What foods are bad for babies with reflux?

Understanding Reflux in Babies
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common condition in infants, characterized by the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. This can lead to discomfort, irritability, and feeding difficulties. As parents navigate the introduction of solid foods, it becomes crucial to understand which foods may exacerbate reflux symptoms.
Foods to Avoid for Babies with Reflux
When considering the dietary needs of a baby with reflux, certain foods are generally advised against due to their potential to trigger or worsen symptoms. High-acid foods are often at the top of the list. These include citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar-based products, which can increase acidity in the stomach and lead to more frequent reflux episodes.
Dairy products can also be problematic. Many infants may have a sensitivity to cow’s milk protein, which can contribute to reflux symptoms. Therefore, it is often recommended to limit or eliminate dairy from their diet. Similarly, wheat and soy are common allergens that can provoke gastrointestinal discomfort in some babies, making them foods to avoid.
Spicy and fatty foods are another category to steer clear of. These foods can slow down digestion and increase the likelihood of reflux. For infants, this means avoiding any heavily seasoned or fried foods, which can be harsh on their developing digestive systems.
Transitioning to Solid Foods
Introducing solids can be a daunting task for parents of babies with reflux. It is essential to approach this transition with care. Start with low-acid, easily digestible foods such as pureed vegetables (like carrots and sweet potatoes) and oatmeal. These foods are less likely to irritate the stomach and can help in managing reflux symptoms.
Additionally, feeding techniques can play a significant role in minimizing reflux. Keeping the baby upright during and after feeding can help reduce the chances of reflux. It is also advisable to offer smaller, more frequent meals rather than larger ones, as this can ease the digestive burden on the infant.
Conclusion
Navigating the dietary landscape for a baby with reflux requires careful consideration and often a bit of trial and error. By avoiding high-acid, dairy, wheat, soy, and fatty foods, and focusing on gentle, easily digestible options, parents can help manage their baby’s reflux symptoms effectively. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to the specific needs of the child.

What not to do with a baby with reflux?

Basic Tips

1. Avoid overfeeding your baby.
2. Keep your baby away from tobacco and other chemical smoke.
3. Your doctor may recommend avoiding cow’s milk or using thickened formula to help with reflux.

What foods make baby reflux worse?

The foods that can make reflux pain worse for a baby/child are:

• Fruit and fruit juice, especially oranges, apples and bananas.
• Tomatoes and tomato sauce.
• Chocolate.
• Tea and coffee.
• Spicy Foods.
• Fizzy drinks (especially coke)
• Fatty foods (i.e. fish and chips!!)

What triggers reflux in kids?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in kids is usually caused by immaturity of the LES that results in weakness of the muscle. However, certain foods, medications, developmental disorders and underlying diseases can also cause GERD in children.

What to feed a baby with reflux?

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. The symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy are similar to the symptoms of GER and GERD.

What food is good for babies with reflux?

When introducing new foods to a baby with reflux, you’ll want to remember to offer non-acidic foods. Rice cereal, sweet potato, avocado, bananas, pears, apples, and peas are all generally safe options to serve your baby.

What foods should a child with reflux avoid?

Encourage your child to: Eat smaller meals more often. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux symptoms, such as chocolate; caffeine; fatty, fried, and spicy foods; tomato-based foods and sauces; and peppermint.

What makes acid reflux worse in babies?

Feeding your baby too much can make reflux symptoms worse. Their doctor or health care provider will tell you how much they should be eating with each feed. If vomiting or reflux symptoms occur, give less at each feeding.

What foods calm acid reflux?

Choose foods such as:

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

When does reflux peak in babies?

Infant reflux usually begins at 2 to 3 weeks and peaks at 4 to 5 months. It should fully go away at 9 to 12 months. It’s unusual for GER symptoms to start during the first week of a baby’s life or after a baby turns 6 months. In these cases, the symptoms may point to GERD or another condition.

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.