Some babies require even more attention during feedings and bottle time. Babies with GERD, more commonly known as GERD babies, display easily recognizable symptoms, which we’ll share with you to help you act and relieve your baby.
GERD is very painful for affected babies and requires medical supervision. Fortunately, parents can implement solutions to limit their children's discomfort.
Let’s take a look together at some options.
CONTENTS:
- What is GERD in babies?
- Signs that your baby has GERD
- Solutions to relieve a baby with GERD
- Adopt the right position when giving a bottle to a baby with GERD
- In summary
What is GERD in babies?
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a medical condition characterized by the backflow of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. It is often mistaken for heartburn, which pregnant women sometimes experience during the third trimester when the now larger fetus puts pressure on the stomach.
The causes of GERD are different from simple acid reflux.
Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is responsible for preventing stomach contents from traveling back up into the esophagus.
However, in babies with GERD, the LES does not function properly, allowing gastric acids to move toward the esophageal lining. The phenomenon is worsened when lying flat.
To date, researchers have not determined the exact cause, but it may be due to an immature flap meant to protect the esophagus from food contents during digestion.
Signs that your baby has GERD
The most common symptoms of GERD include primarily a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) or a sour sensation, more commonly known as acid reflux.
For babies who cannot verbally express their pain, these burning sensations mainly appear as screaming, crying, and inconsolable fits... Every feeding can become panic-inducing for parents, helpless in the face of this harsh reality.
Baby will have clenched fists, turn red, hold their breath, squirm, thrash about, contort... The situation is as dramatic as during colic and can easily be confused with it.
Other symptoms typical of GERD include:
- Acidic regurgitation,
- Severe sore throat,
- Chronic cough, most often at night,
- Difficulty swallowing,
- A possible refusal of the bottle you offer,
- Restless sleep,
- A lot of restlessness when awake, exacerbated after meals.
If your child exhibits some or all of these symptoms, it is important to see a pediatrician or your family doctor as soon as possible.
Solutions to relieve a baby with GERD...
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During and after bottle feeding
1. Choose an anti-reflux bottle and a temperature your baby prefers
Some bottles specially designed for babies with colic or reflux can help reduce GERD symptoms. They have ventilation systems or anti-colic valves that prevent air from entering the baby's stomach during feeding. Gas build-up actually worsens GERD symptoms.
However, there is no consensus on the ideal temperature for the bottles of babies with GERD. Some babies prefer warm liquids or room temperature liquids rather than cold ones.
You can try different temperatures to see what your baby prefers. If necessary, use a thermometer to find the specific degree your child likes best! This way you can heat the bottle to the same temperature for every feeding, providing comfort and reassurance.
2. Thicken the formula in the bottle
Some parents use rice starch or special baby cereals, available in pharmacies, natural stores, or supermarkets, to thicken their baby’s formula.
This helps reduce reflux by making the formula thicker and less likely to travel back up the esophagus. Always get your doctor’s opinion first, as not all thickeners on the market suit every baby.
3. Feed baby smaller amounts
Try feeding your baby smaller amounts more frequently, rather than giving larger quantities at once. Additionally, we advise against shaking the bottle vigorously, which creates air bubbles and worsens reflux symptoms. Instead, you can gently roll the bottle between your palms to mix the formula.
4. Wait at least ½ hour after feeding before lying baby down
Avoid feeding your child just before they fall asleep. It's better to allow for a period of at least 30 minutes to an hour between the end of a meal and putting your baby to bed.
If your child falls asleep during a bottle, don’t panic! Hold them upright against your shoulder for a while, then lay them in their crib even if they're already asleep.
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If your baby has sleep disturbances
Using an inclined wedge can be helpful for babies with gastroesophageal reflux and sleep disturbances. As we mentioned, GERD is worsened when lying flat.
In stores or online, you can find a device specifically designed to slightly raise the head of your baby’s bed. The goal is to keep the baby’s head higher than the rest of the body. Gravity will do the rest! 😉 You may also place a pillow or cushion under the mattress.
Caution:
- Never place any object on top of your child’s mattress to avoid any risk of suffocation!
- Make sure any inclined wedge is specifically designed for this use and meets safety standards.
Adopt the right position when giving a bottle to a baby with GERD
When you feed your baby, adopting the correct position can help lessen reflux symptoms. Always go for a semi-upright position, as you would when breastfeeding your child while seated.
And by the way, try to sit as comfortably as possible so you don’t have to move once your baby is cradled in your arms and drinking.
Slightly tilt your baby’s head while keeping them in a semi-upright position at about 30 degrees. Make sure their head and upper torso are slightly higher than the rest of the body.
Then, place your hand under the baby’s upper back to offer stable support during feeding. Your child’s head should not tilt backward or forward.
Sucking should be calm and relaxed. Offer your baby small breaks during meals to avoid drinking too quickly. Too many distractions are not ideal! Create the calmest possible environment during feeding.
In summary
- Gastroesophageal reflux is simply the rise of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. It causes painful symptoms for babies and is distressing for parents.
- Adopting the correct position during feedings can help relieve GERD symptoms. Opt for a semi-upright position, keeping the head and torso higher than the rest of the body. For sleep issues, a special inclined wedge can minimize regurgitation and burning sensations.
- It is recommended to choose a bottle with an anti-colic system to reduce air intake into the digestive system. Thickening formula may also help reduce reflux.
- Feed your baby smaller amounts more frequently and avoid shaking the bottle too vigorously before offering it. Take pauses during feeding. Finally, wait at least 30 minutes after each meal before laying your baby down.
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