What not to feed baby with acid reflux?

Understanding Acid Reflux in Infants
Acid reflux, a common condition in infants, often manifests as spitting up or regurgitation of food and liquid. While most babies outgrow this condition by the age of 18 months, managing their diet can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve comfort during feeding times. Parents and caregivers must be mindful of what foods to avoid to help minimize reflux episodes.
Foods to Avoid for Babies with Acid Reflux
When it comes to feeding a baby with acid reflux, certain foods can exacerbate the condition. Here are key categories of foods that should be avoided:
1. High-Acidity Foods: Foods that are high in acidity can trigger reflux symptoms. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and tomato-based products are prime examples. These foods can irritate the esophagus and increase the likelihood of spitting up.
2. Spicy Foods: Spices and strong flavors can also lead to discomfort. While babies typically consume bland foods, introducing spicy items can provoke reflux symptoms and should be avoided.
3. Fatty Foods: High-fat foods can slow down digestion, leading to increased pressure in the stomach and a higher chance of reflux. This includes fried foods and full-fat dairy products. Instead, opting for lower-fat options can be beneficial.
4. Caffeinated Beverages: Although not typically part of an infant’s diet, it’s important to note that caffeine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making reflux more likely. This is particularly relevant for breastfeeding mothers, as caffeine can pass into breast milk.
5. Certain Grains: Some grains, particularly those that are highly processed or contain gluten, may contribute to reflux symptoms in sensitive infants. Parents should monitor their baby’s reactions to different grains and consider avoiding those that seem to trigger discomfort.
Tips for Feeding Babies with Reflux
In addition to avoiding certain foods, there are strategies that can help manage acid reflux in infants. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can reduce the volume in the stomach at any one time, which may help prevent reflux. Additionally, keeping the baby upright for at least 30 minutes after feeding can aid digestion and minimize spitting up.
Introducing solid foods should be approached with caution. While some parents may feel overwhelmed by the weaning process, focusing on gentle, non-irritating foods like pears, which are low in acidity, can provide a good starting point for babies with reflux.
Conclusion
Managing a baby’s diet when they have acid reflux requires careful consideration of what foods to avoid. By steering clear of high-acidity, spicy, and fatty foods, and employing feeding strategies that promote comfort, parents can help their little ones navigate this common condition more easily. As always, consulting with a pediatrician for personalized advice is recommended, especially when introducing new foods or if symptoms persist.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Does mother’s diet affect baby reflux?

Sometimes, an elimination trial of dairy from the mother’s diet can help reduce baby reflux; keeping a food diary can help spot patterns in case there are any other food intolerances to be considered. Elimination diets are best done with support from a health professional.

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.