How To Deal With Acidity In Your Baby?

One of the most common concerns that new parents have with their babies is acidity. The little one’s digestive system is far from properly developed, and so gas and acidity are common issues. Babies are more likely to spit up frequently during their feeding sessions and it might lead you to worry about your child’s health. When bacteria present in the baby’s gut breaks down the sugars, gas can be formed, or perhaps your baby swallows a lot of air when he cries or feeds. Another possible reason is food such as cabbage, beans or sprouts which a mother eats while breastfeeding, and are known to be gassy. If you are feeding your baby too much of fruit juice, it can also lead to gas, bloating, stomach ache and even diarrhea.

How To Deal With Acidity In Your Baby?

Gas can make your baby extremely uncomfortable and you might notice that he’s crying a lot because of it. Here are some things you can try to alleviate your baby’s acidity problem:

1. Breastfeed your child:

   Breastfeeding your child is the best option as it is hypoallergenic and twice as quick to digest rather than formula milk. If breastfeeding isn’t possible in your case, you can consult your doctor about which formula milk is suitable for your little one

2. Thickening the milk:

   Some pediatricians suggest adding cereal to the baby’s formula milk in order to thicken it up a bit which makes it easier to digest as well as it slows down the baby’s intake. Make sure you don’t do this without consulting the pediatrician and fully understanding its pros and cons

3. Make your baby sit upright:

   During feeding sessions, keep your baby sit upright in every few minutes which can relieve some of the discomfort related to reflux

4. Frequent but small feedings:

   You need to feed your child often but in smaller amounts which will make sure there is less reflux

5. Burp often:

   When the feeding is on, stop every few minutes to burp your child to help the gas release while also seek some relief from reflux

6. No playtime after meal:

   Delay playing with your baby such as bouncing him/her after feeding as such movements will only increase the likelihood of your child spitting up or vomiting

7. Sleeping in an incline position:

   Prop up the head of baby's mattress by using some pillows underneath when he/she sleeps which will help relieve some of the discomfort, especially when baby is being fed right before bedtime

8. Avoid tight clothing:

   You need to avoid tight clothing and tight diapers on your baby which will create a pressure around his/her stomach and cause your child to throw up more

9. Medical intervention:

   Despite trying all the available remedies, if you notice your child still suffering from acidity, you need to consult a pediatrician right away

Also Read: Common Baby Genital Problems

These are the best ways and means in which you can prevent acid reflux in your baby. But just in case it is better to have a doctor’s number on speed dial.

Did you find this blog useful? How did you deal with your baby’s acidity problem? Share your tips with us in the comments section!