Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, is common in infants and can occur in older children. It is the result of an immature esophageal sphincter that opens and pushes out liquid rather than staying closed. Although most babies outgrow acid reflux in about 12 to 18 months, older children can still experience reflux. Notify your child's doctor if his spit up is forceful or if he appears not to be gaining weight, as this can be a result of gastroesophageal reflux disease and require medication or surgery. In the meantime, you can make changes to your child's diet and feeding practices to reduce acid reflux.
Feeding
Adjustments to a child's feedings or eating habits may be all that is necessary to relieve acid reflux. An infant experiencing acid reflux should be burped frequently, such as every three minutes, during feedings. Offer infants smaller, more frequent feedings; some pediatricians may recommend making feedings higher in calories by adding cereal or extra formula to a bottle. Baby bottles should have a small hole to prevent them from gulping in extra air and parents should feed their babies in a position as upright as possible. An older child can try eating smaller meals, and Kids Health states that eating should be stopped two to three hours before bedtime.
Positioning and Sleeping
An infant or an older child experiencing acid reflux should be kept in an upright position for at least 30 minutes after eating. He should also be kept calm, since crying, coughing or sudden movements can cause him to spit up or feel sick. Allow him to sit down with a puzzle, book or video after feedings if he is older, or hold him gently and distract him with a quiet toy if he is an infant. Have him sleep with his head elevated at night. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse suggests securing wooden blocks under bed posts at the head of his bed. Sleeping with his head elevated about 6 to 8 inches can reduce acid reflux, but keep in mind that an infant should sleep flat on his back with no other items in the crib.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods can irritate acid reflux and should be avoided. Minimize the amount of foods your child consumes that triggers her acid reflux, such as chocolate, garlic, onions, caffeine, spicy foods, pasta or acidic foods such as tomatoes and oranges. Breastfeeding mothers can worsen a baby's acid reflux by consuming these foods as well, so avoid them if you suspect you are nursing a baby with reflux.
