How to Feed a Baby With Acid Reflux

Many infants experience some degree of acid reflux, also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux. According to Dr. WIlliam Sears in the Parenting.com article, "Ask Dr. Sears: Coping With Baby's Acid Reflux," Acid reflux is one of the most common feeding problems in babies. If your baby shows signs of acid reflux including breathing difficulties and vomiting, keep certain feeding and positioning tips in mind during meal times. Being conscious during and after feedings can help reduce your baby's acid reflux.

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your baby upright during and after feedings. Avoid holding your baby horizontally, if possible, while she is eating. Hold your little one at a 45- to 60- degree angle, instead.

    • 2

      Hold your baby in a sitting position for at least 30 minutes after she eats. Sit your baby on your lap with her head nestled against your chest or put her in a sling or soft baby carrier. Don't let her slouch while sitting upright in a sling or carrier.

    • 3

      Reduce the amount of milk your little one gets during feedings. Increase the number of times you offer food at the same time. Give your baby a smaller volume of milk at a time so the milk digests faster and has less chance of coming back up.

    • 4

      Burp your baby during and after feedings to prevent air from building up in her stomach. Sit your child upright on your lap, and make sure to support her head with one hand. Avoid burping her over your shoulder, since that position puts added pressure on her stomach.

    • 5

      Feed your baby milk that is gentle on the stomach. Continue breastfeeding exclusively if that is what your baby's been eating. Use a hypoallergenic formula, if you are formula feeding.

    • 6

      Keep your little one awake during feedings. Avoid feeding her when she's tired, if possible. Establish a routine that involves feeding your baby when she wakes up in order to give plenty of time for the milk to digest before she goes to sleep.

    • 7

      Elevate the head of your baby's crib at a slight incline of approximately 30 degrees, to lessen night-time vomiting. Place her on her back for sleep. Encourage her to sleep on her left side if she won't sleep on her back, since this position helps keep food down.

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