Introduction – Home Remedies For Baby Acid Reflux

Many babies occasionally spit up or have wet burps after feedings. However, if your baby has frequent or severe acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), they may be in pain or discomfort. As a parent, you naturally want to soothe their symptoms and ease their distress. While there are medications that can help with acid reflux in babies, there are also several effective natural remedies. In this article, we will cover the causes, symptoms, and home treatments for acid reflux in infants.

What is Acid Reflux in Babies?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. The esophagus is not well-protected against acid like the stomach, so the acid irritates the esophagus lining, causing pain and discomfort, known as heartburn in adults.

Babies have immature digestive systems, making them prone to mild acid reflux, especially after feedings. However, GERD is present when babies have:

• Frequent spit ups (more than once per day)
• Projectile vomiting
• Discomfort during or after feedings
• Poor weight gain

While acid reflux in babies often resolves on its own by 12-18 months old, the pain and complications mean it’s important to alleviate symptoms. Let’s look at how to recognize acid reflux in babies.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Babies

How do you know if your baby has acid reflux versus normal spitting up? Here are some of the most common symptoms parents notice:

Spitting Up

Spitting up breast milk or formula is common in babies. However, babies with acid reflux spit up frequently throughout the day, sometimes after every feeding. Their spit up may be projectile and shoot several inches.

Irritability After Feedings

Babies with acid reflux often cry, fuss, pull off the breast or bottle, or demonstrate discomfort during or shortly after eating. They become irritable when laid down after eating.

Difficulty Swallowing

You may notice gagging, coughing, or choking during feedings. Babies with acid reflux have trouble keeping milk down and may refuse to eat because it causes pain.

Refusing to Eat

Since eating is uncomfortable, babies with acid reflux go on nursing strikes and turn their heads from the bottle or breast. They eat less than normal.

Wet Burps or Hiccups

Frequent wet burps or hiccups are signs that milk mixed with stomach acid is coming up. Some babies burp, hiccup, or cough when reflux occurs.

Watch for these signs of discomfort if you suspect acid reflux. Now let’s look at what causes it.

Causes of Acid Reflux in Babies

Babies get acid reflux for several reasons:

Infrequent Feedings

When babies go too long between feedings, their stomach empties and the acid irritates the lining. Frequent, small feedings reduce reflux.

Overfeeding

Overfeeding or forceful bottle feeding can cause the esophageal sphincter to relax and allow stomach contents up. Feed on demand.

Bottle-feeding

Bottle-fed babies take in more air, increasing stomach pressure. Hold baby upright when bottle feeding and burp frequently.

Food Allergies or Intolerances

Allergies to cow’s milk protein or soy protein can irritate the stomach and cause acid reflux in babies.

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia causes part of the stomach to protrude into the chest, causing acid reflux. See your pediatrician if reflux persists.

While acid reflux is often temporary, you can try these lifestyle remedies and natural treatments to ease your baby’s symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Baby’s Acid Reflux

Making a few changes can significantly improve your baby’s acid reflux:

Smaller, More Frequent Feedings

Feed babies smaller amounts more often to reduce stomach distension. Burp after 1-2 ounces.

Keep Baby Upright After Feedings

Hold babies upright for 30 minutes after eating so gravity keeps food down. Incline the crib mattress.

Thicken Breast Milk or Formula

Adding a bit of rice cereal to milk can help keep it down. Consult your pediatrician first.

Burp Frequently During Feedings

Burp baby after every 1-2 ounces to get rid of excess air that can increase reflux.

These tips should help minimize acid reflux episodes. You can also try these natural remedies.

Natural Remedies for Baby’s Acid Reflux

If you’re looking for home remedies for baby acid reflux, several over-the-counter natural products can safely soothe your baby’s acid reflux:
This page discusses the medications for reflux in children and when they might be recommended: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infant-acid-reflux/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351412

Gripe Water

This traditional remedy contains herbs like fennel and ginger to relax the stomach and ease colic, gas, and reflux. Give 2-3 ml before or during feedings.

Fennel Tea

This herb boosts digestion and reduces gut spasms and inflammation. Steep crushed fennel seeds in hot water and give baby 1-3 ml before eating.

Digestive Enzymes

Enzyme supplements like papain and bromelain improve digestion and decrease reflux. Consult your pediatrician on dosage.

Probiotics

Probiotics balance gut bacteria and improve digestion. Look for infant probiotic drops with strains like Lactobacillus reuteri.

Always consult your pediatrician before giving any new foods, herbs, or supplements to your baby. While home remedies can provide relief for mild cases, contact your pediatrician if symptoms don’t improve or if your baby has difficulty gaining weight.

When to See a Doctor

See your pediatrician if your baby has any of these:

• Forceful projectile vomiting
• Weight loss or difficulty gaining weight
• Wheezing or respiratory problems
• Frequent choking episodes
• Persistent irritability during or after feeding
• Reflux that persists beyond one year old

Your pediatrician can check for underlying issues and may prescribe medication if needed. Most babies outgrow reflux by one year old.

While mild acid reflux is common in infants, you can try these natural remedies and lifestyle tips to minimize your baby’s discomfort and improve digestion:

Conclusion

Baby acid reflux can be concerning for any parent. And if you’re looking for home remedies for baby acid reflux, while there are several home remedies to try, it’s essential to monitor your baby’s symptoms and consult with a pediatrician if you’re ever in doubt.

FAQs About Baby Acid Reflux