Dealing with baby acid reflux can feel overwhelming and seemingly never ending, especially for new parents. Knowing how to soothe baby acid reflux can help make feedings more comfortable for both you and your baby.
This practical guide covers everything from common causes and symptoms of baby reflux to soothing techniques you can implement today. Understanding baby reflux and how to manage it will give you the confidence to navigate this challenging but temporary phase in your baby’s life.
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What is Baby Reflux (GERD)?
Baby reflux, also referred to as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) in severe and ongoing cases, occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus and throat. Common in adults as well, GERD in babies can result in poor weight gain, respiratory issues like breathing difficulties, and fussiness. Mild reflux is normal and very common in newborns, usually clearing up at about the one-year mark. Causes range from food sensitivities to overfeeding to simply the underdeveloped nature of their digestive systems.
Infant Reflux Symptoms
Baby reflux symptoms can be as mild as frequent spit up to more concerning issues, such as difficulty gaining weight. Since your newborn’s digestive system is still growing and developing, some spit up and irritability after feedings is completely normal. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, consult with your pediatrician, as this may indicate a more serious problem with baby GERD and require closer monitoring or treatment.
- Frequent spitting up: one of the most common newborn reflux symptoms, frequent spitting up is usually harmless
- Irritability after feeding: unusual fussiness or signs of discomfort like back arching after feeding could indicate reflux
- Difficulty sleeping: reflux sometimes worsens when lying flat for extended periods, disrupting sleep
- Inconsolable crying: stomach acid can cause pain and discomfort when released into the esophagus, leading to frequent crying after feedings
- Vomiting or refusal to eat: frequent vomiting or pulling away from the breast or bottle should be monitored as it could indicate that feeding is associated with pain
- Poor weight gain: babies with GERD may have a hard time keeping enough milk or formula down to sustain healthy growth, requiring medical attention
Infant Reflux Causes
Acid reflux is common in newborns because their digestive systems are not yet fully developed. The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) is the muscle connecting and regulating flow between the stomach and esophagus, and is still weak at this age. Mild, normal symptoms like frequent spitting up and fussiness usually diminish at around 12 to 18 months old, but there are some factors that can make symptoms worse.
- Immature digestive system: stomach contents can more easily flow back into the esophagus in immature digestive systems, but most babies outgrow this
- Overfeeding or fast feeding: feeding too long or fast can overwhelm your baby’s tiny stomach, increasing the likelihood of spit up
- Food sensitivities: some babies have sensitivities to things like dairy or soy, which can worsen reflux symptoms
- Lying flat too soon after feeding: laying your baby down within 30 minutes of feeding can allow stomach contents to more easily travel up and cause agitation
- Swallowing air: swallowed air during feedings results in increased pressure in the stomach and can weaken the LES
- Premature birth: babies born early have digestive systems that are even less developed, making them extra prone to reflux
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How to Soothe Baby Acid Reflux
Knowing how to help a baby with reflux using some small but practical strategies can make a big difference in reducing overall discomfort. These strategies range from feeding adjustments to positioning to medical considerations, and some are quick fixes while others are more long-term. Each baby and situation is unique, so you may find success with just one or with a combination of multiple strategies.
Try New Breastfeeding Positions for Acid Reflux
To reduce baby acid reflux, try a variety of the below feeding positions that maintain the baby's head position above the stomach. The upright hold, also known as the koala hold, the football hold, and even feeding while standing up can keep gravity in your favor and minimize air intake while feeding.
- Upright hold: appropriately nicknamed the koala hold, position the baby upright on your lap with their head in line with your breast
- Standing up or walking: feeding the baby while walking around or standing up can ensure their head remains above the stomach
- Football hold: tuck the baby under your arm like a football, with their body supported along the side of your body
Use a Reflux Nursing Pillow: Boppy Uplift™
For extra support and improved positioning during feedings, consider incorporating the Boppy Uplift™ nursing pillow into your routine. This pillow is specifically designed to alleviate acid reflux symptoms by elevating your baby's torso, promoting better digestion and reducing spit-ups. The unique slope of the pillow allows for feeding at an upward angle, while maintaining baby’s extended body, and takes the pressure off your arms, back and shoulders to hold baby in this recommended position. Its contoured shape accommodates various body types, ensuring comfort for both you and your baby. The secure, adjustable fit keeps the pillow in place, so you can focus on feeding without constant repositioning. Plus, its comfortable design supports both you and your baby, with a removable belt and built-in handle that make it easy to move from room to room. Small details, like a side pocket for essentials, help simplify feeding time so you can focus on keeping your little one comfortable. For guidance on using a nursing pillow effectively, refer to our comprehensive guide on selecting and utilizing nursing pillows.
For more information on feeding reflux-prone babies, check out our live Q&A on the Boppy Uplift™.
Use a Slow Feed Bottle
If you bottle feed your baby, one of the easiest things to check is the bottle and nipple flow. Some nipples have larger openings, causing faster flow and quick feedings. With slow-flow nipples, the pace of feedings is controlled, preventing overfeeding and reducing air intake, both of which contribute to baby reflux symptoms. In addition to changing the nipple, you can further pace the feeding by keeping the bottle horizontal and allowing the baby to suck at their own pace, taking breaks as needed.
Switch Your Diet for Breast Milk or Switch Formula
Some babies have food sensitivities that can exasperate baby reflux symptoms. For breastfed babies, maternal diet changes can help soothe a baby's digestion. Try eliminating common irritants like dairy, caffeine, or soy, and check out our top nutrition tips for breastfeeding moms for more helpful guidance. For formula-fed babies, try switching to a hypoallergenic, lactose-free, or anti-reflux formula to see if any of them improve symptoms.
Try Small, Frequent Feedings and Burp Often
By feeding your baby smaller amounts more frequently, their little stomach is less likely to be overloaded. Make sure your baby is getting the recommended amount of breast milk or formula for their age, and try burping more often. In addition to burping immediately after feeding, burp during any breaks and even before feeding to help release trapped air and ease reflux episodes, and always in a fully upright position.
Keep in Upright Position After Feeding
After feeding, keep your baby in an upright position for at least 30 minutes to allow gravity to help keep the stomach contents down where they belong. Avoid too much movement while the food is settling, as that can worsen reflux symptoms. If none of these remedies for soothing baby reflux seem to help, consult with your pediatrician for further evaluation.
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Make Every Feeding More Comfortable with Boppy
Dealing with baby acid reflux can seem like a never ending challenge, but it’s a stage that all parents of newborns go through. Making a few small changes like using a slow feed bottle or trying new feeding positions can add up to make a big difference. As always, speak with your baby’s pediatrician, especially if reflux symptoms persist or worsen.
At Boppy, our mission is to support new parents and babies during this most pivotal yet demanding time of their lives. From pregnancy pillows to shopping cart covers, our products are intentionally designed to support you and your baby from pregnancy onward.