Reflux baby: what is it and what can you do about it?
Reflux in your baby is very unpleasant, but fortunately, in most cases, it is no cause for concern. Baby reflux, also known as infant reflux, occurs when food moves up from your child's stomach. The result is that your baby vomits. In a healthy baby, reflux occurs several times a day. Therefore, it is not something to worry about immediately. As long as your baby is healthy and content, and of course growing well, reflux is no cause for concern. Does it occur excessively? Then it is wise to pay a visit to the GP. Snoozzz.com would be happy to give you more information about reflux in babies.
Reflux pillow
The Snoozzz reflux pillow for your baby is particularly suitable for babies with reflux and colds. Made of the best quality cold foam, breathable with a removable cover.
View the Reflux Pillow here
What is baby reflux?
So, reflux in your baby is essentially vomiting. Reflux is certainly not something that only occurs in babies. Adults can also suffer from it. The condition is also known as GERD. This is usually not the case with babies. It is very normal for your baby's food to come back up a few times a day, causing your baby to vomit a little. Especially in the first 18 months, it is very common for your baby to vomit regularly. That is why it is always good to ensure sufficient burp cloths to have, because you really need them.
Reflux baby symptoms
Looking at reflux symptoms in babies, we essentially only see the spitting up of food. Only a small amount of milk may come up, but this can also occur in somewhat larger quantities. Reflux in your baby is rarely accompanied by severe symptoms. The amount of acid in the food that comes up is insufficient to cause irritation in your baby's esophagus.
Worrying reflux baby symptoms
The regular reflux baby symptoms are therefore not worrying, but there are a number of infant reflux symptoms that are concerning. If you notice any of the symptoms below, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately:
- Your baby is not gaining weight
- There is projectile vomiting (waves of stomach contents that 'shoot' out of the mouth).
- Green or yellow fluid is being vomited
- The stomach contents look like coffee grounds.
- You notice (a little) blood in the stomach contents
- Your baby doesn't want to eat anymore
- There is blood in the stool
- Your baby is irritable after eating.
- Vomiting only starts after the age of 6 months.
- There is a chronic cough
- Your baby is having trouble breathing.
What to do about a reflux baby?
You can do a number of things yourself to reduce reflux in your baby. A few small adjustments can already lead to a significant decrease in baby reflux. First of all, it is good to feed your baby upright. Next, try to keep your baby in a sitting position for half an hour after feeding. Gravity then keeps the stomach contents where they belong. Do not play with your baby shortly after feeding. Movement can actually cause reflux. Try to feed your baby in smaller, more frequent portions. Smaller amounts of food reduce the risk of vomiting. Take the time to let your baby burp. Regular burping during and after feeding helps prevent air from accumulating in the baby's stomach. Always let your baby sleep on their back, even if your baby has reflux. reflux pillow helps keep stomach contents low for your baby.
Which food for a reflux baby?
It would, of course, be very nice if you simply had a list of foods that reduce reflux in your baby. Unfortunately, that is not how it works in practice. Every baby is different, and that also means that not all babies react to food in the same way. However, there are a number of products that help reduce reflux for almost all babies. In terms of fruit, these are avocados, bananas, and pears. They all aid digestion, have low acidity, and offer the best nutrients. Is your baby younger than 6 months? Then it may be beneficial to thicken (breast) milk with cereals. This helps keep the milk down. Is your baby older than 6 months? Then it is good to switch to solid food. Start with cereals, then vegetables, and then fruit.
Hidden reflux baby
In addition to regular reflux in babies, there is also silent reflux. This is also known as silent reflux. Reflux in babies occurs when the contents of the stomach come back into the esophagus. Babies with normal reflux spit up milk or formula, whereas with babies with silent reflux, it remains in the esophagus. With silent reflux in your baby, the food does come up, but the baby does not vomit.
Symptoms of silent reflux in babies
If your baby does not spit up, it can be difficult to recognize that your baby is suffering from reflux. Consequently, hidden reflux in babies is easily overlooked.There are a number of symptoms that indicate silent reflux in your baby:
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Suffocation
- Gagging
- Stuffy nose
- Bending the back while feeding
- Chronic cough
- Refusing to eat
- Pauses in breathing (apnea)
- Noisy breathing or wheezing
- Hoarseness
What to do about silent reflux in a baby?
Do you suspect that your baby is suffering from silent reflux? Then it is wise to take your child to the GP. Every baby is different, and that means that not every treatment is equally effective for every baby. The GP can advise you on this.In certain cases, it is sufficient to feed your baby in a different way or to offer your baby different food. In other cases, it may be necessary to temporarily give your baby medication. Naturally, it is also good to reflux pillow to buy for your baby when there is silent reflux.
How long does reflux last in babies?
Reflux in babies often starts immediately after birth. You will notice that your baby spits up milk after feeding. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about, as long as it occurs in normal amounts. Does it seem as though your baby is vomiting constantly or vomiting very large amounts at once? In that case, it is advisable to consult a doctor. As a general rule, reflux decreases in your baby as they get older. Do you notice that your baby's reflux actually gets worse when your child is already six months old or older? In that case, it is also a good idea to visit the GP.
When does baby reflux stop?
In the vast majority of cases, your baby's reflux stops at around 18 months of age. It is important to remember that every baby is unique. Therefore, it is quite possible that your baby will no longer suffer from infant reflux sooner, or that it stops a little later. This is no cause for concern. The average age at which baby reflux stops is 18 months. If it takes significantly longer, it is advisable to take your child to the doctor.
Reflux baby: always peace after feeding
Playing silly games with your baby is part of the experience. Bouncing them on your lap or letting the baby float through the air... It's all part of it. However, it is not wise to do this shortly after feeding. It can worsen baby reflux. Rest is the best medicine for baby reflux. Buy a good baby nest to let your baby rest comfortably for 30 to 60 minutes after feeding. Of course, you can buy various aids from us, such as burp cloths, reflux pillows and sleep wraps. Do you have any further questions or would you like advice? Please feel free to contact us. contact join us.
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