When your little bundle of joy enters the world the last thing you want to happen is for them to suffer from any form of health condition. Even the most careful parents may end up with a child who suffers from acid reflux or other forms of GERD. While soothing, feeding, and caring for a child with acid reflux may seem difficult, there are many ways to help reduce or even eliminate the condition.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition that affects infants, children, and adults alike. Those with acid reflux suffer when the acid and content of the stomach travels back up the esophagus and the throat. Although it can affect a person of any age, it is a common problem faced by infants aged three months and younger. When the lower esophageal sphincter is underdeveloped or weak, it can cause acid reflux to develop. The one-way valve usually will only open during swallowing. Any time the LES is either unable or does not close correctly, it allows fluid and other stomach contents to return to the esophagus. Food allergies and Hiatal hernias can also cause acid reflux to develop.

Acid Reflux in Infants

Healthy babies who have mild cases of acid reflux may spit up after each feeding, but they are not irritable. Babies also seldom develop acid reflux once they have passed their first year of life. There are many infants however who suffer from severe acid reflux. These infants may require medical attention, special formula, or other specialized care. Some symptoms of severe acid reflux in babies include:

• Refusal to eat
• Fear of eating
• Weight loss
• Bloody, yellow, or coffee-ground colored vomit
• Apnea
• Forceful vomiting
• Bradycardia
• Difficulty breathing
• Inability to gain weight
• Colic
• Extreme irritability
• Bloody stools/ Coffee ground stools
• Coughing or wheezing
• Weight loss

Most babies only suffer from mild acid reflux if at all, but if you notice the symptoms above you should contact your pediatrician for a consultation.

Acid Reflux Treatment

There are many ways to treat infant acid reflux and GERD. The treatment largely depends on the severity of the condition. Most pediatricians will first ask parents to alter the way they feed their infants and the type of baby formula they use. You should never stop feeding your infant formula or breast milk prior to consulting with a medical professional regarding their reflux.

Treating Mild Infant Acid Reflux

Most pedestrians will suggest adding a small amount of rice cereal to your infant's baby formula if their episodes are mild but recurring. In many cases, the thicker formula will prevent babies from regurgitating their meals. There are also special infant formulas such as Hipp Anti-Reflux infant formula that are specifically blended to address reflux triggers.

Adding rice cereal to infant formula is one way to help reduce how much your child vomits, but it is not a cure for acid reflux. Depending on the age of the baby, adding cereal may increase the chances of other complications. For example, babies under four months of age who consume rice cereal in their formula are at a higher risk of developing food allergies. It is always important to seek advice from your pedestrian before introducing food or cereal ahead of schedule. Opting for a specially formulated infant milk such as Hipp is a superior alternative.

Treating Severe Infant Acid Reflux

Babies who suffer from severe acid reflux and those who are not suitable candidates for the rice cereal method have other options. Pediatricians often suggest transitioning from synthetic or cow’s milk formula to a gentler alternative. Many infants are actually allergic to the proteins that are present in cow’s milk which causes the development of infant acid reflux. Switching to organic, goats milk, or soy formulas often is enough to ease the effects of infant acid reflux.

Formulas Suitable For Infants With Acid Reflux

There are several formulas available for infants who suffer from acid reflux and GERD. Organic blends are always more gentle on the stomach thanks to the absence of chemicals and pesticides. European brands such as Holle, Kabrita, and Nanny Care offers a range of goat milk formulas that help ease the symptoms of acid reflux in infants.

Soy Milk Formulas

For infants who are sensitive to the proteins in cow milk, soy milk formula may help relieve acid reflux. Most doctors will only suggest a baby transition to soy milk if they have an intolerance of lactose, or if they suffer from galactosemia.

Specialized Formulas

Specialized formulas such as Hipp organic anti-reflux infant formula is a special blend that has been created to help ease acid reflux. The proteins in the formula are much smaller which helps to reduce the reflux trigger in infants. It is also recommended for infants who suffer from certain ailments as well as those that were born prematurely.

Goat Milk Formulas

Goat milk, especially organic, is very healthy for infants. Goat milk formulas also much easier for the stomach and the digestive tract. Infants who suffer from acid reflux may find relief by switching to an organic goat milk formula such as Kabrita infant formula. Like all infant formula from the EU, it is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure that your child thrives.

Feeding Tips For Infant Acid Reflux

Aside from changing your baby formula, there are a few feeding tips from Mommy Formula that will help soothe your infants distress.

• Don’t overfeed your infant
• Burp your baby after every ounce or two of formula
• Allow your infant to sit up for at least 20 minutes after their feeding
• Feed your baby smaller amounts frequently
• Sit still with your infant after each feeding
• Use a smaller nipple or bottle during feeding
• Don’t put your baby to sleep for at least a half an hour after a feeding

Final Thoughts

Acid reflux is distressing and can cause massive amounts of discomfort for your baby. Don’t lose hope because infant acid reflux is easily treatable with the suggestions listed above. If your child still suffers from reflux despite changing their feeding habits and their formula, talk to your doctor about other options for treatment.