How to Help Baby With Acid Reflux

You may feel helpless when it comes to your sick newborn. Some tend to believe that medicine is the first answer to all ailments; however, there are always steps to try before you decide to give an immature system a medication. Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux or GER, has become a very common diagnosis for newborns these days, and the diagnosis nearly always results in a trip to the pharmacy. There are other steps to try before you take that one.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby's Infant Car Seat
  • Compatible Stroller

Instructions

    • 1

      It is important to understand acid reflux symptoms in an infant. If you see these signs, please make the first step to contact your doctor. Other problems, such as fluid in the lungs, can arise from acid reflux and will need immediate medical attention.

    • 2

      Some acid reflux symptoms may include constant crying, poor sleeping, refusal of food and spitting up. Your doctor may notice a red irritated throat. A more serious sign is when a wheezing or gurgling sound occurs when baby breathes. This could be a sign that baby has had some of the fluid enter the lungs.

    • 3

      Talk with your doctor about the options you have when caring for your infant with acid reflux. There are many ways that you can help your infant without the use of prescription drugs.

    • 4

      Your infant car seat will become your best friend. Do not bother with wedges for baby's bassinet. Most do not have a steep enough angles to help and most babies roll off of them anyway. Your infant car seat has the perfect angle to hold your baby upright while he sleeps. The first night we had our baby sleep in her car seat was also the first night that she slept for 6 straight hours, no cries!

    • 5

      For those of you who prefer to have your baby sleep in the bed with you, consider the risks. A baby with acid reflux should never be laid down on his back for any period of time. I even kept one of the small wedges on the changing table so baby would never be flat on her back. As an alternative to co-sleeping, place the car seat in a stroller and put the stroller by your bed. Once baby is ready for his own room, put the car seat in the crib at night and for naps. This will help when it is time to transition out of the car seat.

    • 6

      Breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your baby's acid reflux diet, and breastfeed often. If your baby is formula fed, ask your doctor about different brands to try which may help reduce the acid in your baby's stomach. Try using a pillow like the Boppy in different positions to help your baby sit more upright when feeding. Feed when baby first wakes from a nap instead of right before you lay baby down for a nap. Keep baby as upright as you can for at least 30 minutes after a feeding.

    • 7

      Wear your baby. A baby carrier puts him in the ideal upright position.

    • 8

      Sometimes it is necessary to sit your baby down. As soon as your baby can support his head you may be able to set him in a support seat like the Prince Lionheart BeBe Pod. This will help to keep baby in the upright position. Follow product guidelines when using support seats like this one.

    • 9

      Don't worry about milestones in reference to reflux treatment. "My baby doesn't have the opportunity to roll over." When your baby learns to sit up is when acid reflux begins to dissipate. You will soon be able to have short back and tummy time sessions on the floor and your baby will reach those milestones we all love to obsess about.

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