It's important to realize that not all babies with reflux will require medication or have difficulties with their reflux. Many infants, usually called happy spitters, will benefit greatly from some simple steps that you can start trying right now. Many of
things listed below will help with your baby's discomfort and spitting up, eliminating need for medication.If, after trying all below listed tips, your baby is still spitting up, or having difficulties with their reflux, visit InfantRefluxDisease.com to read about whether or not medication may be needed and what medications will likely be used.
POSITIONING STEPS FOR REDUCING REFLUX
Positioning During and After Feeds
1./ Keeping child upright during and for at least thirty minutes after feeds can help to reduce reflux by allowing gravity to work at holding food in their tummies. As well, after feeding, try to keep them as motionless as possible for at least thirty minutes after feeding. Formula fed babies may require longer periods since formula is digested slower than breastmilk.
A Word About Car Seats
2./ Some car seats position baby in such a way that they hunched and slouched over, putting added pressure on their tummies which can increase reflux episodes. Look for a car seat that allows baby to be reclined enough that they aren't slouched yet, inclined enough that they are fairly upright. Sleeping Position
3./ As with positioning after feeding, keeping baby propped during sleep is essential when they have reflux. It can help reduce painful reflux episodes and reduce risk of aspiration. For more info on propping baby, see article on propping at InfantRefluxDisease.com. Prone vs. Supine (Front vs Back)
4./ The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all babies sleep in supine position (on their backs) because it has been shown to reduce risk of SIDS. This is fine for babies with reflux as long as baby is safely propped up to at least 30%, we found higher baby is propped better. Having said that, many babies with reflux prefer sleeping in prone position (stomach), also elevated of course, and may have less reflux episodes in this position. Discuss this with your doctor and he can help decide if it's okay, and how to safely manage allowing baby to sleep in prone position. It's very important to discuss this with doctor before trying it as babies with reflux are already at an increased risk of SIDS.
Carrying
5./ Try carrying baby around as much as possible in a baby carrier through out day. Carried babies tend to cry less and crying will make reflux worse, plus, it keeps baby upright.
CLOTHING AND REFLUX
Avoid Tight Clothing
6./ Tight clothing, particularly clothing that's tight around baby's tummy, can make reflux worse by increasing pressure on LES (lower esophageal sphincter). Make sure baby stays in loose fitting, elastic waists whenever possible.
