|
|
Believe it or not adults and teens are not the only ones that have to deal with acid reflux. In fact, we see acid reflux in infants all the time. However, we do not usually call it acid reflux; we usually call it spitting up. This usually happens in infants that are about three months in age, and is very common. However, just because it is common does not mean that it is good for the baby. In fact, there are a few things that you can do to help stop the spitting up, however, do keep in mind that you are not going to be able to stop all the spitting up. After all, it is a common thing for them to do this. Of course, them doing it too much is not good, and this could be a really early sign of GERD. To help your baby feel better (as well as yourself), you need to follow a few of these tips.
As said before most of the acid reflux found in babies does not need treatment at all. In fact, very rarely at all do you need to seek medical evaluation. Most of the time these symptoms will just go away during the 12th and 18th months of your baby's life. There are some things that you can look for to see if it could be a problem that you need to take your baby to the doctor. Keep in mind that not all of these things mean that you have a problem, however, if they keep occurring, then you may need to go see your doctor. Things like frequent vomiting and irritability when feeding could be early signs of problems. If your baby has a lot of coughing, hiccups, or wet burps, or if your baby arches his back during feeding time, this could be a sign that something is wrong. Also, look for things like bad breath and refusing to eat large amounts of food. Although these problems may happen from time to time, that does not mean you need to rush out to the doctor. However, if they happen all the time, then you are going to have to seek medical help. This is not something that you should just let go.
There are a few things that you can do, however, that may help your baby have less acid reflux. Like when you are feeding your baby, or when your baby is done eating, hold them upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards. If you must lay your baby down when it is done eating, lay him or her on their stomach with their head slightly raised at 30 degrees. This will usually have the same effect as holding them upright. However, do not lay your baby down like that when they are sleeping, this should only be done when they are awake. This is because that position is sometimes linked to the sudden death syndrome in babies. If they are sleeping you need to lay them on their back and raise them up slightly at 30 degrees. You may also want to try to feed your baby less amounts of food more often. This works in adults as well as infants. Another thing is trying to feeding your baby rice cereal. This can really help the baby not spit up. The rice cereal is very easy on the stomach, and makes it pass through the body very quickly. Also, it's very good for your baby. To remove pressure on your baby, always try burping him or her after feeding. This can really help take the pressure of the stomach.
Sometimes it is hard to know what a baby wants or needs, because they can not talk to us. However, if you look for these signs, then you are going to be able to know what your baby needs. Although this kind of thing happens all the time in infants, you still need to know that it can sometimes need the doctors overview. It is better to be safe than sorry. Acid reflux is not something that is uncommon in infants, so that is something else that you should keep in your mind. By looking out for these signs you can rest assure that your baby is going to grow up to be healthy and happy.
|
|
|