When most people think of acid reflux, they think of older individuals with heartburn due to rich or spicy foods. What you may not realize is that infants can have this condition as well, and this reflux can in some instances be a contributing factor in colic. If your baby regularly regurgitates milk after feedings, then acid is also introduced into the esophagus which can in turn lead to symptoms of acid reflux and infant colic.
Acid reflux can only be diagnosed by your baby's pediatrician, so if you suspect that your baby may be suffering from this condition, you should have him evaluated right away. If your baby's doctor does confirm a diagnosis of acid reflux, there are several steps you can take to minimize the effects and reduce newborn colic:
Switch to a specialized formula. If your baby has acid reflux and is bottle fed, your pediatrician will likely recommend a special thickened formula that will reduce regurgitation and reflux symptoms. If you breastfeed, your pediatrician may recommend certain changes in diet.
Change feeding positions. Nurse your baby in a more upright position to reduce the chances of reflux. Avoid propping your baby up with a bottle, or laying him down flat while nursing.
More regular burping. Regular burping can reduce the amount of milk or formula that is regurgitated due to air bubbles. If you bottle feed your baby, you may want to purchase a special bottle that is designed to minimize the amount of air that your baby swallows.
Smaller, more frequent feedings. By reducing the amount that you give at each feeding, while increasing the number of times that you feed your baby, you can reduce the risk of reflux that is caused by overfeeding. So long as your baby receives an adequate amount of milk or formula each day, the amounts you give at each feeding can be adjusted.
For some babies with newborn colic, acid reflux is a major underlying factor - the pain of this condition can cause fussiness and crying both during and after feedings. By getting your baby diagnosed early, you can help him or her to recover from this condition more quickly.
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