Management tips for infant reflux

Below are some tricks I have used and what other parents have recommended.

• Keep your baby upright for at least 30 minutes after a feed.
• Keep baby’s body straight with their head higher than their stomach try using an elevated feeding pillow
• Burp baby frequently during and after the feeds as long as this doesn’t upset the baby.
• If the baby is bottle-fed, try AR (anti-reflux) formula, or a HA (hypoallergenic) one. You may need to use a larger size teat with the thickened formula. Formula’s for newborns are: Nan 1 HA Gold Premium Starter Infant Formula with Karicare Food Thickener, Novalac AR Infant Formula, Karicare AR Thickened Formula or S26 AR Thickened Infant Formula are just a few
• Try elevating the head of the cot/bassinet with a blanket, or elevated wedge
• Avoid overfeeding.
• Try feeding smaller amounts slightly more frequently (unless this upsets baby). Frequent large feeds can trigger reflux.
• The best time to lay your baby on the floor is when baby’s tummy is empty, i.e. before a feed
• Change nappy before a feed. Take care to elevate the baby’s head and shoulders. Avoid lifting the legs too high, and turn to the side if possible.
• If breastfeeding, avoid foods that can aggravate reflux such as citrus, tomato, fatty foods, spicy foods, chocolate and carbonated drinks
• Some reflux children may suffer from food sensitivities, and may need dietary restrictions (or the mother may consider an elimination diet). If you suspect foods may be responsible for your child’s condition, it is essential to discuss this with your health care provider. Do not change your or your child’s diet before seeking medical advice.
• Use a baby sling, which allows you to keep your child upright and keep both hands free so if you want to do some house work you can, or simple just go for a walk, babies like to hear their parents heart beat and this allows that
• Consider using a dummy; the swallowing action may help
• Avoid vigorous movements or bouncing the baby.
• Avoid any tight clothing around the waist, such as tight nappies, elastic waistbands.
• Put baby in the pram and rock it backwards and forwards over a bump in a rug, etc. Better still; go for a walk outside if you can – the screaming never seems quite so loud in the great outdoors.
• Play a ‘white noise’ CD on for background noise so that the baby is not easily startled by loud noises.
• Use products to help keep baby upright or help calm them, such as an automatic baby swing, bouncer and/or baby hammock as suitable. Never let them fall asleep unsupervised in these devices as they are not designed as sleeping products.
• Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.
• Try infant massage, it’s been shown to improve digestion and will help relax baby