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What food is good for babies with reflux?

Understanding Reflux in Babies
Infant reflux, often referred to as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and sometimes distress for both babies and their parents. As babies transition to solid foods, the challenge of managing reflux can become even more pronounced. However, with careful selection of foods and feeding techniques, parents can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with this condition.
Ideal Foods for Babies with Reflux
When introducing solid foods to a baby with reflux, it is crucial to choose options that are gentle on the stomach and less likely to trigger reflux episodes. Pureed vegetables are often recommended as a safe starting point. Root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, swede, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are particularly beneficial due to their low acidity and high nutritional value. These foods are not only easy to digest but also provide essential vitamins and minerals that support a baby’s growth.
In addition to vegetables, non-acidic fruits can be introduced gradually. Fruits like bananas and pears are excellent choices, as they are less likely to irritate the stomach compared to citrus fruits, which can exacerbate reflux symptoms.
Feeding Techniques to Consider
The method of feeding can also play a significant role in managing reflux. Smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent the stomach from becoming overly full, which is a common trigger for reflux. This approach allows for easier digestion and can minimize discomfort.
Moreover, parents are encouraged to maintain an upright position during and after feeding. Keeping the baby upright for at least 30 minutes post-meal can help reduce the likelihood of reflux episodes.
The Transition to Solids
Introducing solids can be a bittersweet milestone for parents, as it signifies a new stage in their baby’s development. However, it can also be daunting, especially for those whose babies experience reflux. It is essential to approach this transition with patience and care. Starting with purees and gradually introducing more complex textures can help ease the baby into solid foods without overwhelming their digestive system.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of baby food with a reflux-prone infant requires thoughtful consideration of both food choices and feeding practices. By focusing on gentle, nutritious options like pureed root vegetables and non-acidic fruits, and employing strategic feeding techniques, parents can help their babies enjoy mealtime while minimizing discomfort. As always, consulting with a pediatrician or a nutritionist can provide tailored advice and support for families dealing with this common issue.

How I cured my baby’s reflux?

Lifestyle and home remedies

  1. Feed your baby in an upright position. Then, hold your baby in a sitting position for 30 minutes after feeding.
  2. Try smaller, more frequent feedings.
  3. Take time to burp your baby.
  4. Put baby to sleep on the back.

How do I put my baby down with reflux?

Put Them to Sleep on Their Back
The best sleeping position for babies with reflux and gassy babies is always flat on their backs on a firm surface. This is by far the safest sleeping position for babies, despite concerns that a baby with reflux may choke or vomit while sleeping.

How I cured my baby’s acid reflux?

Lifestyle and home remedies

  1. Feed your baby in an upright position. Then, hold your baby in a sitting position for 30 minutes after feeding.
  2. Try smaller, more frequent feedings.
  3. Take time to burp your baby.
  4. Put baby to sleep on the back.

What foods help acid reflux go away?

Choose foods such as:

  • Celery.
  • Cucumber.
  • Lettuce.
  • Watermelon.
  • Broth-based soups.
  • Herbal tea.

What can I give my baby for reflux?

Feeding changes may help your baby’s reflux and GERD:

  • Add rice cereal to your baby’s bottle of formula or breastmilk.
  • Burp your baby after every 1 to 2 ounces of formula.
  • Avoid overfeeding; give your baby the amount of formula or breast milk recommended.
  • Hold your baby upright for 30 minutes after feedings.

What foods help babies with reflux?

feed your infant thicker food. You child’s doctor may recommend adding cereal to formula or stored breast milk to make it thicker. Don’t change your infant’s food unless a doctor tells you to do so. remove cow’s milk protein from the infant’s diet.

What will immediately help acid reflux?

Antacids such as Tums, Mylanta, Maalox, Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer, Gelusil, and others can quickly relieve heartburn within a few minutes. Over-the-counter H2 blockers such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB), nizatidine (Axid AR), and famotidine (Pepcid AC) decrease stomach acid production.

What’s the worst drink for acid reflux?

Your doctor may recommend that you avoid foods and drinks that are known to make stomach acid reflux worse. These include fatty foods, alcohol, chocolate, caffeinated drinks (such as coffee, tea, soda), peppermint, spearmint, and spices.

What worsens reflux in babies?

Some factors that contribute to infant reflux are common in babies and often can’t be avoided. These include lying flat most of the time and being fed an almost completely liquid diet. Sometimes, infant reflux can be caused by more-serious conditions, such as: GERD.

Is peanut butter good for acid reflux?

Eating high fat foods like peanut butter, especially in large quantities, may worsen acid reflux symptoms for some people. If you have acid reflux symptoms, you may want to wait to try peanut butter until your symptoms are gone. Some home remedies like ginger or peppermint tea may help relieve acid reflux.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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