If you suspect your baby may have reflux, keep a journal of their symptoms, and consult your healthcare professional for an assessment 💫
In the meantime, here are some ways to help alleviate your baby’s discomfort from reflux:
🥛 Feed smaller amounts more frequently
This may sound horrible, especially if you are sleep deprived 😵💫. However, giving smaller ⬇️, more frequent feeds stimulates your baby’s saliva production, which neutralizes stomach acid, and helps the milk and/or food empty from their stomach faster, reducing the likelihood of it flowing back into their esophagus 🤞🏻
🤱🏻 Breastfeed (if possible) for as long as possible 🩷
While any feeding method is perfectly fine, studies show that breastmilk acts as a natural antacid and empties from your baby’s stomach faster than formula or food 🥹. Breastfeeding also helps soften their stools and eases constipation, which can otherwise aggravate reflux 💩
🤱🏻 Keep your baby upright and calm after feeding
Holding your baby or using a baby sling for at least 30 minutes after feeding can reduce the risk of spit-up and reflux 🥰
👖 Avoid restrictive clothing
Tight clothing around the waist, such as snug nappies or pants, can increase pressure and aggravate reflux. Instead, opt for onesies and ensure their nappies fit comfortably 🙌🏻
🛏️ Sleep position
As per Red Nose Australia’s safe sleep guidelines, always place your baby on their back for sleep. However, if your baby can roll from back to front and vice versa, they may naturally choose to sleep on their left side, which helps keep their milk and food down since their stomach is lower than their esophagus in this position 🤞🏻
🫧 Burp thoroughly
Dummies and gas can aggravate reflux, so ensure you burp your baby well during and after feeds 🥰
With that said, if you are sleep deprived and struggling with your baby’s sleep after they have been assessed by a healthcare professional, please reach out and book a consultation or download our Sleep Essentials Guide at www.settletosleep.com.au so we can support you in restoring sleep for you and your family 🩷🌸💫