Some babies require even more attention during feeding and bottle-feeding. Babies with GERD, also known colloquially as baby GERD, present symptoms that are easily recognizable symptomsWe're going to share them with you to help you take action and relieve your baby's distress.
GERD is very painful for babies who suffer from it. It requires medical attention. Fortunately, it is possible for parents to implement solutions that help to limit the pain their children's pain.
Let's find out which ones.
CONTENTS :
- What is GERD in babies?
- Signs that your baby has GERD
- Solutions to relieve baby's GERD
- Adopt the right position when feeding a baby with GERD
- In a nutshell
What is GERD in babies?
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a medical condition characterized by the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. It is often confused with acid reflux, a condition that pregnant women sometimes experience during the third trimester when the growing fetus puts pressure on the stomach.
The causes of GERD are different from simple acid reflux.
Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
However, in babies with GERD, the SOI does not function properlyThis allows stomach acids to migrate to the esophageal wall. This phenomenon is accentuated in the supine position.
To date, researchers on the subject have no definite explanation, but it is possible that the cause of GERD is immaturity of the valve designed to protect the esophagus from the contents of food during digestion.
Signs that your baby has GERD
The most common symptoms of GERD include burning sensation in the chest (pyrosis) or a sensation of sourness, better known as heartburn.
In babies who are unable to express their pain verbally, these burning sensations will manifest themselves essentially as criescries crying Every mealtime can turn into a real panic for fathers and mothers, helpless in the face of this harsh reality.
Baby's clenched fiststurns red, goes into apnea squirmsThe scene is just as impressive as in the case of colic and can be quite confusing.
Other symptoms, specific to GERD, include:
- of regurgitation regurgitation,
- from sore throat throat,
- a cough usually nocturnal nocturnal,
- difficulty swallowing,
- a potential refusal of the bottle you hand him,
- a restless sleep,
- a lot ofagitation during waking phases, accentuated after meals.
If your child displays any or all of these symptoms, it is important to consult a paediatrician or your GP as soon as possible.
Solutions to relieve baby's GERD...
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During and after bottle-feeding
1. Choose an anti-reflux bottle and a temperature that satisfies baby
Some bottles specially designed for babies with colic or reflux can help reduce the symptoms of GERD. They feature venting systems or anti-colic valves which prevent air from entering the baby's tummy while he's drinking. The formation of gas accentuates the symptoms of GERD.
However, there is no consensus on the ideal bottle temperature for babies with GERD. Some babies prefer warm liquids or at room temperature rather than cold.
You can try different temperatures to see what works best for your baby. If necessary, use a thermometer to identify the temperature in degrees your child likes best! This way, you can heat the bottle to the same temperature for each meal, reassuring your baby.
2. Thicken bottle milk
Some parents userice starch or infant cereals which you can find in pharmacies, organic food stores or supermarkets, to thicken their baby's their baby's milk.
This action helps reduce reflux by making the milk milk thicker and less likely to back up into the esophagus. Ask your doctor's advice first, as the thickeners on the market may not be suitable for all babies.
3. Feeding baby in small quantities
Try to feed your baby smaller quantities more frequently, rather than making him drink larger quantities at a time. We also advise against shaking the bottle vigorously, as this causes air bubbles to form and worsens reflux symptoms. Instead, you can gently slide the bottle between the palms of your hands to mix the formula.
4. Put baby to bed at least ½ h after bottle-feeding
Avoid feeding your child just before he or she falls asleep. It's best to allow at leastat least 30 minutes to an hour between the end of the meal and bedtime.
If your child falls asleep on the bottle, don't panic! Keep him/her upright against your shoulder, then place him/her in his/her crib, even if he/she is asleep.
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In case of sleep disorders
Babies with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep disorders may benefit from the use of an inclined surface. As we have said, GERD is aggravated by lying down.
In stores or online, you can find a device specially designed to slightly raise the head of your baby's crib. The purpose of the tilt is to keep the baby's head high and above the rest of his body. The gravity will do the rest 😉 You can also place a pillow or cushion under the mattress.
Attention :
- Never place on top of the mattress mattress to avoid the risk of suffocation!
- Make sure the inclined surface is specially designed for this purpose and approved by safety standards.
Adopt the right position when feeding a baby with GERD
When feeding your baby, adopting the right position can help reduce reflux symptoms. Always prefer a semi-vertical positionin the same way as if you were breast-feeding your child in a seated position.
And while you're at it, make sure you sit as comfortably as possible so you don't have to reposition yourself once baby's drinking in your arms.
Tilt tilt your baby's head slightlykeeping it in a semi-vertical position, at about 30 degrees. Make sure his head and chest are slightly higher than the rest of his body.
Then place your hand under the baby's upper back to provide provide stable support while he drinks. Your baby's head should not lean backwards or forwards.
Sucking should be calm and relaxed. Offer your baby small pauses during feeding to avoid drinking too quickly. Too many distractions are not recommended! Create theenvironment as possible during feeding.
In a nutshell
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is simply the reflux of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. It causes painful symptoms in babies, and is worrying for parents.
- Adopting the right position at mealtimes can help relieve GERD symptoms. Opt for a semi-vertical positionkeeping the head and chest higher than the rest of the body. If you have trouble sleeping reclining surface can reduce regurgitation and burning sensations.
- It is advisable to choose a bottle with an anti-colic anti-colic system to reduce the amount of air entering the digestive system. Milk thickening can also help reduce reflux.
- Feed your baby small amounts small quantities more frequently and avoid shaking the bottle too vigorously before offering it to your child. Take breaks during feeding. Finally, wait at least 30 minutes after each meal before putting your baby to bed.
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