Acid Reflux Babies

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Q: Does anyone have a baby who has severe acid reflux?
My daughter has just been diagnosed with severe acid reflux. Does anyone have any tips on what to do to keep her from spitting up so much? Also, if your baby has acid reflux what has your doctor prescribed for them. Has the medicine caused any weird side effects?

A: I had three of them with severe GERD and also work with babies every day that have it because of my occupation. My kids were put on Zantac and they did fine with it. I could see a major change after the first dose was given. All babies are different and so some respond differently to each medication. I know my kids could not be on Reglan because it caused colic like symptoms and made them cry even more. I also put rice in their bottles, this helps thicken the formula to stick to the babies ribs so that they have less coming up when they have an episode. Enfamil also makes an AR if you do not want to mess with putting rice in yourself. There are also nipples availble with a Y cut in them for thicker formulas. Babies with reflux should be placed on their tummy to sleep because if they are on their back and have an episode tiny particles can go up the esophagus and into the trachea causing apnea or even cesation of breathing. Babies with reflux also should NOT be placed into a swing, car seat, etc. after eating. The position of the baby while in a car seat or swing puts pressure on the abdomen and will cause a reflux episode. The baby needs to be kept at angle (with just the head elevated) for at least 30 minutes. Do not put the baby in a position that will put extra pressure on the stomach, this will cause a reflux episode. The bouncy seats they have out that are at an angle are good to use, as the baby is not acutally in a seated position. Also you should try to feed smaller portions and feed more frequently. Try to burp the baby after every 1 to 2 ounces. My kids would not let me do it they would scream when I took the bottle away and tried. Crying will make reflux worse so if they don’t like it don’t do it. That is about all you can do and just hope your baby grows out of it. Some babies do not and this will make it even worse when they start on solids, which makes medication even more necessary. I see a lot of cases come across the OR of infants that had untreated GERD and it is just heartbreaking. It really can do a number on the esophagus so if you susptect it get them tested and take all the steps necessary to help your baby be more comfortable.

Q: How did you know that your baby had acid reflux issues?
Just curious what your baby was doing that made you suspect and ask the pediatrician. Thanks ladies! Plus what’s the difference between just gas and acid reflux? I’m going to ask my pediatrician, but just curious about your experiences

A: My son will arch his back during feeding ans start screaming sometimes. He spits up all the time and you can hear the acid coming up in his throat and he will swallow it back down and almost choke sometimes. We have him on Axid and we use Enfamil Nutramigen and we just bought a tucker sling to put on his crib so we can elevate it without him sliding down. It is a very scary thing when your child has this knowing they could choke in their sleep. I hardly get any sleep, I worry about it all the time. I just hope he outgrows it very soon. Good luck.

Q: What is a good formula brand for babies with acid reflux and possible milk allergy?
My 3 month old was diagnosed with acid reflux, he’s been on Zantac for about 3 weeks now and the doctor said it should of worked 2 weeks ago but he doesn’t seem to respond well to this medication, I suspect he has milk allergy and I had to switched him on formula recently(I breastfeed but got eye infection with the anti biotic I’m having I won’t be able to breastfeed him till my eye calms down), I’m wondering what’s a good formula for baby has acid reflux and possible milk allergy

A: Zantac never worked on my kids either. I would ask for a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) like prevacid or prilosec. They seem to work much better when it comes to acid reflux in infants than H2 blockers (i.e. zantac, axid, etc.) If you get him on prevacid and with in 2 weeks it does not work there are other meds that you can try such as bethanechol. Bethanechol tightens the lower esophageal sphincter and speeds up gastric emptying. The reason babies get reflux is because the lower esophageal sphincter does not stay closed and allows stomach content to reflux back into the esophagus. Prevacid worked for 2 of my babies, the other one ended up needing bethanechol. This stopped virtually all reflux until she quit eating and had a nasogastric feeding tube put in and it held the sphincter open and she refluxed even worse and ended up with surgery to close the lower esophageal sphincter and a gastric feeding tube.

If he does have a milk allergy AND the reflux, you should use a hypoallergenic formula. There are 4 hypoallergenic formulas on the market:

Alimentum
Nutramigen
Neocate
Elecare

Alimentum and Nutramigen are a bit more expensive than traditional formula. They have broken down enzymes and proteins, so broken down that actually having an allergic reaction to them is very rare. They are milk based but the because of the process of breaking down the enzymes and proteins is so extensive they have a bitter taste. It will probably take some time for your baby to get used to them. The easier the formula is to digest the better it is for reflux.

Neocate and Elecare are “super formulas.” There are considerably a lot more expensive than any formula. They run about $40 a can and can only be found at a pharmacy behind the counter. They are 100% milk and soy free and corn based. Because milk based formulas are most nutritionally complete and because of the price, most doctors will not switch their formula to Neocate or Elecare until they have tried all other options first.

The reason soy is not the best option for a reflux baby is because it is hard for the stomach to break down which in turn causes the reflux to be worse. Good luck, hope this helped some.

Q: My baby has acid reflux can I give her baby cereal?
My baby is 1 and a half months and she has acid reflux. I already have her on medications but I was wondering if I could give her baby cereal. Some days her reflux is better than others and she is on medications. Can I get some advice?

A: She’s still pretty young for solids so I would ask your doctor first. My son had this too and he was on 2 different medicines but they didn’t really help so I took him off of them. He spit up after every feeding and a few times in between. There is hope though because they do grow out of it He’s 3 months now and hasn’t had it since about 7 months.

Good Luck & God Bless!

Q: Need a recommendation for a good swing that doesn’t tip over for my acid reflux baby!?
Thank you!

A: We have the Fisher Price Papasan swing. It’s wonderful. Our son loves it, it keeps him preoccupied for a really long time, and he ends up alseep in it 90% of the time. The greatest feature is that you can plug it in OR use battaries. The plug in feature has saved us a ton! No changing battaries every other day )

Our son also loves the whole light show that goes on. I would highly reccomend it!

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Papasan-Cradle-Swing-Natures/dp/B0001IU5HY/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1237352110&sr=8-1

Q: is it neccasary for my pediatricinan to make a diagnosis for acid reflux (BABY)?
well ive had peds tell me my baby has acid reflux. i want to make sure since he doesnt vomit but arches his back while feeding and doesnt eat all that well. he is not anerxic or very thin and is actually quite haelthy looking but feeding time is a nightmare.
i want to know if it s acid reflux when your baby doesnt vomit at all but just arches his back while feeding.?
my baby is 6 months old

A: Arching like that while feeding certainly can be a sign of acid reflux. It’s a reflex the baby’s uses (arching is an attempt to get the esophagus and stomach in a better alignment to help prevent the reflux). Sometimes babies are still having acid reflux even if you don’t see a lot of vomiting. The behavior you describe sounds very much like it.

Some of the things that you can do to help prevent the reflux are: 1) have smaller meals more frequently, 2) burp the baby often & feed in a semi-upright position rather than cradling, and 3) try sitting the baby up in a swing or bouncy seat or even holding for 30 minutes after meals.

Keep in mind if things aren’t getting better or at least maintaining, then see your doctor again. He/she might consider putting your baby on reflux meds (Reglan or Zantac). Good Luck to you!

Q: What can I do for Baby Acid Reflux?
My baby is 9 months old and has been spitting up everywhere!! The doctor wants to put him on meds, but I am not comfortable with this….any home remedies?

A: my little sis had the same prob and my mom didnt want to give her medicine either. here is what helped:
-make sure the diaper or anything else isnt too tight around the tummy area at feeding time
-hold the baby upward more, with a straight spine
-burp halfway through feeding
-after feeding, avoid placing he/she on the back
-after feeding, avoid bouncing the baby in any way(playing or putting him/ her in a bouncer)

hope this helped some and good luck.

Q: How can I tell if my baby has acid reflux?
She is 8 weeks old and gags and coughs a lot. She also makes these squeeky throaty sounds that are actually really cute but may also be a sign of throat irritation. Her nose is stuffy often too. She’s going to the doctor next week but I don’t want her on medicine if it’s not necessary. How do I know if it’s acid reflux?

A: My son has acid reflux and his symptoms included arching his back and crying while feeding, gagging and coughing while feeding, and vomiting a lot after feedings. You can try a formula designed for acid reflux if you’re not breastfeeding (I found Enfamil A.R. Lipil to be very filling and helpful, though it didn’t fully curb his vomiting). Check with your pediatrician before switching formulas. I would also recommend a semi-sitting position for feeding and sleeping. Prop her up using a pillow or infant positioner for feedings, and never lay her flat on her back. Keeping her relaxed and still for a while after feedings will also help reduce her symptoms if it’s acid reflux. My son eventually had to be put on Nexium and it really helped. He’s now almost 6 months and he’s doing fine without it. Best of luck!

Edit:

Also, acid reflux tends to be worse between 6 weeks and 4 months. Many mistake it for “colic” as your baby will be very cranky, especially during feedings. Keep in mind that it will probably improve dramatically within a few months, but don’t be afraid to give your baby a bit of antacid should your doctor recommend it. Acid reflux can be very painful. =(

Q: baby has acid reflux and pediatrician is advising axid solution?
deos this medicine actually work??? my baby has really bad acid reflux (GERD) and medication is needed. He has tried zantac but it did not work so well.

A: My son takes prevacid and does well on it. My pediatrician says he stopped prescribing Zantac because the bad taste, plus kids weren’t doing well on it (mine included) Ask about the Prevacid it works better, I think. It could at least be worth a try.

Q: Why do a lot of babies have acid reflux and what does Zantac do to their stomachs to help them not spit up? ?

A: Zantac didn’t work for my little one, so he got an adjustment from the chiropractor, and his reflux went away. No more meds.

Q: Babies with acid reflux?
I have a 2 month old babygirl. She throws up alot of her formula. I took her to the docs and he said she has acid reflux. So he gave me meds for it. well 2 weeks pass and theres no improvement. she was still throwing up alot of the formula. I took her back to the docs and they switched her to soy. That still hasnt done anything for her. Shes still on the acid reflux meds but she still throws up alot. what could it be?? she burps good for me and all. Shes really fussy. I even tried mylicon drops thinking she may have gas. Well that didnt work either. any advice??

A: - Prevacid
- Enfamil AR
- upright after feedings no less than 30 minutes
- no jeans or tight pants. Rompers or sleepers only
- head above butt when laying in crib. Try a crib wedge

Q: To moms with babies with ACID REFLUX…NEED ADVICE PLEASE.?
Does/did this make your baby fussy all the time? When would they cry the most? Do they sometimes sleep good then other days not so good? Thanks for the info (We’re currently diagnosing with doc but i just wanted to get experienced moms advice)

A: Yes my son fussed more cause of it. The only thing that helped was putting him on meds (which I am sure your childs doctor should do soon if not already). The reason is cause the acid burns when it comes up so it hurts. That made him fussy as well as not burping well enough. Make sure you burp a lot and enough and also keep your baby upright for at least 20 minutes after a feeding, this will help them digest better so less will come up. Also more frequent feedings of less food may help to. good luck.

Q: How can i tell if my baby has acid reflux?
He doesnt spit up,but I have heard that one sympton can be the knees curled up to the stomach,and he does that all the time.

A: My daughter has silent reflux so she didn’t spit up, breastmilk would come up and go back down which burns twice so she cried all the time and didn’t sleep at all the first 6 weeks of her life. She arched her back all the time while nursing, and would also nurse, pull away start to cry and that would go on for 1/2 hour or as long as she nursed. I don’t remember reading knees curling up as a symptom – I think that sounds like his little belly may be bothering him, could be gas – we used gripe water for that (our daughter was very gassy), but below is a link that will take you to symptoms of reflux – it doesn’t sound that your son has it just by what you’re describing but check out the list and see. If you think he may and based on the severity you’ll want to see his pediatrician, we ended up having to put our daughter on prevacid solutabs which have made a world of difference.

Q: Can a baby have acid reflux without showing signs like spit up ?
I have a baby that cries a lot for no reason that i can find and i wonder if he has that..?
7 weeks old

A: Does your baby act like he is going to spit up, but swallows it?

Does he cry when you lay him down?

Is he a little bit underweight?

Does he arch his back and cry often?

Does he ever have spit up come out through his nose?

Is he chronically constipated?

Does he cry and arch his back after he eats?

Does he drink or eat less than you would expect him too?

Does he rub his ears a lot? Or has he had repeat ear infections?

If your baby is doing any of these he could have reflux and you should call your pediatrician.

Q: How do you know for sure your baby has acid reflux?The first time you give him the meds did he scream?
My son has just been put on Ranitidine(zantac) for acid feflux.He does not spit up and is on nutramegin formula.I just gave him his dose mixed with some formula and he screamed once he swallowed it.After he calmed down i gave him some bottle and he was fine so i gave him the remaining medication and he screamed again!! I have put a call into my pediatrtian and she is calling me back,i just thought i would check here to see if anyone has had the same thing happen.
He is 5 months old and does not eat much,he does gain weight but very little.

A: Have you tasted the Zantac? It’s NASTY!! VERY strong peppermint flavor! I’m sure it burns on the way down if baby has esophogus damage due to the reflux.

Try having the pharmacy flavor it or I mix it with breastmilk. It takes longer to give my son his medication but it goes down easier. Don’t mix it with much though, cause if baby doesn’t finish it, he won’t get his full dose of medication.

I mix it 2:1 Breastmilk:meds

If those options don’t work, ask your doc to change the medication.

These are some of the more common symptoms of reflux. Your baby may only have some of them, and may have other symptoms that are not listed. (I’ll * the ones my baby has)
Spitting up frequently
Vomiting
*Unexplained crying-colicky behavior
*Poor sleep; frequent waking
*Fighting/crying during feeding
*Arching neck or back during feeding
*Frequent hiccups
*Congestion
*Wheezing
*Coughing
Hoarseness
Strange odor on breath
Poor weight gain
Frequent choking episodes
*Fusses when legs are lifted during diaper change
*Fusses when in sitting position (like in a car seat)
*Chewing or smacking of lips after feedings
Apnea-spells of not breathing
Bradycardia-spells of slow heartrate
*Wet Burps
*Curdled spit up

Important: There are a couple of common misconceptions about reflux:

First, your baby does not have to be losing weight to have reflux. On the contrary, many reflux babies actually overeat because eating eases the pain.

Second, your baby does not have to be spitting up to have reflux. This is known as “silent reflux” (what my son has) and can actually be harder on your baby because their esophagus is getting burned by the acid on the way up and again when it goes back down. It’s also a lot harder to recognize as reflux.

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