Baby Acid Reflux Remedies
Any adult who experiences acid reflux understands how wholly unpleasant it can be. Heartburn, sore throat, persistent cough and the awful regurgitation are very uncomfortable and send most adults in search of remedies. In fact, some symptoms of acid reflux (such as chest pain) may mimic a heart attack and can cause a great deal of panic until proper diagnosis is made.
Now, consider how acid reflux affects a baby and incorporate the fact that the child cannot even begin to describe their level of discomfort. How, then, is it possible to determine that an infant may indeed suffer from acid reflux or GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease)? Basically, parents will elaborate on the conditions they've regularly observed and the pediatrician will be able to proceed with a diagnosis.
If a baby vomits, gags or chokes frequently, it may be a sign of acid reflux. It's perfectly normal for virtually every baby to spit up or even vomit, particularly after a feeding, but this is usually intermittent. With acid reflux in babies, it is a recurring condition. Colicky infants (those who fuss and cry for extended periods), those who have a persistent cough or wheeziness or are particularly gassy may also be suffering with acid reflux.
Fortunately, there are many natural remedies for acid reflux in babies. One of the first things to change or adapt is the positioning of the infant. Among the suggestions are keeping the baby upright for up to half an hour after breast or bottle feeding, keeping the infant's spine as straight as possible during feedings and also raising the head of the bassinet or crib.
In the case of breastfed infants, sometimes what the mother eats is as critical as what, how much or how often the baby eats. A mother may consider altering her own diet as a natural remedy for her child's digestive discomfort. This would mean taking the necessary steps to avoid or eliminate spicy foods, coffee, chocolate and other caffeine-infused foods and alcohol, to name a few.
For bottle-fed babies, some simple, natural remedies for acid reflux include experimenting with different bottles and nipples in an effort to increase baby's sucking efficiency and thereby reduce the amount of air consumed, as well as offering smaller and more frequent feedings. No matter how the infant is fed, it is important to burp effectively. During burping and at other times, as well, it is wise to limit the pressure on the tummy of a baby that suffers from GERD. The good news, along with the many natural remedies for acid reflux in infants, is that the condition is often outgrown.