Here are 11 Ways To Treat Acid Reflux in Babies

Acid reflux in babies is a common occurrence, characterized by the backflow of stomach contents, including food and acid, into the baby's esophagus. While it's natural for babies to burp and spit up occasionally, frequent vomiting might indicate a more serious condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

GERD, or acid reflux, can be identified by several symptoms such as frequent vomiting, a persistent cough, loss of appetite or difficulty eating, excessive gas, and abdominal pain. This condition occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, doesn't close properly, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.

It's important for parents to consult a doctor if their baby experiences persistent and severe symptoms of acid reflux. While it might be concerning, it's worth noting that many infants who suffer from acid reflux are otherwise healthy. This condition is common and often develops before a baby reaches their first birthday. Fortunately, most babies outgrow acid reflux as they transition out of the infantile stage, and it ceases to be an issue. Regular medical checkups and proper monitoring can help manage acid reflux in babies, providing necessary reassurance to concerned parents.

# More Frequent Feedings

Sometimes feeding your infant more frequently with smaller meals can actually really help them. Most mothers will feed their infants a few larger meals every day. Double this number of meals but cut the amount of milk that your infant gets in half. This should help regulate their digestive system and make everything a bit smoother.

# More Frequent Burpings

You should definitely get your baby to burp more frequently. Seeing as the issue is found in built-up gas, you will definitely want to get rid of as much gas as possible. Additionally, avoid feeding your infant before bedtime. Try burping your infant about every hour. You should also burp them after eating each time they have a meal.

# Special Sleeping Positions

This is another helpful way you can reduce the odds of acid reflux occurring in your child. In order for your baby to avoid acid reflux, they should be on their sides or even belly in extreme cases. Make sure you take special precautions, though, because it can be easy for your baby to suffocate while sleeping on their bellies. Elevate its head and make sure that the baby is comfortable, but can breathe with ease.

# Elevate your Baby

If you don’t feel comfortable with your baby not lying on its back, you can try elevating them while she sleeps. This is crucial for your baby to help with the digestive process. It absolutely ensures that the milk goes to the stomach and does not stay in the throat. Additionally, you can feed them upright. This will make sure that the milk goes down easier.

# Avoid Dairy

Even though it might be hard, try giving up dairy products. Towards the end of the pregnancy and the beginning of the feeding process, you should eliminate dairy altogether. Dairy makes your natural milk thicker which can cause acid reflux issues in infants. However, this does not apply to you if you are not breastfeeding.

Additionally, make sure your baby is not allergic to wheat, gluten, nuts, or other common allergens. This could also be the source of your baby’s esophagus problems.

# Loosen the Diaper

Something as simple as loosening your baby’s diaper or buying a bigger diaper can help alleviate any of the gastrointestinal pain. Because this occurs in the esophagus, you will want to make sure the stomach is as loose as possible.

Additionally, any part of the baby’s digestive tract should be allowed to be free. Restrictions can cause the digestion process to slow down. It will definitely result in an increased chance that your baby develops acid reflux if it doesn’t have it already. Loosening the diaper can, in some cases, completely remove any acid reflux issues your baby might have at the moment. It’s simple, and it’s worth a try.

# Massage Therapy

They are actually certain types of massages is that you can give your baby in order to improve its digestive system. Massage will stimulate the vagus nerve. This nerve actually controls the regions of the digestive system.

In order to properly massage your infant, put the infant in lying position, on its back. Use warm baby oil and apply it to the baby’s stomach. Move your hand in a circular motion around the baby’s stomach for about five minutes. Then, reverse direction and rub again for another five minutes. Repeat this a few times a day, but not after your baby has just eaten.

# Apple Cider Vinegar

Not many edible remedies are appropriate for infants. However, there are a few that are very effective. One of them is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is great to use because it’s very basic. It helps balance the pH level of the acid found in your infant’s stomach, which can help with the digestive process. Only use a very small amount of vinegar, about one-quarter teaspoon of vinegar should be used for every glass of water. Mix the two together and then feed spoonfuls of that mixture to your baby throughout the day.

# Chamomile

Not only can chamomile help mom relax, but it’s also an excellent natural remedy for babies to regulate their digestive systems with. The sedative properties can actually help regulate a baby’s digestive system issues. Coincidentally, this can also help mom de-stress.

In order to make a weak tea for your baby, put half a teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers into a cup of water. Heat up the water and allow the flowers to steep for about twelve minutes. Once they are done, fish the flowers out of the water. Feed it in small doses here baby throughout the day.

Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should try to drink at least one cup of chamomile every day. This will improve the quality of the breast milk itself.

# Coconut Oil

It feels like coconut oil just might be the cure for everything. Coconut oil is also safe for your baby and it can help your baby eliminate its acid reflux issues. The anti-inflammatory properties of oil will stop the intestines and esophagus from hurting. As oil is a natural lubricant, it can also help keep the digestive system open and flowing.

To maximize this remedy, use half of a teaspoon of extra-virgin coconut oil. Add this to a warm bottle of milk or a warm bottle of water that you plan on giving your baby.

Mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also be taking small amounts of extra-virgin coconut oil every day. This will help boost their baby’s immunity as they reach toddlerhood.

# Peppermint

Peppermint can also help calm a baby’s digestive system. It also has natural properties that will reduce inflammation and reduce the chances of indigestion. Mix a small amount of peppermint oil with a tablespoon of olive oil and massage it on the baby’s stomach. Do this twice daily.

Mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding can also take peppermint in some form to ease their baby’s digestion. It’s incredibly easy to integrate into recipes, and even teas and coffees.