As a parent, it’s hard to watch your baby suffer. And when your little one is dealing with reflux, it can be even more challenging. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the causes of baby reflux and what you can do to help your infant sleep more soundly.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about baby reflux!
Do babies with reflux struggle to sleep?
Babies with reflux can often have a difficult time learning to sleep. Even more than the average nurse, these infants may have difficulty falling asleep, and staying asleep for any consistent period.
This is largely due to the uncomfortable symptoms associated with reflux, like chest pain when lying down and chronic gagging and spit-up during feeds.
While managing reflux can feel overwhelming for parents, there are ways to help their children born with this condition learn how to sleep that involve health professionals and resources in the community.
With a few minor changes and the right guidance, parents can ensure that their babies get enough rest and remain happy, healthy little ones.
Does baby reflux get worse at night?
Baby reflux is a common issue and it can cause parents a lot of sleepless nights. While there is no definitive answer, many parents believe that their infant’s reflux does get worse at night.
This could be due to your baby having an upright position for long periods at night, resulting in more pressure on their stomach and leading to more frequent bouts of reflux.
However, due to the nature of this problem, it can be difficult to accurately identify what the cause might be and how to treat it.
If your baby seems to suffer from regular bouts of reflux during the day or night, it could be beneficial for them to see a doctor for advice on how best to handle the situation.
How can I calm my baby’s reflux?
Reflux in babies can be an extremely stressful situation for parents to deal with, as it can cause a lot of discomfort for your infant. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help relieve this issue.
First and foremost, it is important to ensure that your baby is in a well-supported upright position while feeding and during burping, such as having them sit in a bouncy chair or in an upright position on your shoulder.
Additionally, avoiding large feedings and staying away from certain foods that may aggravate the reflux or make it worse can also be helpful.
Finally, plenty of cuddles, gentle patting on the back, and pacifier use may provide some relief.
These methods together might help to soothe a baby’s reflux and set you both up for more successful bonding time free from stress.
How do I know if my baby has acid reflux?
It can be hard to detect if your baby has acid reflux, as the symptoms are typically similar to those found with colic.
The most common signs of reflux include excessive or painful spit-up, irritability or persistent fussiness, coughing or gagging during feedings, and arching their back when fed.
If you think your baby might have acid reflux it’s important to bring it up with your doctor so they can discuss a course of treatment that is suitable for your little one.
acid reflux can be very uncomfortable for babies and may require more aggressive measures than just watching and waiting, so make sure you don’t delay in getting help if you suspect it’s something other than colic.
What is the best sleeping position for a baby with reflux?
The best sleeping position for babies with reflux can be a bit of a tricky question.
It is important to keep in mind that every baby is different and it’s best to consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions.
However, many experts suggest the “back to sleep” position as a good starting point. This means having your baby sleep on their back on a firm mattress with no loose blankets around them.
Placing an incline under the head of the mattress may help as well by providing a gentle elevation for the baby’s head.
It should also be noted that frequent feedings throughout the night can aggravate reflux symptoms, so if possible try to limit those to just once or twice per night.
In any case, the most important thing is to make sure your baby is comfortable when sleeping and has plenty of restful nap times during the day!
Takeaways:
Having a baby with reflux can be overwhelming, but know that you are not alone in this situation and there are ways to help make sure your little one gets the rest they need.
Remember that every baby is different, so what works for your friend’s child might not work for yours.
However, trying out different tips and tricks from the ones outlined here or asking your doctor or pediatrician for advice may help manage baby reflux and give them the sound sleep they deserve.
It’s easy to feel guilty when parenting a child with reflux as it can require more of our time and constant monitoring, but at the end of the day it’s about doing whatever we can to keep our babies happy and healthy – and sometimes that means breaking up naps into smaller chunks, changing crib positions, or gently shushing them back to sleep.
Taking care of a baby with reflux is tough, but it’s a challenge that parents have conquered before—and now you are among them! Pat yourself on the back for all the hard work you do each day to make sure your little one gets the quality rest their growing body needs.
