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The Ultra-Bland Reflux Diet
In rare cases, solid food can cause so many problems for a child with reflux that its introduction is impossible. My son, Noah, becomes extremely unhappy and irritable after consuming most foods, and without his daily medications, he would spend the entire night screaming, arching, and thrashing in severe pain. The reflux reaction can last for several days with Noah, and his diet is closely monitored. Up until very recently, Noah was only eating 'safe' foods that we knew would not upset his reflux at all, foods that allow him to function pain-free. With the help of medication, however, Noah's diet is expanding, but I wanted to share food suggestions if the introduction of solids has become a devastating experience with your child.
Think Organic!
Whether or not you are influenced by organics, they are a wonderful idea for a child with severe reflux and food sensitivities, because they contain so few ingredients compared to the regular choices. This allows you to pinpoint triggers or allergens with ease, rather than sorting through the dozens of lengthy names and wondering which caused your child to suffer.
Rice
Infant Cereal: Brown rice is usually the sole ingredient in infant cereal, and it is tolerated by nearly every infant and toddler. Mix with water, breast milk, or formula.
Puffed Rice: This cereal is simply plain brown rice that has been baked into a light, crunchy texture. Rice Krispies is NOT an example of this cereal. This cereal is purchased in a clear bag in the cereal aisle, and will have 'brown rice' as the only ingredient. It is a perfect first finger food for babies.
Cooked Rice: Brown rice can be cooked and served plain.
Rice Breads: There are several breads and crackers offered in health food stores that are made up of just brown rice and possibly a few other ingredients that are typically harmless. This bread does not have a good texture or taste, but it might be offered to a toddler if you become desperate. It is best toasted, as it very hard to begin with, and toasting causes it to be more pliable. The crackers are usually very hard, as well, so take caution with small infants and toddlers.
Fruit
Watermelon: This fruit is made up of mostly water, so it is always a safe treat for Noah, and he tolerates it with ease.
Whole Grains
Pasta: I choose organic whole grain pasta that only contains 'wheat' as the ingredient. This might be expressed as 'durum whole wheat' or 'whole wheat flour'. With a touch of salt, this is a fun new texture for a child with an extremely limited diet.
Bread: Organic whole wheat bread and bagels are also easy on the stomach. These will contain a few more ingredients, but as long as the list is not lengthy and does not contain any other triggers or allergens, it should be fine.
Crackers and Cookies: Organic whole wheat crackers and cookies are a great snack for a toddler that requires such a strict diet. Compare the label to that of the bread (if it is tolerated) to make sure the ingredients are the same or similar. This is an easy way to expand the diet, just find foods that contain the same things!
Although this diet seems so dull and limited, it got us through about a year until Noah's reflux was controlled to the point where we could add in new foods. If solids are causing your little one to have such tummy issues, try one of these foods at a time and see if it works for your son or daughter.
Written by: Maggie, Noah's Mom
Read more about Reflux Information:
Infant / Baby Formula: What's the difference?,
Foods that Aggravate GERD,
Non-Medical Treatments for Infant Reflux / GERD,
The Struggle of Feeding an Infant or Toddler with Reflux / GERD
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