Acid Reflux in Babies and Infants

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Most people don't realize that infants can have acid reflux problems, too. Unfortunately this is very difficult to diagnose. Look for such symptoms as trouble sleeping, frequently spitting up, unusual irritability, crying after eating and possibly weight loss, loss of appetite and apnea. My son had a major problem with reflux as an infant, we would carry as many as a dozen burp rags with us to catch the mess. We did not have to change his formula to the really expensive stuff, but we did settle on a brand that was easier on his tummy. Finding something that agreed with his tummy took a little trial and error but it was worth it.

If you are breastfeeding then your meals are directly transferred to your baby through your breast milk. If you eat a real spicy meal, so will your baby. This can produce the heartburn and acid reflux in your infant. If your child is experiencing these symptoms you should adjust your own diet until you are done breastfeeding in order to be gentler on his/her tummy.

A lot of the same causes and symtoms affect babies as they do adults. Infants spend most of their time laying down so gravity is working against them. If your child is able, have them sit up more often during the day. A cousin of mine even raised one end of the crib mattress in order to put her son in an elevated position at night. Anything to help keep the acid in his belly instead of his esophagus. It helped tremendously.

If you feel that simple diet changes and body position adjustments aren't helping your baby, please speak with your doctor.