Baby Reflux

Understanding Baby Reflux

By Erline Herman

Baby reflux refers to that condition in which babies throw out milk or food because of having a weak stomach valve reacting with stomach acid. Normally, the food or milk goes up the throat and is vomited out by the baby.

Sometimes, silent reflux also happens. Silent reflux is a condition often misdiagnosed or unnoticed. The baby experiences the symptoms mentioned above, except for vomiting. In some cases, babies find it more difficult to endure silent reflux. You may see your baby while feeding suddenly taking a deep swallow. It appears like a gulp that suddenly ends your baby crying out. When this happens, it is possible that the baby is swallowing back whatever has gone up on his or her throat. The situation is very difficult to babies. If you think your baby is suffering from silent baby reflux, you may take your baby to a doctor and explain your observations. If the situation of your kid seems very alarming, some tests may be done.

Normally, baby reflux begins when the baby if about 5 weeks old. This is because your baby starts consuming more milk. Common signs or reflux include screaming and fussing while being fed. They also tend to arch their backs when they are fed. Some other signs include gulping while feeding then screaming. Parents can also observe excessive drooling or sudden signs of being unhappy when laid flat.

While the situation could be common for babies under a certain age bracket, you need to see a doctor to confirm the condition and to solve the baby's uneasiness. Babies with mild reflux may be recommended to change the baby formula they are taking (if bottle feeding). Often, baby formulas that are thicker and easier to digest can help babies prevent reflux easier. For babies who are breast fed, a certain infant medication could be prescribed by the doctors. Baby reflux can be solved if you consult your doctor immediately.

Reflux may not appear too often once the baby gets introduced with solid foods. At the end of your baby's first year, reflux may rarely happen. Below are some practical tips for parents to help them avoid baby reflux as much as possible:

• Do not overfeed your baby, and make sure that the baby is properly winded. Parents may just opt to feed their babies little but often. This helps them easily digest the food that they eat.
• After feeding, make sure your baby is kept upright for at least 30 minutes. Avoid lying your baby flat that can trigger reflux, which can make the milk goes up the throat of the baby.
• If your baby unfortunately slept right after eating, you should under more pillows to your baby. Sleeping with the baby's head higher can prevent reflux on the part of the baby.

Reflux is a very hard situation for babies. If makes them feel very uncomfortable, aside from the fact that their food intake goes to waste. Apply the tips mentioned above to help your baby prevent reflux.

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