Breast & Bottle
Breastfeeding is reported to be 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. Baby’s stool samples can be taken to identify food allergies. Discuss this possibility with your health visitor or doctor if you are worried about an intolerance.

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.

Thickening
Some babies with reflux will respond well to thickening substances introduced into their feeding regime. The added weight of the thickener either in the milk or given after the feed helps to keep the food from splashing around in the baby’s tummy and can help to keep it down.
In the UK Infant Gaviscon is generally prescribed, but speak to your doctor before putting any thickeners into your baby’s feed. 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 can 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, 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. The key to managing reflux and keeping milk down is positioning. Make sure you give yourself enough time to give a relaxing feeding experience and settle into a good upright cuddle afterwards. If you are in a hurry, baby will pick up on your anxiety, especially if they themselves are anxious about any reflux pain they may associate with feeding.

Burping & Soothing
Stopping to burp baby frequently (at least after every 2 ounces) during feedings can help, providing baby doesn’t become agitated by the interruptions. Sucking on a dummy, can increase saliva production, which as an alkaline, 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 too.

Remember! What works for some people doesn’t always work for others…Don’t be too concerned with trying to get into a ‘routine’ with feeding and sleeping. A baby suffering from reflux can have random good and bad days. Until you start to see a pattern in medicines working or positioners helping, then let the baby dictate for as long as you can manage.