Most babies get some infant acid reflux--the most common symptom is spitting up--but some suffer more discomfort than others. The good news is, whether your baby spits up but is otherwise happy, or she suffers from pain or colic, there are natural and homeopathic remedies that can help.
Breastfeeding
Since breast milk digests faster and easier than formula, nursing your baby may reduce instances of spit-up or other digestive difficulties.
Smaller Feedings
Sometimes babies spit up because they've eaten too much in one feeding. Your baby's stomach is small, so feeding him smaller amounts, more often, may make it easier for him to keep his food down.
Thickened Milk
A standard cure for infant acid reflux that has been used for years is to thicken your baby's bottle--whether it contains breast milk or formula--with a little bit of rice cereal. This can work well, but it's best to check with your baby's doctor first to see if she's ready for cereal.
Gripe Water
Gripe water is a natural herbal-based treatment for reflux and colic that you can give your baby through a dropper. Some popular brands include Baby's Bliss and Colic-Ease, which are classified as being herbal dietary supplements. However, the only one that is considered homeopathic, and therefore under stricter regulation, is ColicCalm.
Upright or Inclined Position
During feeding, using a wedge or holding your baby with her head higher than her stomach will let gravity work with you, and make reflux less likely. After your baby eats, keep her in an upright or inclined position for at least 30 minutes. If she's too young to sit up, carry her upright in a sling, or put her in an infant swing or bouncy seat. If your baby slumps forward in her seat, however, it will put too much pressure on the stomach, so if this happens, be sure the angle is small--about 30 degrees--and the motion, if any, is gentle.
Sleeping Angle
You can raise the head of your baby's crib or bassinet by about 6 to 8 inches, using wooden blocks, so that his head is higher than his feet. This stops gravity from allowing acid and stomach contents to splash back up during sleep.
You can also put him to sleep in a car seat, infant seat, or Amby Baby Motion Bed, which is designed to naturally treat infant acid reflux by combining an inclined position and gentle, soothing rocking.
