How to help baby reflux
Baby reflux. It’s one of the most common symptoms in babies in their first year. Here are some baby reflux remedies to help prevent and ease the symptoms.
- Baby spit up (reflux) is common and usually resolves over time. Your doctor may suggest some small changes to help reduce the reflux until it goes away.
- Babies with severe reflux may cry, act fussy, or have trouble eating. They also may not sleep well or grow as expected. Speak to your doctor about your baby’s reflux.
- Check your breastfeeding technique. Make sure baby is latching on well—your doctor or lactation consultant could help with this. You could always read our breastfeeding guide to getting a good latch.
- Make sure baby’s head and body are in a straight line when breastfeeding.
- Hold your baby fairly upright when bottle-feeding.
- Try having more breaks, gently burp baby a few times during each feeding.
- Ask your doctor or lactation consultant to watch while you burp your baby. They may have some tricks.
- Keep baby upright for up to 30 minutes after each feeding. Stick to calm cuddles and gentle activities, save playing airplanes for later.
- Avoid feeding too much at one time. Try giving smaller meals more often.
- Changing your own diet while breastfeeding is rarely necessary.
- Make sure you’ve got clean towels or burping cloths on hand for clean-ups.
- Speak to your doctor about probiotics—research has shown that a probiotic called L. reuteri can reduce the frequency of mild spit-ups in babies^,1.
- Continue to speak to your doctor if baby’s reflux symptoms do not improve after a couple of weeks or if you are concerned about how your baby is growing.
Sources
^In breastfed babies
1Garofoli F, et al. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2014;65(5):646-648.
Health Link BC. Gastroesophageal Reflux in Babies and Children. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tb1848 Accessed September 2020
Related articles
Baby vaccine schedule
Early childhood immunizations are an important safeguard against serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses for your baby.
4 mins to read
Breastfeeding: How your husband can help | Don't forget your support system
An action plan for your family and friends
3 mins to read
Baby immunizations—a parent’s guide
Immunization time—gulp! Your baby’s first injections can be upsetting parents and babies. If you are anxious, your baby may pick up on your feelings so try to stay calm.
3 mins to read
How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Amazing news! You’re expecting your first baby. But what can you do to emotionally prepare for parenthood?
3 mins to read
Combination Feeding: Combining Breast Feeding & Formula-Feeding
Combination feeding, also known as mixed feeding or combo feeding, is when you feed your baby both breast milk and infant formula.
4 mins to read
Overcoming breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally but with a bit of practice, perseverance, and a few pointers, it can get easier. Try these steps to help tackle breastfeeding problems.
2 mins to read
How to be a confident parent: start today with six easy steps
Becoming a new parent and bringing your newborn home, can be a daunting experience to navigate.
3 mins to read
Disposable-diaper-changing routine
You’re going to do a lot of diaper changing over the next few months and years, so here’s a helpful diaper changing routine.
2 mins to read
Baby Feeding and Nutrition: The Guide
How will you feed your newborn?
7 mins to read
Why do babies cry?
When you’re a new parent your baby’s cries can be overwhelming. Remember it’s a new world outside the womb and your little one is adjusting to his new surroundings.
2 mins to read
Bath time checklist: How to bathe a newborn
Washing a newborn for the first time can be nerve-racking as well as a lovely bonding moment. Follow our tips on how to bathe a newborn safely.
4 mins to read
10 money-saving tips for having a baby on a budget
Working out how much to save for a baby can be a daunting task.
4 mins to read
How to Soothe a Baby with Colic
Got a fussy baby? Infantile colic is characterized by intense, uncontrolled crying or fussing in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby. About 20% of babies suffer from colic.
4 mins to read
How to give a baby massage
Baby massages are a great opportunity for interacting with your baby and for skin-to-skin contact. Find out what to do with this baby tummy massage breakdown.
2 mins to read
Fed up with mom guilt? Here’s how to banish unhelpful thoughts
Tired of battling mom guilt? It’s entirely normal, but pretty unhelpful if you’re navigating many other new mom emotions.
2 mins to read
Bottle-feeding tips
Bottle-feeding might look easy but there’s a fair bit to swallow. So here’s a list of bottle-feeding tips, covering bottle-feeding positions, setting a bottle-feeding routine, and more.
2 mins to read
How to Bathe Your Baby
Baby’s first bath will be a new experience for both of you, so give yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy it.
3 mins to read
Bathing hacks: How to give your newborn a sponge bath
Don’t worry about giving baby a bath in the first few weeks.
3 mins to read
Lonely mom? 10 things to do with baby—that give something back to you
Even with a wealth of online parenting forums and a baby in your arms, it’s easy to feel isolated and lonely as a mom.
4 mins to read
Related tools
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
Checklists finder tool
Checklists and tips to help along your parenting journey
