What triggers reflux in newborns?

Understanding Reflux in Newborns
Reflux, commonly referred to as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a condition that affects many newborns, characterized by the regurgitation of milk or food from the stomach back into the esophagus. This phenomenon is not only common but often considered a normal part of infant development. However, understanding what triggers reflux in newborns can help parents manage this condition more effectively.
The Mechanism of Reflux
At its core, reflux occurs due to the immaturity of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. In newborns, this muscle may not be fully developed, allowing stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus. This can lead to spitting up or vomiting, particularly after feeding. Most infants experience some degree of reflux, and it is typically harmless, often resolving as they grow older and their digestive systems mature.
Common Triggers of Reflux
Several factors can exacerbate reflux in newborns:
1. Feeding Practices: Overfeeding or feeding too quickly can increase the likelihood of reflux. When a baby consumes more milk than their stomach can comfortably hold, the excess can push back into the esophagus. Additionally, feeding in a horizontal position can contribute to this issue, as gravity is less effective in keeping the contents of the stomach down.
2. Burping Techniques: Inadequate burping after feeds can lead to trapped air in the stomach, which may force milk back up. Parents are often advised to burp their babies during and after feeding to minimize this risk.
3. Positioning: The position in which a baby is held after feeding can also play a significant role. Keeping a baby upright for a period after feeding can help reduce the chances of reflux. Conversely, lying down too soon can trigger regurgitation.
4. Dietary Factors: For breastfeeding mothers, certain foods in their diet may affect the baby. Spicy foods, caffeine, and dairy products can sometimes lead to increased reflux symptoms in infants.
5. Developmental Factors: As infants grow, their digestive systems mature, and the frequency of reflux typically decreases. Most babies outgrow this condition by the age of 18 months, as their LES strengthens and their eating habits change.
When to Seek Help
While reflux is usually benign, it can sometimes lead to more serious conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may require medical intervention. Signs that warrant a consultation with a pediatrician include poor weight gain, persistent vomiting, or signs of discomfort during or after feeding.
Conclusion
In summary, reflux in newborns is a common and generally harmless condition triggered by a combination of anatomical, feeding, and positional factors. Understanding these triggers can empower parents to manage their baby’s reflux effectively, ensuring a more comfortable feeding experience for both the infant and the caregiver. As infants grow and their bodies develop, many will naturally outgrow reflux, leading to a more settled feeding routine.

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 can I calm my baby’s reflux?

How can I help my baby manage their reflux?

• Feed your baby in an upright position, keeping their head above their esophagus.
• Burp frequently to prevent large gas bubbles (every 2-3oz, or between sides).
• Hold your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after a feeding, to allow gravity to help keep things down.

What can cause reflux in newborns?

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when contents that have gone down to the stomach come back up into the esophagus. Throwing up (vomiting) or food coming up into the mouth (regurgitation) may happen. GER is common in infants because they have a liquid diet and spend a lot of time lying down.

What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding a baby gassy?

If you notice that each time you eat something your baby becomes fussy, try avoiding the food for a while and see what happens. Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day. This lets you carefully look at your diet instead of getting rid of foods that may not be the cause of your baby’s distress.

How did 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.

Can mother’s diet cause reflux in babies?

GERD in Breastfed Babies
In infants who are exclusively breastfed, the baby may be reacting to traces of milk protein in the mother’s milk, or to other foods in the mother’s diet. Mothers may try eliminating dairy from their diet to see if that helps.

Can overfeeding a newborn cause reflux?

This can prevent the stomach overstretching causing reflux and reduces ‘lactose overload’ which can occur with excessive milk production and results in fussiness during feeds. If you are bottle feeding your baby, it is very easy to accidentally overfeed your baby and trigger reflux symptoms.

Does tummy time help with reflux?

Tummy time is important for babies.
As their tum my muscles get stronger, they will have less reflux. It can be hard to find a good time for tummy time play because you may be worr ied your baby will reflux.

What to avoid when baby has reflux?

What diet changes may improve GER or GERD symptoms in infants?

• avoid overfeeding or give smaller, more frequent feedings. Follow the doctor’s directions to make sure your infant gets the right amount of food each day.
• feed your infant thicker food.
• remove cow’s milk protein from the infant’s diet.