If your baby shows discomfort, such as bringing up a large amount of milk, refusing to feed, arching or crying after or during feeds, it can be a sign of reflux.
Reflux occurs when babies bring up milk during or shortly after feeding. This is a common and normal occurrence, often due to the ongoing development of the oesophagus. If your baby seems happy, healthy and is gaining weight appropriately, there’s typically no need for concern.
Reflux is most frequent between 1 and 4 months of age and usually improves by 6 to 12 months.
How common is reflux?
It’s very typical for infants to experience reflux. About 85% of babies spit up in their first week, and around 60%–70% show signs of reflux by 3 to 4 months. Fortunately, many babies outgrow it by 6 months, especially as they start sitting up and transitioning to solid foods.
When to seek help
If reflux is severe or accompanied by symptoms like irritability, feeding difficulties, poor weight gain or respiratory issues, it may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD/GERD). This condition can be uncomfortable for your baby, as the return of stomach contents and acid can cause a burning sensation.
Only a small percentage of babies develop GORD that requires medical intervention. Symptoms for GORD typically peak at about 4 months of age and resolve by 12–18 months as the infant’s digestive system matures.
How to help your baby with reflux
Here are some tips to help ease your baby’s reflux by just making some changes at home:
- Create a calm environment: Keep things calm after feeds to help your baby settle.
- Thicker formulas: If recommended by a healthcare provider, consider using thicker formulas to reduce spit-up.
- Feed upright: Hold your baby in an upright position while feeding – the ‘koala hold’, where your baby sits on your lap. Your little one’s legs can be on either side of your thighs; make sure to support their neck and head as they feed. Avoid using a car seat for reflux management, which can result in further aggravating the condition.
- Tummy time: This is most effective if your baby is under 6 months of age. If you place your baby shortly after his/her feed on his/her stomach such as on your chest, this gravity and pressure can help. Be careful not to jostle or jiggle your baby while the food is settling.
- Smaller, more frequent feedings: Offering smaller amounts more often can be helpful.
- Burp often: Burp your baby during and after feedings. Slowing down the feeding can also help – this can be achieved by mom lying back when breastfeeding.
- Elevate the crib: Raise the head of the crib to help keep milk down.
- Monitor your diet: If breastfeeding, be mindful of your diet. Certain foods, like cow’s milk protein, may affect your baby. Keeping a food diary can help identify any triggers.
- Consult your healthcare provider: Ensure your feeding methods are reviewed by a healthcare professional.
In light of the above-mentioned, the nurtureOne nesting cushion and wedge can play an important role in enhancing these adjustments. If you place your baby in the nesting cushion during feeds, it is much easier to adjust the cushion to a more upright position if needed. Your baby will be able to assume a more upright position without sliding down.
When your baby is settled and calm after the feed, one can make a smooth transition to his/her regular sleeping area, without any sleep disturbance, with the baby still on the cushion.
The wedge (which can be purchased along with the nesting cushion) will also allow for your baby’s head to be higher than his/her feet when positioned in the cot/crib/bed. Remember to keep your movements slow, and place the bottom of the cushion down first to prevent a sudden drop of your baby’s head, which may elicit a reflex response and result in waking your baby.
When to seek medical advice
Consult a doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Frequent spitting up or refusal to eat.
- Coughing or gagging during feeding.
- Projectile vomiting.
- Poor weight gain or weight loss.
- Arching back during or after feeding.
- Excessive crying during feeds.
- Swollen or tender tummy.
- Blood in stool or persistent diarrhoea.
- Unusual vomiting (green/yellow or bloody).
- Breathing issues like wheezing,
- Chronic cough or sore throat.
Understanding reflux is important for managing your baby’s comfort. If you have concerns, should your baby persist with reflux and discomfort after your having introduced these lifestyle changes, it is advisable to contact your local clinic, doctor or physical therapist for further assistance.
nurtureOne™ products are available online as well as a range of well-baby clinics and local baby shops – see stockists.