Reflux - how to help your baby

Infant reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is common in newborns and occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus, causing discomfort. While most babies outgrow reflux by their first birthday, it can be challenging for both baby and parents in the meantime. Thankfully, there are several ways to help alleviate reflux symptoms and keep your little one more comfortable. Here are some practical tips to manage your baby’s reflux

Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Large feedings can overwhelm your baby’s tiny stomach, leading to more reflux episodes. To reduce the chances of reflux, try offering smaller amounts of milk or formula more frequently. This will help keep the stomach from becoming too full and minimize the likelihood of regurgitation.

 Keep Baby Upright After Feeding

Gravity can help prevent milk or formula from flowing back into the esophagus. After feeding, keep your baby upright for about 20-30 minutes. Holding your baby in an upright position, either in your arms or using a baby carrier, can help digestion and reduce reflux symptoms.

 Elevate the Head of the Cot

While your baby should always sleep on their back (following safe sleep guidelines), slightly elevating the head of the cot can help reduce nighttime reflux. You can do this by placing a wedge or towel under the cot mattress (never under the baby directly) to create a gentle incline. This position helps prevent stomach contents from flowing upward while your baby sleeps.

Burp Frequently During Feedings

Burping your baby frequently during feedings helps release trapped air that can increase pressure on the stomach and contribute to reflux. Try burping your baby every few minutes during feeding, especially when switching breasts or after every ounce of formula.

Thicken the Milk or Formula

If your baby’s pediatrician recommends it, you can thicken breast milk or formula with a small amount of rice cereal or a thickening agent designed for infant reflux. This can make the milk heavier, reducing the likelihood of it coming back up. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your baby’s diet.

Consider a Different Formula

If you’re formula-feeding and your baby has persistent reflux, they may be sensitive to certain ingredients. Your doctor may recommend trying a hypoallergenic or anti-reflux formula, which is designed to be gentler on sensitive stomachs and can reduce symptoms of reflux.

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing

Tight clothing, especially around the belly, can increase pressure on your baby’s stomach, exacerbating reflux. Dress your baby in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to minimize any added pressure on their abdomen.

 Breastfeeding Adjustments

If you’re breastfeeding, certain adjustments may help reduce reflux symptoms:

• Change your diet: Some babies may be sensitive to foods in a breastfeeding mother's diet, such as dairy or spicy foods. Consider eliminating potential triggers to see if it makes a difference.
• Optimize breastfeeding position: Positioning your baby upright or at a slight incline during nursing can help reduce reflux.

Try Paced Feeding

For both breastfed and bottle-fed babies, paced feeding is a method that mimics the natural feeding rhythm, allowing the baby to control the flow of milk. This reduces the chance of overeating or swallowing too much air, which can worsen reflux.

Monitor for Allergies or Intolerances

Sometimes reflux is a symptom of an underlying condition, such as cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) or lactose intolerance. If your baby has additional symptoms like severe fussiness, skin rashes, or blood in their stool, consult your pediatrician for further evaluation.

Create a Calm Feeding Environment

Feeding in a calm, quiet environment with minimal distractions can help prevent your baby from swallowing too much air or overeating, both of which can worsen reflux. This can also help your baby feed more effectively.

Use Reflux-Friendly Carriers

When babywearing, use a carrier that keeps your baby in an upright position, such as a structured carrier or wrap that supports their back and neck. This can help prevent reflux symptoms while keeping them close and comforted.

Consult Your Pediatrician

If your baby’s reflux is severe or causing feeding difficulties, discomfort, or weight loss, it’s essential to consult your pediatrician. They may recommend medication to reduce stomach acid or perform further tests to rule out gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more serious form of reflux.

Reflux in babies can be uncomfortable, but there are many strategies to help manage it. With a combination of feeding adjustments, positioning techniques, and possibly changes to your baby’s diet, you can help ease their symptoms and ensure they’re more comfortable. Always consult your pediatrician before making any significant changes to your baby’s routine, especially if the reflux persists or worsens.

Read below what has helped other reflux mums!

Jade writes:  "All babies love to be held, and in my experience and from talking with other mums, this is tenfold for reflux bubs. I remember I held Freddie all day and most of the night – I’d go to the bathroom holding him. Make a Nespresso hold him. I lived off muesli bars and Tanker Topper biscuits until my sister suggested I try her Cocoonababy which she had used for her son who also had reflux. I was reluctant at first but thankfully she convinced me to give it a go and Freddie was happy to day nap (with supervision), or be put down simply so I could eat, drink my coffee and relax just for a moment – this nest kept him elevated enough to be comfortable (imagine laying flat on your back with terrible indigestion?) and hugged him while doing it. The Cocoonababy also came in handy during playtime. I would lay his activity gym over the top which again, allowed him to happily play independently for a moment or two"

Renee H writes "Bub had terrible reflux for the first month that she would choke falling asleep flat. I found it hard to sleep myself just worrying all night but I found the cocoonababy and it has helped her sleep much more comfortably"

Meg writes "Our baby slept like an angel in Cocoon, and by the age of 10 weeks she slept already full night of 8 hours. I am confident, this is thanks to Cocoon, since she could sleep deeply only there. The cocoon helped my girl to release gases easily, hence we had no colics at all. Thanks for creating such a useful thing, we never (!) had a sleepless night and always have a happy relaxed baby. It is quite an expensive buy, but worth every penny!"