Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, affects people of all ages -- even infants and babies. The condition occurs when acid from your baby's stomach comes up into her esophagus, causing forceful burping, spitting up and refusing to eat. Babies with GERD can be especially difficult to treat because they cannot describe their symptoms or identify foods that seem to upset their stomachs. Although most babies outgrow GERD by ages 1 to 2, your physician may recommend taking common steps known to reduce GERD symptoms.
Formula Changes
If your baby is solely bottle fed, your physician may recommend thickening the milk. Adding rice cereal to your baby's milk can help to reduce reflux and prevent your baby from drinking too quickly, which can cause acid to reflux more easily from his stomach. Only add this on your physician's recommendation, however because thickened feedings can lead to food allergies in some instances, according to La Leche League International. It is also important to hold your baby in an upright position when feeding him to reduce acid flow.
Your Diet
Your physician may recommend making changes to your own diet if you are breastfeeding because nutrients in your diet are transferred to your baby. If you are consuming a lot of cow's milk products -- milk, yogurt, cheese or ice cream -- this can potentially cause symptoms of GERD in your baby. Consuming caffeine-containing products like sodas, coffee and chocolate also may be upsetting your baby's stomach. Be sure to tell your physician about all medications, supplements and herbs you may be taking so she can help you identify those that might be affecting your baby.
Whole Foods
If your infant is eating a combination of formula and real foods, choose foods that are low in fat and "mushy" in consistency, recommends Dr. Barry Sears. These foods include fruit and yogurt smoothies or blended vegetables. Blended foods will move through your baby's digestive tract more easily, leaving less food in the stomach to reflux.
Warning
While most babies will respond to feeding changes, some may require further treatments. If you have made diet changes and your baby shows signs of severe reflux, such as being inconsolable during feedings, spitting up green/yellow fluid, experiencing breathing problems, not gaining weight or refusing to eat, your physician may recommend medications to reduce GERD. In very severe cases, GERD can affect a baby's ability to thrive and surgery may be recommended.
References
- Kids Health: Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Kelly Mom; Spitting Up and Reflux in the Breastfed Baby; Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC; June 2005
- La Leche League International; GERD and the Breastfed Baby; Sharon Knorr; February/March 2003
- Baby Zone: Is It Acid Reflux?
- Ask Dr. Sears: GER: What It Is; What To Do; Dr. Barry Sears; 2006
