What not to feed a baby with acid reflux?

Understanding Acid Reflux in Babies
Acid reflux, a common condition in infants, occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, leading to discomfort and spitting up. While most babies outgrow this condition by the age of 18 months, managing their diet can significantly alleviate symptoms. Parents often find themselves navigating a complex landscape of foods to avoid, especially when introducing solids.
Foods to Avoid for Babies with Acid Reflux
When it comes to feeding a baby with acid reflux, certain foods can exacerbate the condition. High-acid foods are particularly problematic. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and tomato-based products can trigger reflux symptoms due to their acidity. Similarly, spicy foods and those rich in fat can also lead to increased discomfort. These foods can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus more easily.
Dairy products can be another concern. While some babies tolerate dairy without issues, others may experience increased reflux symptoms. This is particularly true for whole milk and cheese, which can be heavy and difficult for a baby’s digestive system to process.
The Role of Feeding Practices
In addition to avoiding certain foods, how you feed your baby can also make a difference. It is advisable to offer smaller, more frequent feedings rather than larger amounts at once. This approach can help reduce the volume of milk or formula in the stomach, minimizing the likelihood of reflux.
Moreover, thickening agents like rice cereal can sometimes be added to formula or breast milk to help reduce spitting up, but this should be done under the guidance of a pediatrician.
Conclusion
Navigating the dietary needs of a baby with acid reflux can be challenging. By avoiding high-acid foods, heavy dairy products, and implementing careful feeding practices, parents can help manage their baby’s symptoms effectively. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your baby’s specific needs.

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 are the worst foods for acid reflux?

Foods That May Cause Heartburn

• Fried food.
• Fast food.
• Pizza.
• Potato chips and other processed snacks.
• Chili powder and pepper (white, black, cayenne)
• Fatty meats such as bacon and sausage.
• Cheese.

What makes baby reflux worse?

Avoid a “car seat position,” because sitting can make reflux worse in babies. Avoid feeding too much at one time. Give your baby smaller meals more often. Thicken your baby’s formula with a small amount of rice cereal if your doctor recommends it.

What foods make reflux worse in babies?

Avoid foods that make your child’s symptoms worse. These may include chocolate, mint, alcohol, pepper, spicy foods, high-fat foods, or drinks with caffeine in them, such as tea, coffee, colas, or energy drinks.

What foods calm acid reflux?

Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux. Oatmeal – Filling, hearty and healthy, this comforting breakfast standard also works for lunch. Fennel – This low-acid crunchy vegetable has a mild licorice flavor and a natural soothing effect.

What makes baby poop acidic?

As toddlers begin to eat a wider range of solid foods, their stool acidity may be affected by their diet. Foods listed above such as strawberries, citrus fruits, grapes, tomatoes, and raisins are known to cause acidic stool in toddlers.

What baby foods are high in acid?

Foods high in acid content, such as tomato sauce or citrus fruits and juices, can irritate baby’s delicate skin. It is best to offer these foods sparingly. Avoid diarrhea triggers. There are a number of foods known to cause or increase the likeliness of diarrhea.

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.

Can mother’s diet affect baby reflux?

In rare cases a breastfeeding baby may develop a food allergy to foods the mother is eating. The most common symptoms are green, mucus-like and blood-specked stools. Colic and reflux are not usually caused by food allergies. The most common foods that cause allergies are dairy products, soy products, wheat and eggs.

What helps reflux in babies?

Helping your baby with reflux

• get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position.
• hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
• burp (or wind) your baby regularly during feeds.
• make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (they should not sleep on their side or front)