frequently asked questions
- What causes reflux?
- Will this ever go away?
- How do I know if my baby has reflux?
- How do I know if my baby needs treatment?
- My baby appeared to have been outgrowing their reflux but just
recently seems to be getting worse again, is it coming back?
- What is the best formula to use when a baby has reflux?
- I am breastfeeding but am wondering if this is making my baby worse,
should I switch to formula?
- How do I get my baby to sleep?
- I've been told since my baby is gaining weight well that his reflux is
nothing to worry about but he/she cries all day. What can I do?
- Are there any support groups in my area?
- We started adding rice cereal to the formula to thicken it but it
seems to make things worse. What next?
- NEW*
I heard that Goat's milk would be digested better by a
with acid reflux, so we tried it and the baby was able to digest it much
better than her other formula. However, the doctor said it could ruin the
baby's kidneys. What is the truth?
answers
What causes reflux?
Most cases of infant reflux are caused by immaturity of the LES (lower
esophageal sphincter) or muscle between the stomach and esophagus.
When working properly, this muscle opens to allow food to pass through
into the stomach and closes again once it has. Most babies with
reflux will simply have minor coordination problems with this muscle that
will eventually improve in time.
back to top... Will this ever go away?
As previously mentioned, more than likely, yes. Many children will outgrow their
reflux within the first few months and by twelve to eighteen months, most
of them will have outgrown it.
back to top... How do I know if my baby has reflux?
Because infant reflux is so common, many times reflux is diagnosed simply
by the symptoms the infant is presenting.
Some doctors prefer to have
tests confirm reflux
before prescribing medication.
back to top... How do I know if my baby needs treatment?
This is usually easily determined by the infant's quality of life and the
complications (if any) they are experiencing. For more information,
see the article on the decision to medication.
back to top... My baby appeared to have been outgrowing their reflux but just
recently seems to be getting worse again, is it coming back?
This is where the coined phrase "Reflux Roller Coaster" applies. It
does tend to have ups and downs. Sometimes it can be attributed to
something the child ate not agreeing with them, teething can irritate
reflux many times, as can colds, flus, and other common illnesses.
Other times, it can get worse for a day or more with no apparent reason.
The good news is, that just as these lows come, they go again and things
do improve. back to top... What is the best formula to use when a baby has reflux?
Every baby is different so it's difficult to pinpoint one specific formula
that is the best for reflux. If the baby has a milk allergy or
sensitivity then soy based or
hypoallergenic will likely
help the reflux improve. As well, hypoallergenic formulas are
pre-digested (either partially or completely) so they tend to move through
the stomach faster than standard formulas. Moving food out of the
stomach faster can be beneficial for two reasons. If the baby is a
picky eater it may help them get hungry again faster. It also means
the food isn't sitting around in the stomach waiting to be refluxed.
back to top... I am breastfeeding but am wondering if this is making my baby
worse, should I switch to formula?
The short answer is definitely not. Unless your doctor specifically
tells you otherwise, breast milk is the best thing for reflux. It's
proteins are more hypoallergenic than that of formula and it's much more
easily digested than formula. If there is a concern about the baby having
a reaction to breast milk, try eliminating milk and milk products from the
diet first. Also, it may be beneficial to eliminate other
foods that can make reflux worse.
back to top... How do I get my baby to sleep?
This is truly the million dollar question for most parents with refluxers.
Babies with reflux are notoriously poor sleepers.
Propping them can be helpful, small frequent
meals and try not to feed them too close to bedtime. If they are on
medications, administering the meds a half hour or so before bed may be
helpful. back to top... I've been told since my baby is gaining weight that his reflux is
nothing to worry about but he/she cries all day. What can I do?
Read our tips for getting taken seriously,
getting a diagnosis and try some of the
tips we mention. If that doesn't work, try video taping the infant
or keeping a dairy of the crying.
back to top... Are there any support groups in my area?
PAGER would likely be
the best place to start to look for local support groups. Otherwise,
we have a member who has been discussing starting one in Hawaii,
contact us for information on that, or try
posting on our message
boards...some of our members may know of local groups.
back to top... We started adding rice cereal to the formula to thicken it but it
seems to make things worse. What next?
Some babies have reactions to rice that can make their reflux worse.
In these cases adding oatmeal instead has proved to work. Speak to
the pediatrician about trying this option.
back to top...
I heard that Goat's milk would be digested better by a
with acid reflux, so we tried it and the baby was able to digest it much
better than her other formula. However, the doctor said it could ruin the
baby's kidneys. What is the truth?
Actually, both are right. Goat's milk can be easier to digest and many
babies can do better on it than cow's milk formula. In the UK you can even
get Goat's Milk based infant formula.
The problem with Goat's Milk is that there are certain aspects of it that
are not nutritionally complete or even safe for a baby. The protein is too
high which can create too much work for the kidneys and damage them, as
well, there are certain deficiencies in some vitamins and minerals. It can be
safe if properly diluted and mixed, but it's not safe to give it to a baby
as it's sold in stores.
For more detailed information, Dr Sears has an excellent article on it which
can be read at:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/3/T032400.asp, it also
includes a link to sample recipes for mixing goat's milk safely for babies
six months and older. Be sure to discuss this with the ped before trying
it though to ensure the safety of baby.
Written by RMacLean
January 2005 Reviewed By Dave Olson, MD
Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics
Graduate University of Michigan School of Medicine
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