Acid reflux is a condition that many adults suffer from at one time or another, but it's common for babies as well. Whether babies are breast-fed or formula-fed; whether they're eating solids or not yet, many babies experience acid reflux. Acid reflux is a gastrointestinal disorder in which food backs up into the esophagus instead of staying in the stomach. This can be painful for babies, as it causes stomach pain and a general discomfort. Dr. Bill Sears, a pediatrician, says on the website Parenting.com that as many as 25 percent of all babies experience acid reflux. There are several at-home remedies and changes that a person can make to reduce acid reflux in infants.
Change Position After Feeding
One of the easiest and quickest remedies for acid reflux in a baby is changing the feeding position. Dr. Bill Sears explains on Parenting.com that holding a baby upright during feeding instead of putting down the baby uses gravity to keep the contents of the stomach staying down rather than coming up through the esophagus. Breastfeeding can be done with the baby lying stomach-down on the mother's chest instead of curled under with the head and stomach parallel. Even formula feeding can occur with the baby's head above the heart, propped upright instead of lying down.
Choose the Right Food for Baby
As much as possible, try to offer breast milk instead of formula to a baby who has acid reflux. Women who are breastfeeding should continue fully breastfeeding without supplementing any formula. Women who are feeding breast milk and formula should try to breastfeed more often and limit formula use. This is because according to Dr. Bill Sears, breast milk is easier to digest and reduces acid reflux. The enzymes in breast milk can help improve digestion, while formula can be rough on a baby's stomach. If only using formula, you may want to switch to a hypoallergenic formula, which is easier to digest.
Take Your Time With Feeding
Though moms of young babies are usually very busy, they should slow down a baby's feeding. This is recommended by Dr. Bill Sears because it can reduce acid reflux. He explains on the website Parenting.com that when too much milk or food enters the stomach, it takes a long time to digest and has a higher chance of backing up into the esophagus. If a feeding takes 30 minutes instead of 15, the baby is less likely to vomit or experience acid reflux after it. Breastfed babies usually self-regulate how quickly they feed, so it's not a concern with breastfeeding. Formula-feeding mothers should try feeding a few ounces at a time, waiting a few minutes and burping in between.
Try Rice Cereal
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says that bottle-fed babies with acid reflux may benefit from receiving rice cereal mixed in with their formula. It recommends adding 1 tbsp. rice cereal per 2 oz. formula. You can also add rice cereal to breast milk if it has been pumped or expressed. Still, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor before adding in rice cereal, as babies who are not physically ready could be at risk of choking.
