How to Treat Acid Reflux in Newborns

Infants commonly spit up or regurgitate milk after eating, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux (GER). GER occurs when a small, circular muscle at the base of the esophagus opens to allow gas to escape from the stomach and a small portion of stomach contents is regurgitated with the gas. GER is very common in the first 3 months of life, and it usually resolves without treatment by 12 to 24 months of age.

Instructions

1

Keep your baby upright after feeding to help keep stomach contents from entering the esophagus.

2

Thicken your baby's formula with a teaspoon of rice cereal per 2 oz of formula. If you breastfeed, cereal may be added to expressed breast milk.

3

Feed your baby smaller amounts at one time, but increase the number of feedings per day. Overfeeding can exacerbate GER.

4

Burp your baby frequently, after every ounce or two of formula. If breastfeeding, burp your baby as you switch breasts.

5

Remember to put your baby to sleep on her back, which is the recommended sleeping position for all infants. However, your pediatrician may recommend a different position to help ease your infant's GER.

6

Consult with your pediatrician if your baby is having trouble sleeping, appears uncomfortable or is growing poorly. Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce the amount of acid in your baby's stomach, although it is not common. Medications that may be used for infant GER include H2-receptor agonists such as cimetidine (Tagemet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid) or nizatidine (Axid) or proton-pump inhibitors such as omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex) or pantoprazole (Protonix). Do not give any medications to your child without express instructions from your pediatrician.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

7

Examine the amount and color of your baby's vomit. Vomiting large amounts is a red flag. So is forceful (projectile) vomiting in babies younger than 2 months. Vomit that is green or yellow, resembles coffee grounds or contains blood is a cause for concern.

8

Listen closely to your infant's breathing. See your doctor immediately if your baby has difficulty breathing after vomiting or spitting up.

9

Discuss changes in eating patterns with your doctor. If your baby refuses formula to the extent that it causes weight loss or poor growth, something else could be wrong.

10

Notice changes in your baby's moods. Irritability or excessive crying may be a sign your baby is in pain or is experiencing discomfort.