A baby with GERD will spit up, cough and act uncomfortable when feeding and as a result may refuse to eat at all. GERD, which is also referred to as acid reflux, often clears up once a baby is between 12 and 18 months of age, however for some babies, it persists. Avoiding trigger foods is one of the ways to treat GERD. If necessary, a pediatrician can recommend medication or feeding changes in addition to diet alterations.
Citrus Foods
Citrus foods are often very acidic, which can cause a flare up in GERD symptoms when a baby eats them. For breastfed babies, mothers can pass this acid through breast milk, which increases a baby's discomfort after a meal. Foods to avoid include oranges, pineapple, lemons and limes. In addition, the juice of these citrus fruits can exacerbate GERD symptoms and should also be avoided. This includes lemonade and limeade as well as juices that contain oranges or pineapples alone or in combination with other fruits. Apples, grapefruits, tomatoes and bananas are also problematic for many babies who suffer from GERD.
Dairy Foods
According to MayoClinic.com, eliminating dairy foods in a baby's diet can help alleviate the symptoms of GERD. Nursing mothers may also need to quit eating dairy products until a baby is weaned. Foods that may cause problems include milk, foods prepared with milk, cheese, yogurt and some formulas. For bottle-fed babies, a pediatrician may have you experiment with formula types until you find one that doesn't cause your baby discomfort associated with GERD.
Fatty Foods
Older babies who are transitioning to a diet consisting of more finger foods and less jarred meals may begin consuming fried and fatty foods, which can make GERD symptoms worse. This includes fried chicken, pastries and french fries. Chicken skin, fatty cuts of meat, bacon, sausage and processed deli meats are others that should be avoided. Cutting back on fatty foods and serving your baby fresh non-acidic fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats and proteins can often ease GERD issues and make her more comfortable. Creamed vegetables and creamy soups are also common culprits as they are high in fat and contain dairy, another GERD trigger in a baby's diet.
Soft Drinks
Many babies begin to drink soft drinks before they are a year old, which can make GERD worse. Sodas should be avoided anyway because they lack nutrition and are full of empty calories. According to Colic Calm, a breastfeeding mother who consumes large amounts of soda may see an increase in discomfort and symptoms of GERD in her baby. Some sodas are also acidic, which can further exacerbate the problem.
