How to Feed Your Baby With Reflux

Reflux, also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux, is common in babies. Because the condition causes frequent spitting up and painful heartburn, babies with reflux often have feeding problems. Take the following steps to minimize reflux.

Things You'll Need

• Baby Slings Or Front Pack
• Infant Seats
• Journals

Instructions

1. Start with breast-feeding. Breast-fed babies are less likely to have reflux.

2. Keep the baby upright for about 30 minutes after feeding. A baby sling, front pack or infant seat will help.

3. Record the foods and activities that trigger the baby's reflux.

4. Feed the baby small and frequent meals and snacks as he or she begins to eat solid foods. Small, frequent meals are less likely to cause reflux than a few big meals each day.

5. Serve the last snack at least a half hour before bedtime.

6. Reduce your older baby's intake of foods that may increase reflux. These foods include citrus fruits, chocolate, mint, caffeine (from tea, coffee or sodas), carbonated drinks and black pepper.

Tips & Warnings

• Reflux usually decreases as babies begin to eat solid foods. Most children outgrow reflux by 18 months.

• Thickening breast milk or formula with cereal is not generally an effective way to reduce reflux. Talk to your pediatrician before thickening milk or formula.

• Severe reflux can lead to poor weight gain.

• Food allergies, eating disorders and intestinal blockages are other serious conditions that may cause frequent vomiting in children.