Saturday, December 10, 2011

How To Treat Acid Reflux In Infants Naturally

Acid Reflux In Newborns

Acid reflux in infants and babies is common nowadays. Why do they suffer from this disease? The lower esophageal sphincter in infants is not fully developed until they reach one year old. If you over feed the child or feed the baby in the lying down position, then most likely acid reflux will develop.

Acid Reflux In Newborns

When they are in pain, they cannot tell you. The only thing they can do is to cry. In this situation, it is difficult to determine if the infants are suffering from acid reflux. You need to look out for common symptoms. Usually the symptoms surface when you feed the babies. These include bad breath, frequent coughing, excessive spitting up, and regurgitation after meal.

Acid Reflux In Newborns

So, how do you treat acid reflux in infants naturally? Here are the five natural tips.

Acid Reflux In Newborns

Breast feed your baby. It is a natural way to treat heartburn. Breast milk contains enzymes that help in digestion. This will reduce the symptoms of infant acid reflux. However, as a nursing mother, you need to watch what you eat. Some foods that contain acid reflux trigger may pass on to your child. Avoid over feeding. Babies can't tell you when they are full. Too much food in their stomach can lead to acid reflux. Therefore, feed them more frequently with smaller meals. Infants usually like to sleep on their stomachs. This position adds pressure to the stomach which increases the likelihood of acid reflux. Therefore, change their sleeping position by putting them on their backs. You should also raise the head of the crib. This prevents the stomach acid from reaching the esophagus. Babies usually lie down most of the times. This can aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux. If they are feeling discomfort from acid reflux, just place them upright. Always feed them in an upright position. Burp them and hold them upright for half an hour after each meal. This helps the food to settle down in their stomachs.

In many cases, the symptoms will go away on its own when the child is between 12 and 18 months. This is the period when the digestive system is fully developed.

Although the methods may help to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux in infants naturally, your baby still need a proper diagnosis. Some severe respiratory disorders can arise especially when the food reaches into the lungs. In some cases, it may damage the esophagus. Therefore, always bring your child to a pediatrician whenever the symptoms arise.

How To Treat Acid Reflux In Infants Naturally

Acid Reflux In Newborns

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