do anything to help your child with its acid reflux you should always consult your pediatrician. They can give you a lot more information pertaining to your child than any website can. There are also some prescription medications that can help your baby out.

There are several different things you can do to help ease your child's symptoms.

1. While sleeping keep the crib elevated
I did so with a wide piece of board so no injury could come to my child while sleeping. Another good idea is to use a crib wedge, do not place it under the sheet on top of the mattress though. Recent studies have shown that it may lead to SIDS. Instead I placed mine underneath the mattress when I used it.
2. Add Baby Rice Cereal to their formula or breast milk in a bottle.
My pediatrician was the one who actually recommended this to me. My daughter started at 8 weeks and still gets cereal in her bottle to this day (now 8 months). Make sure you consult your pediatrician before doing so, but this was the key factor in helping my child. It also helps her sleep longer at night and get nice and full.
3. Switch formulas if you are using one
There are fewer cases of AR in breastfed babies, but if you do not breastfeed and bottle feed instead here are some hints. I tried several different formulas with my daughter trying to find the best one. The pediatrician helped me out with this as well. I started with just general infant Enfamil. We switched over to Enfamil Prosobee, which is lactose free and made from soy. When she was still spitting up from that Enfamil AR was the best bet. It contains rice right in the formula to make it a little thicker for babies who spit up. WIC in my state sponsored each of these changes and helped me out with formula for my baby as well.
4. Keep a bib and burp cloth always Handy!
For the sake of your clothes and your little one's hygiene keep a couple of these stored in your diaper bag. If you search through my vehicle you will find them stored everywhere, as well as in my home. It keeps the clothes from getting dirty and stained and also helps keep your baby clean longer.
5. Keep your baby quiet for about 30 minutes after eating
Sounds like a joke after they hit 3 months right? I found several easy ways to help my little one stay in one place. I'd often read her a book during this time, or lay her back against my knees and use small toys to keep her entertained. Turning on any kind of music or a developmental cd and having them relax in their bouncer can also help keep them quiet for a little while.
6. Patience!
Most cases of acid reflux are cured around 6 to 12 months but they have lasted long. Stay patient with your baby and understand as solids are introduced to them they will also help. Stay patient with yourself as well, after awhile you get used to this. You will start warning people before they hold your child "Hey take this cloth she might spit up a bit." or know the tell tale signs your child is about to spit up and be prepared. It will eventually go away, they will not have whatever they had for lunch drooling down their graduation gown so don't worry about it. Your baby will still be very healthy in every other way, this is not a deathly disease. If anything it is just an inconvenience for both you and your child. When they spit up smile clean it up and talk to them. It might be very uncomfortable to them as well, and the soothing will help them through it.