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Non-Medical Treatments for Infant Reflux / GERD
Although many infants and children with reflux require medication to control the symptoms, there are several ways that you can allieviate your child's pain at home. Be aware, though, that not all of the following will help every child with reflux. Its a matter of trial and error!
Elevate, elevate, elevate! Keep your child's head elevated during and after meals for at least thirty minutes. Prop your child during play-time by using pillows, upright toys (Exersaucer), or a nursing pillow. Also, keep your child's head elevated while he/she is sleeping. You can do this by placing phone books under the legs of the crib or by allowing the child to sleep in a carseat or a bouncy seat.
Thickening bottles with infant cereal is also helpful for many. After consulting with your child's physician, adding cereal to a bottle might help weigh the formula down, which will cause less reflux. A larger nipple, a Y-Cut nipple, or a cross-cut nipple may be required in order for the child to suck the thicker formula through the bottle. Many brands of bottles offer these types.
Keep him/her comfortable! Although increased fussiness and crying goes along with having reflux, it is very common for an upset baby to have increased symptoms. Try wearing your baby in a carrier or a sling to keep him/her calm during the day. Also, try to pinpoint good distractions that can take away from those periods of time that your child's reflux is at its worst. Stroller rides, car rides, and DVD's can help keep your little one's mind off of his/her pain!
Go easy on your child's tummy! Children with reflux tend to be extra sensitive to pressure on the stomach. Tummy-time might be painful for your child with reflux and/or cause him/her to vomit. Don't panic if your child with reflux is not getting the suggested amount of tummy-time. Keep him/her comfortable, and talk with his/her pediatrician. Also, tight clothing and diapers can upset the tummy of a child with reflux. Keep things loose, allowing for better digestion!
Breastfeeding is almost always the best option for feeding your baby. If you are able to breastfeed, this may help your child's reflux!
Dietary changes, such as eliminating milk and/or soy may also be beneficial to a select few children with reflux. If an allergy or an intolerance exists, the allergen, such as milk or soy, could be aggravating the child's reflux. If this is suspected, talk with your child's pediatrician about trialing an elimination diet.
Don't push solids! Many children experience an increase in reflux symptoms after solids are introduced! Take your time introducing solids, and note any foods that cause your child to have increased reflux symptoms. Breastmilk and formula contain all of the needed nutrients to sustain a baby up to one year of age in most conditions. Milk comes first!
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Read more about Reflux Information:
Infant / Baby Formula: What's the difference?,
Foods that Aggravate GERD,
The Struggle of Feeding an Infant or Toddler with Reflux / GERD,
The Ultra-Bland Reflux Diet
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