Feeding: hints & tips

Food Breastfeeding is better for a baby with reflux because breast milk is digested twice as fast as formula. Formula changes can help – if the baby has a milk or lactose allergy or intolerance; giving the baby formula that is milk based can make reflux worse. Discuss this possibility with your health visitor or doctor.

Thickening Some babies with reflux will respond well to thickening their feeds. The added weight of the thickener in the food helps to keep the food from splashing around in the baby’s belly and can help keep it down. In the UK Infant Gaviscon is generally prescribed, but speak to your doctor before putting any thickeners into your babyfood. There are also some formula milks which are pre-thickened, however speak to your GP before exploring these as they differ in their base compounds.

Feeding Time When and how much a baby is fed can also have an impact on their reflux. Smaller more frequent meals through out the day work much better than larger, less frequent meals. Also, avoid feeding baby right before bedtime, particularly if the baby is already a poor sleeper. Ideally keeping baby upright a minimum of 30 minutes after each feed, is ideal so give yourself time to settle down in the night times. Some Mums also recommend lying baby on THEIR left side after a feed as it aids digestion and settles baby quicker.

Breastfeeding If you are breastfeeding, try eliminating the foods that can make reflux worse. Dairy products are a big offender, as is caffeine, fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits. If eliminating these things seems to help, you can slowly (about one thing a week) start to introduce one thing at a time back into your diet and watch baby’s reactions. This will help give you an idea of exactly what was making the reflux worse, so that you (hopefully) don’t need to give up everything you love, just one or two things.

Burping & Soothing Stopping to burp baby frequently (at least after every ounce) during feedings can help, providing baby doesn’t become agitated by the interruption. Sucking on a dummy, can increase saliva production. Saliva is alkaline which can help neutralize some of the acid that may come up. Try infant massage, it’s been shown to improve digestion and will help relax baby.

Taken From: http://www.babyreflux.co.uk/knowledge/questions/40/Feeding+Tips