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FOOD / FEEDING TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
Food
7./ Breastfeeding is definitely best for a baby with reflux because it is more hypoallergenic than formula and is digested twice as fast as formula. If breastfeeding is not chosen or not possible by
mother, formula changes can help some babies. If baby has a milk or lactose allergy or intolerance giving baby formula that is milk based can make reflux worse. Learn about different types of formula available and discuss this possibility with your pediatrician.
Thickening
8./ Some babies with reflux will respond well to thickening their feeds with cereal. Thickening formula can help for a few reasons. The added weight of cereal in food helps to keep food from splashing around in baby's belly and can help keep it down. Babies who are having difficulty gaining weight may also benefit from added calories. Generally, it's recommended that about one tablespoon of cereal should be added for every ounce of formula. If formula isn't thick enough, it won't work. Also, some babies may react poorly to rice cereal which is generally first tried, so adding oatmeal instead may work better for some babies. As always discuss this with your pediatrician before trying it. Feeding Time
9./ When and how much a baby is fed can also have an impact on their reflux. Smaller more frequent meals through out day work much better than larger, less frequent meals. Also, avoid feeding baby right before bedtime, particularly if baby is already a poor sleeper.
Breastfeeding
10./ If you are breastfeeding, try eliminating foods that can make reflux worse. Dairy products are a big offender, as is caffeine, fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits. If eliminating these things seems to help, you can slowly (about one thing a week) start to introduce one thing at a time back into your diet and watch baby's reactions. This will help give you an idea of exactly what was making reflux worse, so that you (hopefully) don't need to give up everything you love, just one or two things.
Burping
11./ Stopping to burp baby frequently (at least after every ounce) during feedings can help.
Provide a Pacifier
12./ Sucking on a pacifier or dummy, can increase saliva production. Saliva is alkaline which can help neutralize some of acid that may come up.
Avoid Certain Foods and Liquids
13./ More so for older children and babies, there are certain foods that are known to make reflux worse, as mentioned above. These should be avoided.
OTHER
Infant Massage
14./ Try infant massage, it's been shown to improve digestion and will help relax baby.
Early in 2001 Roni MacLean launched InfantRefluxDisease.com. One of the best sources of info online, it's an informational website to help others survive what MacLean had been through with their daughter. She has also written the highly acclaimed book, Life on the Reflux Roller Coaster, published in 2004. Currently she dedicates all her time to the website and it's visitors.
