Baby Acid Reflux
Baby acid reflux can be very distressing and uncomfortable for both baby and parent. It is worth understanding the cause and how to minimise the problem. Babies often bring up sick after a feed. This is a common problem which is faced by parents especially after the baby has been fed. When your baby is bringing up sick after a feed, it is suffering from acid reflux. However, as the baby grows up the problem tends to become less and less until the baby reaches 6 to 12 months old. In babies, the problem of acid reflux is mainly caused by a build up of pressure in the baby's digestive system after feeding. It is not a simple task to know whether the baby is suffering from acid reflux, a constant check on the baby's health needs to be kept. This record can be maintained with the help or guidance of your baby's pediatrician.
What causes baby acid reflux: The reflux is consists of partially digested food and stomach acid, which due to the baby's delicate digestive tract, travels back from the baby's stomach to the baby's throat. The pressure created on the stomach is responsible for the reflux which results in the baby being sick. If this reflux is seen over a longer period of time, You should get your doctor's advice.
Symptoms to notice in the baby: Vomiting or spiting up is the common symptom of baby acid reflux. Other related symptoms are the baby may show include loosing weight, continuous crying, difficulty in breathing, swallowing problems. In some cases frequent fever is also noticed in some babies. Though some babies that suffer from acid reflux are healthy, a constant check should be kept on the baby.
Some of the small necessary steps that will improve the baby's health are as follows: -
Large meals should be avoided. Meals can be cut down into small frequent meals. Feeding at regular intervals will create less pressure on the baby's stomach.
Holding the baby upright during and after the feed will ease the pressure on the baby's digestive system and will allow the baby to release the gas build up in it's stomach by helping the baby to burp.
Change the consistency of the baby's diet /food helps with vary young babies. Make it more fluid by using a blender on the food before feeding your baby, with your doctor's permission.
Breast feeding will make a bond between the mother and the child and relax the baby. So don't hesitate in giving the natural nutrient to your baby.
Make sure that your baby is fed in a less chaotic and a peaceful environment.
If the baby is been fed by a sipper or a bottle, check if the size of the nipple's hole is proper and no too large.
All the above simple tips will help to make your baby lead a happy healthy life under proper doctor's guidance.
Baby acid reflux can be minmised or prevented by following these guide lines - learn more and take care.
I hope this article provided you with the information and understanding you were looking for.
Brian Waybridge, the author of this article, suffered for many years with the pain of acid reflux before he found welcome relief.