Acid reflux is when food backs up from your baby's stomach and causes her to spit up.Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is generally not serious and often stops by 18 months old; however, seeing your newborn experience irritation from acid reflux can concern or upset you.If you make lifestyle changes or use medication, you can treat your newborn's acid reflux.
Step 1: The symptoms of acid reflux can be recognized.
If your baby shows symptoms of acid reflux, it's time to make lifestyle changes.Acid reflux in newborns can include: Spitting up and vomiting Refusing to eat Burping or hiccuping wet liquid Failing to gain weight
Step 2: Adapt bottle feedings.
Change the way you feed your baby with a bottle.These can help prevent acid reflux in your baby.Reduce how much you give your baby at each feeding so that there is less pressure on the muscle that keeps food from leaking.Make sure your baby has a bottle and nipple.This will allow your baby to get the right amount of milk from the nipple.After talking to your baby's doctor, try a different brand of formula.Make the formula thicker by adding some rice cereals with your doctor's approval.
Step 3: Breastfeeding techniques can be modified.
Babies who are breastfed may experience less reflux.Similar to bottle feeding, changing your breastfeeding technique may help treat your newborn's reflux.Reduce the amount of milk in your baby's stomach by breastfeeding for less time each feeding, but more frequently throughout the day.If you eliminate certain foods from your diet, your baby will have less reflux.You may want to avoid dairy, beef, and eggs if you can see that they cause the reflux.Breast milk with rice cereals was expressed by Thicken.
Step 4: Burp your baby more.
To burp your baby, interrupt her feedings.She may be able to relieve pressure in her belly by burping more often.The following schedule can be used as a guideline for burping.Burp your baby for two hours after feeding to help relieve gas.Every bottle feeding has to be two ounces.When the babies pull off of your nipple, burp them.
Step 5: Hold the baby upright.
gravity keeps the contents of his stomach down, so keeping your baby in an upright position can help relieve and prevent reflux.After feeding him, make sure to keep him upright.Your baby's head is resting on your chest.Try to keep your baby quiet.
Step 6: She should be sleeping in a different position.
Doctors recommend that babies sleep on their backs to minimize the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, however, this position may cause problems for babies with moderate to severe reflux, and your doctor may suggest putting your baby on her side or stomach.It is important to speak with your baby's doctor before changing her sleeping position.Put your baby in her crib on a firm mattress with no blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals.She should turn her head to the side so that her mouth and nose don't obstruction.The foam block or wedge pillow can be used to raise the mattress slightly.It's a good idea to avoid using a pillow on the mattress.You can put your baby to bed on her back if you elevate the head of the bed.Put your baby on her left side to keep the stomach inlet higher than the outlet.
Step 7: Natural remedies could be considered.
gripe water is a natural product that many people use to soothe irruption.After consulting with your doctor, you can try gripe water.The World Health Organization does not recommend giving gripe water to babies under six months of age.Before giving your baby water, speak to your doctor.Look for products with a variety of herbs.Stay away from products with alcohol.
Step 8: Visit your doctor.
If lifestyle changes don't help your newborn's symptoms, schedule an appointment with his doctor.If your baby has the following symptoms, you should see his doctor.
Step 9: You need to get a diagnosis.
Your baby's doctor will ask you questions about her symptoms.She may recommend further testing to confirm a diagnosis.One of the following tests can be ordered by your doctor.
Step 10: Take your baby medication.
Depending on the outcome of your doctor's visit, he or she may suggest lifestyle changes or prescribe medication.If you know that reflux medications aren't generally recommended for babies with uncomplicated reflux, you can be aware of that.Follow your doctor's instructions.Most medications given to babies for reflux are given with a specific dose in mind.You can reduce the acid by giving your baby drugs.She will most likely get a H2 blocker like Tagamet or Zantac.Acid blocking drugs should not be given to your baby.
Step 11: If you want to tighten the esophageal sphincter, you must have surgery.
Some babies may need surgery to tighten the muscle that blocks food from coming back up.The procedure is only done on babies with severe breathing problems.