Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a form of acid reflux. It occurs when your baby's lower esophageal sphincter opens, causing stomach contents to rise into his esophagus. Many babies outgrow GERD by their first birthday. The exact cause of the condition is not always clear, but sometimes certain foods, such as infant formula, irritate your baby and worsen his symptoms. Depending on your baby, switching to or from soy formula could offer relief.
GERD Symptoms
In some cases, it is difficult to distinguish between GERD and the type of spitting up that is typical during infancy. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, GERD is characterized by repeated regurgitation, coughing, irritability and respiratory problems. You also might notice that your baby arches her back in discomfort.
Formula
Your baby's formula has the potential to worsen his GERD symptoms. If your baby has trouble digesting lactose, or milk sugar, switching him to soy formula may decrease the effects. However, BabyCenter says that soy formula is just as likely to cause problems for your baby, so soy formula is capable of worsening his GERD symptoms, as well.
Considerations
There is no nutritional advantage to giving your baby one type of formula over the other, because both soy and cow's milk formula are fortified with the same vitamins and minerals. If your baby is experiencing GERD and you want to find a formula that will not irritate her reflux, talk to her doctor about choosing the best kind. Breast milk or a hypoallergenic formula might be a better option.
Recommendations
To help relieve your baby's GERD symptoms, offer him smaller feedings more frequently so that his body has less to digest at a time. Burp him regularly during the feedings and keep him in an upright position for at least 30 minutes after he eats.
