What is the best position to reduce reflux in infants?

Understanding Infant Reflux
Infant reflux, often referred to as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common condition where babies spit up food or liquid. While most infants outgrow this condition by the age of 18 months, managing reflux effectively can significantly improve both the baby’s comfort and the parents’ peace of mind. One of the key factors in managing reflux is the positioning of the infant during and after feeding.
Optimal Positions to Reduce Reflux
Upright Positioning: Research indicates that keeping infants in an upright position can be beneficial in reducing reflux symptoms. This position utilizes gravity to help keep the stomach contents down, thereby minimizing the likelihood of spitting up. Experts recommend holding the baby upright for at least 30 minutes after feeding to allow for proper digestion.
Inclined Sleeping Position: For nighttime sleep, many pediatricians suggest placing the baby on an incline. This can be achieved by slightly elevating the head of the crib or using a specially designed wedge. The incline helps prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus, which can lead to discomfort and disrupted sleep. However, it is crucial to ensure that the incline is safe and does not pose a risk of suffocation or other hazards.
Feeding Positions: During feeding, it is advisable to position the baby so that their head is higher than their stomach. Techniques such as the laid-back breastfeeding position or cradling the baby diagonally across the chest can be effective. These positions help reduce pressure on the stomach, which can exacerbate reflux.
Safety Considerations
While the prone position (lying on the stomach) has been noted to be effective in reducing reflux, it is associated with a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Therefore, healthcare providers generally advise against this position for sleep. Instead, the supine position (lying on the back) is recommended for sleep, as it is the safest option for infants, despite its potential to increase reflux symptoms.
Conclusion
In summary, the best positions to reduce reflux in infants include keeping them upright after feeding, using an inclined sleeping position, and ensuring that feeding positions keep the baby’s head elevated. These strategies not only help manage reflux symptoms but also promote safer sleeping practices. Parents should always consult with their pediatrician to tailor these recommendations to their baby’s specific needs and circumstances.

What is the best position to ease acid reflux?

Switch to the Best Sleeping Position for Acid Reflux
Multiple research studies have found that sleeping on your left side. View Source is the best sleeping position for GERD. Sleeping with your left side down reduces reflux episodes. View Source and exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid.

How did I cured my baby’s reflux?

What treatment is available for reflux?

1. Give your baby skin-to-skin after a feed, to allow the food to settle.
2. For some babies it is helpful for them to be fed in different positions.
3. Keep your baby’s head gently raised during the day, especially after a feed.
4. Change your baby’s nappy before feeding.

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 immediately soothes acid reflux?

But nonfat milk can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents and provide immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.” Low-fat yogurt has the same soothing qualities along with a healthy dose of probiotics (good bacteria that enhance digestion).

How should a baby with reflux sleep?

Newborns and babies under one should always be put to sleep on their back even if they are suffering reflux. Sleeping in this position will not increase the risk of choking since the gag reflex will force the baby to cough or swallow any fluid.

What is the best position for a baby when spitting up?

One technique is to sit the baby upright, with your hand supporting the head. Let the baby lean over slightly, bending at the waist. The upright posture moves air to the top of the stomach, and the forward lean puts a little pressure on the stomach to eject the air, helping the baby to burp.

How did I cured my baby’s reflux naturally?

Feed your baby in an upright position.
Then, hold your baby in a sitting position for 30 minutes after feeding. Gravity can help stomach contents stay where they belong. Be careful not to jostle or jiggle your baby while the food is settling.

What positions reduce reflux?

In addition to elevating your upper body with a wedge pillow, avoiding meals close to bedtime, and taking heartburn medications, a small study suggests that sleeping on your left side may help. The findings were published in the February 2022 issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

How do I get rid of my newborns reflux?

Possible treatments include:

1. Thickened feedings. This is when you add a substance to breast milk or formula to make it thicker.
2. Feeding pattern changes. Feeding your baby more often, but with smaller amounts of milk or formula each time, may help with reflux.
3. Removal of cow’s milk protein.
4. Medications.
5. Surgery.

How should I position my baby with reflux?

Positioning Your Baby
Keep your infant upright and calm for 20-30 minutes after each feed; preferably by holding them. Avoid placing your baby in a car seat or swing during this time as it may increase pressure on their belly and cause more symptoms of reflux.