Foods To Avoid For Infant Ger

Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition that can affect people of all ages. In infants, GER can be even more difficult because your infant may not be able to communicate unpleasant symptoms to you. The condition occurs when the band of muscles at the end of the esophagus do not tighten properly, allowing acid from your baby's stomach to come back up -- or reflux -- into the esophagus. The acid burns, causing discomfort. Because some foods have a tendency to contribute to this condition, there are some you should avoid.

Considerations

If you are breastfeeding your infant, remember that the foods you take in can upset her stomach through your breast milk. Just as you should avoid giving certain acid reflux-causing foods to your infant, you may wish to avoid eating these as well until you cease breastfeeding.

Fruit Juices High in Sorbitol

Sorbitol is a type of fruit sugar that is found naturally in fruits or can be added to enhance a fruit's sweet flavor. In the stomach, digested sorbitol can give off a gas that may contribute to acid reflux. To avoid this occurrence, eliminate fruit juices like prune, pear and apple juice. While these may be common in many infants' diets, avoid them to see if your baby's symptoms reduce.

Caffeine-Containing Foods

Caffeine-containing foods can be hard on an infant's stomach because caffeine boosts stomach acid production. More stomach acid for your infant increases the likelihood he could experience an acid reflux episode. Avoid feeding him chocolate and soft drinks. Remember that many teas also have caffeine, so they should be avoided as well.

Acidic Foods

Foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes are naturally high in acid. When your infant eats these foods, the extra acid can lead to GER and the painful symptoms that accompany it. Foods like peppers and onions also are acidic.

Fatty and Fried Foods

Fatty and fried foods have little nutritional value, meaning they aren't healthy for your infant's growing body. They also are problematic because they can contribute to GER. Refrain from feeding your baby high-fat meats -- like a steak with a lot of fat on it -- French fries, cakes, cookies, chips or fast foods. While these foods may be convenient, they can harm your baby's stomach.