Infant reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. While occasional spitting up is normal for many infants, persistent or severe reflux can be attributed to various factors.
Causes Of Reflux In Infants
Let’s understand the causes of reflux in infants.
- Overfeeding:
- Incorrect Feeding Positions:
- Lying Down Too Soon After Feeding:
- Food Sensitivities:
- Hiatal Hernia:
- Neurological Factors:
- Positioning During Sleep:
- Delayed Emptying of the Stomach:
- Family History:
- Prematurity:
Feeding the baby too much or too quickly can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to an increased likelihood of reflux. Paced bottle feeding and paying attention to the baby’s cues for hunger and fullness can help prevent overfeeding.
Inappropriate positioning during breastfeeding or bottle feeding may contribute to infant reflux. Ensuring that the baby is in an upright position during and after feeding can help prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
Placing the baby in a horizontal position immediately after feeding can increase the risk of infant reflux. Keeping the baby upright for about 2030 minutes after meals can aid in digestion and reduce the likelihood of regurgitation.
Some infants may experience reflux due to sensitivity to certain components in breast milk or formula. Common triggers include proteins found in dairy products or other allergenic foods. In breastfeeding mothers, adjusting the diet to identify and eliminate potential triggers may be helpful.
A hiatal hernia occurs when a small portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. While hiatal hernias are much less common in toddlers, they can make contributions to reflux signs.
Neurological immaturity in infants can affect the coordination of muscles involved in digestion, including those around the LES. Conditions such as cerebral palsy may increase the likelihood of reflux.
Following guidelines for safe sleep, which propose setting toddlers on their backs to lessen the danger of SIDS, can contribute to reflux. However, that is considered an essential precaution, and other measures can be taken to manage reflux signs and symptoms.
Some infants may have a delay in the emptying of the stomach, leading to increased pressure and reflux. This delay can be associated with factors such as a neurologically immature digestive system.
There can be a genetic predisposition to reflux. If family members have a record of reflux or gastrointestinal issues, the probability of a toddler experiencing reflux can be multiplied.
Premature infants are more likely to experience reflux due to the underdevelopment of various systems, including the digestive system. As they grow and develop, reflux symptoms often improve.
How To Treat Reflux In Infants?
- Lifestyle and Positioning
- Upright Positioning:
- Elevating the Crib:
- Frequent Burping:
- Hold the Baby Upright:
- Feeding Modifications
- Smaller, More Frequent Feedings:
- Paced Bottle Feeding:
- Thickening Feeds:
- Experiment with Breastfeeding Positions:
- Elimination Diet (for Breastfeeding Mothers):
- Medications
- Antacids:
- Proton Pump Inhibitors:
- Prokinetic Agents:
- Specialized Formulas
- Hypoallergenic Formulas:
- Thickened Formulas:
- Natural Remedies
- Gentle Tummy Massages:
- Infant Probiotics:
- Chamomile Tea:
- Consultation with Paediatrician
- Persistent Symptoms:
- Poor Weight Gain:
- Severe Symptoms:
- Monitoring and Follow-Up
- Regular CheckUps:
- Adjustments to Treatment Plan:
- Transitioning to Solids:
- Gradual Improvement and Outcomes
- Age-Related Improvement:
- Developmental Milestones:
- Gradual Reduction in Symptoms:
- Individual Variations:
Keep your baby in an upright position during and after feedings. This helps gravity prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
Elevate the head of the crib mattress to create a slight incline. This can be done using specially designed wedges or by placing a firm pillow or blanket underneath the mattress.
Burp your baby frequently during feedings to release trapped air, reducing the likelihood of reflux.
Hold your baby upright for at least 2030 minutes after each feeding to allow food to settle and reduce the chances of reflux.
Offer smaller feedings at more frequent intervals. This prevents the stomach from becoming overly full, reducing the chances of reflux.
For formulated infants, practice paced bottle feeding to control the flow of milk. This technique allows the baby to feed at their own pace, minimizing the intake of air.
Consider using the thickened formula for bottle-fed infants. Thickening agents can reduce the frequency of reflux episodes.
If breastfeeding, experiment with different feeding positions. Some babies may find certain positions more comfortable and less prone to reflux.
If food sensitivities are suspected, breastfeeding mothers can try eliminating common triggers like dairy or caffeine from their diet. Consult with an expert.
H2 blockers, such as ranitidine, can reduce stomach acid production. These medications are available in liquid form for infants and are usually prescribed under medical supervision.
PPIs, like omeprazole or lansoprazole, are more potent acid-reducing medications. They are prescribed in specific cases where H2 blockers are not effective.
Prokinetic agents, such as metoclopramide, can help improve the motility of the digestive system, reducing reflux episodes.
For infants with suspected milk protein allergies, hypoallergenic formulas can be used. These formulas are designed to be easier to digest and may reduce reflux symptoms.
Thickened formulas are available commercially and can be used to reduce the frequency of spit-up in formula-fed infants.
One of the simplest baby reflux treatments is gently massage your baby’s tummy in a clockwise motion. This can help move gas through the digestive system.
Probiotics may promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and aid in digestion.
Home remedies for baby reflux treatment is chamomile tea, which might also have calming outcomes when dissolved and served in small amounts. However, it should be used with care and underneath the supervision of a healthcare expert.
If reflux symptoms persist despite lifestyle and feeding modifications, it’s essential to consult a pediatrician.
If the baby is not gaining weight appropriately or is experiencing difficulty feeding, prompt medical attention is necessary.
If the baby exhibits severe symptoms such as significant arching, choking, or breathing difficulties, seek immediate medical help.
Attend regular checkups with the pediatrician to monitor the baby’s growth, development, and overall health.
Pediatricians may adjust the treatment plan based on the baby’s response and developmental milestones.
Introduce solid foods as recommended by the pediatrician. This milestone can positively impact reflux symptoms.
Many infants naturally outgrow reflux as their digestive system matures. Significant improvement is often seen by the age of 6 to 12 months.
As the baby reaches developmental milestones, such as sitting up and crawling, the frequency of reflux tends to decrease.
Improvement in reflux symptoms is typically gradual. Parents may notice a reduction in spitting up and discomfort over time.
Each baby is unique, and the timeline for improvement can vary. Some infants may experience relief earlier, while others may require more time.
When Does Infant Reflux Improve?
- Age-Related Improvement:
- Developmental Milestones:
- Transition to Solid Foods:
- Improved Muscle Control:
- Upright Mobility:
- Gradual Reduction in Symptoms:
Many infants naturally outgrow reflux as their digestive system matures.
As the baby reaches milestones like sitting up and crawling, the frequency of reflux tends to decrease.
Introducing solid foods, typically around 4-6 months, can alleviate reflux symptoms for some babies.
As the lower esophageal sphincter strengthens with age, reflux symptoms diminish.
Once the baby starts sitting up and moving independently, the likelihood of reflux decreases.
Improvement is often gradual, with a noticeable reduction in spitting up and discomfort over time.
At Kangaroo Kids, we understand that Infant reflux is a common condition that, while often manageable, can cause concern for parents. While reflux often improves with age and developmental milestones, each baby is unique, and consulting with a healthcare professional is essential for personalized guidance and support.
