Constant cleaning, frequent toddler clothing changes and interrupted nights are common when a toddler suffers from acid reflux. Spitting up, vomiting after meals and frequent "wet burps," can take a toll on a parent's patience. Dr. William Sears, M.D., recommends combining diet changes with beneficial positioning of your toddler during and after meals to reduce acid reflux.
Acid Reflux in Toddlers
Acid reflux occurs when a toddler's stomach contents back up into his esophagus while he's eating or after he finishes his meal. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains that a constrictive, ring-like muscle, located between the esophagus and the top of the stomach, normally blocks food from flowing back into the esophagus. When this muscle does not close properly, it can result in food and stomach acid entering the esophagus, throat or mouth.
Symptoms
Besides spitting up, a toddler with acid reflux may exhibit additional symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, wheezing, chronic bouts of pneumonia, a sore throat and weight loss, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Foods to Avoid
Diet modifications may be enough to reduce the symptoms of mild acid reflux in your toddler. The Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association suggests eliminating common reflux triggers, including carbonated sodas, spicy foods, food high in fat, citrus fruits, chocolate and caffeinated beverages from your child's diet.
Encourage your toddler to eat slowly and chew his food thoroughly before swallowing. Adding a tablespoon of infant rice cereal to a glass of milk or other beverages will thicken the liquid, making it less likely to trigger acid reflux.
Other Diet Considerations
In addition to restricting food triggers, your toddler may benefit from other diet changes. Offer frequent small meals and snacks instead of feeding three large meals per day. Dr. Sears suggests monitoring your toddler for 30 minutes after meals to make sure he stands or sits up, and doesn't lay down.
Offer fluids between meals, instead of with meals, to reduce acid reflux, which is more common when foods and liquids slosh around together in the stomach, according to Dr. Sears.
Complications
Most children with acid reflux outgrow the condition within a few months, according to the Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association, but if the disorder does not improve, the toddler is at an increased risk of developing ear and sinus infections, asthma, sleep disorders and slow growth. Consult your doctor if your toddler can't swallow without pain, if she refuses food, if her spit up is green or yellow, or if it contains blood. Report incidents of forceful, or projectile, vomiting to your toddler's doctor.
