Any suggestions for a 7 week old with acid reflux. It's not horrible but he won't sleep on a flat surface, spits up a bit and is fussy after eating.

Sarah - posted on 03/13/2009

We had the whole no back sleeping thing as well and my midwife was the one who told me to visit someone else, Isaac had to sleep on his side or tummy and he wouldn't sleep for no longer than 20 mins at a time, the chirporatctor explained that the nerves that feed all of the major organs are linked to the spinal cord and any pressures from birth can cause these to be trapped. She explained that most children do not 'grow out of it' but simply become used to the pain and compensate by sleeping, standing or sitting in a way that doesn't hurt, this can cause major problems in later life. I had my eldest checked out and I was lucky that he was fine. All I would say is that before you  choose medication check with another professional. My doctor wasn't happy that I went to the chiropractor as he lost a cost of  a perscription.

Sarah - posted on 03/13/2009

We had the whole no back sleeping thing as well and my midwife was the one who told me to visit someone else, Isaac had to sleep on his side or tummy and he wouldn't sleep for no longer than 20 mins at a time, the chirporatctor explained that the nerves that feed all of the major organs are linked to the spinal cord and any pressures from birth can cause these to be trapped. She explained that most children do not 'grow out of it' but simply become used to the pain and compensate by sleeping, standing or sitting in a way that doesn't hurt, this can cause major problems in later life. I had my eldest checked out and I was lucky that he was fine. All I would say is that before you  choose medication check with another professional. My doctor wasn't happy that I went to the chiropractor as he lost a cost of  a perscription.

Amy - posted on 03/13/2009

my youngest had this and we had her sleeping in our room &  in a carrier and/or car seat for the first 2 months, it really helped a LOT! :o)

Rachel - posted on 03/13/2009

My son had it pretty bad for the first couple months as well. The only thing that I found that worked was to put a warm compress on his tummy and let him lay up against me with the compress inbetween my chest and his tummy...that seemed to help...also since day 1 he would not/ could not sleep on his back...PERIOD...we had to put him on his stomach...I know the whole sids thing, but a small baby has this startle reflex system, and if they ever get to where they can't breath they get a build up of crbon dioxide and it causes them to jump which causes them to turn their head. all I know is that my son did so much better on his tummy....besides if he spits up in his sleep you would rather him be on his tummy so he won't gag on it and choke.My son after doing this when he slept went from sleeping 2-3 hours at night at a time to 5-7 hours at night at a time...you might try it...and the compress thing too...also letting them sit up for about 30 min after eating well help it digest better and faster than going straight to a laying position...maybe try a swing or bouncy seat....Good Luck!!!

Rachel - posted on 03/13/2009

My son had it pretty bad for the first couple months as well. The only thing that I found that worked was to put a warm compress on his tummy and let him lay up against me with the compress inbetween my chest and his tummy...that seemed to help...also since day 1 he would not/ could not sleep on his back...PERIOD...we had to put him on his stomach...I know the whole sids thing, but a small baby has this startle reflex system, and if they ever get to where they can't breath they get a build up of crbon dioxide and it causes them to jump which causes them to turn their head. all I know is that my son did so much better on his tummy....besides if he spits up in his sleep you would rather him be on his tummy so he won't gag on it and choke.My son after doing this when he slept went from sleeping 2-3 hours at night at a time to 5-7 hours at night at a time...you might try it...and the compress thing too...also letting them sit up for about 30 min after eating well help it digest better and faster than going straight to a laying position...maybe try a swing or bouncy seat....Good Luck!!!

Sarah - posted on 03/13/2009

I was told that my son had reflux and the doctor perscribed the same, it turned out he actually had a trapped nerve in his neck that he was born with. i took him to a chiropractor that specialised in babies and she found the source of the problem and  ate properly slept well.  Since this (he is now 2 and a half) if anything hurts he tells me and we go back! He hasn't been to the doctors for anything, only to her, it costs but he isn't being pumped full of medication, worth a try if nothing else works, you have nothing to lose

Erin - posted on 03/13/2009

Quoting Michelle:

Also the post by Erin Coleman is completely correct as well, that would be another great thing to look into iv heard of a few mothers who have gone to an Osteopath and said they were brilliant...

Thanks Michelle ;) Great recommendations from you!

Jill - posted on 03/13/2009

my sister when she was a baby had severe acid reflux many trips to the hospital from her turning blue ,until they figured out what the cause was. They have a wedge you can put in your crib to keep the babys head elevated. We just used a baby seat  even after she ate we would either hold her upright or have her sit in the seat. Also the doctor recomended using rice cereal to thicken the baby formula .

Michelle - posted on 03/13/2009

Also the post by Erin Coleman is completely correct as well, that would be another great thing to look into iv heard of a few mothers who have gone to an Osteopath and said they were brilliant...

Michelle - posted on 03/13/2009

I'm sorry but No need to use all these things off the shelf and junk that doctors prescribe im sorry but i have 2 daughters turning 4 and 5 next month they are 11months apart... I was also a nanny to 4 little girls for 7years and looked after 3 of them from 1 month old..



My daughters both had what your little one has and so did the little girls i looked after.. things that our own mothers and grandmothers used to do is better than any new junk bought or prescribed.. the best thing to help it is to elevate there bed slightly head half of the body but don't elevate there matress elevate there bed by the feet of the bed/cot/bassinet, give (Cooled boiled) water even only a teaspoon helps alot but give slowly as its not as thick as formula and can slide down there throat fast so just little bits at a time..



Also i tried thickened formula with my first daughter and sometimes she found it hard to suck through the bottle no matter how big i made the hole and babies do get impatient when they are hungry and it takes longer for them to satisfy which can make them frustrated and grumpy which really is the last thing you want...



I put both my girls on (LACTOSE FREE formula) even though they were not lactose intolerant, it was the only formula that they kept down from the very first time they had it and it settled better in there tummy's and they were totally satisfied and they really thrived off it and it has all the nutrients every other formula has and it was the best decision i ever made, i tell all my friends and family this when there little ones had same problems they ALL tried it and ALL of them have never looked back...



Another way to sooth him if he has tummy pains or crying from the acid reflux is to pick him up and hold him so he is looking at the floor, with one hand supporting his head by holding just under his chin or cheek laying on your hand and use your other hand/forearm which ever is most comfortable wrapped under his belly so his tummy is laying on your hand/forearm and slightly sway back and forth, this is an instant baby stop crying technique it will work 90% of the time... the slight pressure of babies tummy laying on your hand/forearm relaxes the tummy pains along with the gentle swaying to relax and comfort them, also helps if they are swaddled/wrapped...



Anything is worth a try i say, i never knocked back anyones advice within reason, but i guarantee you wont look back... :)

Good luck with it, let us know how you go...

Janice - posted on 03/13/2009

My son had acid reflux and he would cry for hours on end.  A combo of Soy Formula, Zantac and Gripe Water finally ended it and he hasnever had any problems since thank god.  I found gripe water at drugstore.com

Joanne - posted on 03/13/2009

my daughter had really bad reflux she had to have carobel it was that bad that it nearly killed her chocking

Erin - posted on 03/13/2009

Osteopathic treatement for infants suffering from many discomforts or digestion issues is extremely effective and completely gentile. I took my 4 week old son to an Osteopath that was recommended to me by my prenatal yoga instructor when I noticed that he only moved his head to the left. She was able to release his tension and allow him to move more freely. My friend with an infant the same age suffering from Cholic, went to the Osteopath as well. Once again, the treatement was gentil and effective. Osteopathic treatement will unwind any compressed orgins to help with digestion and posture.

Makes sense that infants need some help unwinding after being compressed in our tummys for 9 months and then pushed or pulled out of us... that's a lot of pressure to bear :)

Check out my community on C.O.M. Living Green Lives

Kay - posted on 03/13/2009

all i did was,sit him up,like in your photo,,and rub his tummy,,or held him over my shoulder,than rubbed his back..it worked for me,,

Lisa - posted on 03/13/2009

I do not have a child with Acid Reflux, but I used to watch an incredible show called the Baby Whisperer. And I was amazed at the instant changes of she rescuing parents from an infant with the same symptoms. She did make sure the baby was neverflat, she had an angled crib matress, the bouncer seats, and angled baby bath, and she also changed the baby on a slight angle.

She also suggested not to rock or bounce the baby. She wraped her up, placed her on her chest and rubbed her back and stood still. The baby would stop the fussing right away. She said that the rocking motion they used to try to sooth the crying would upset her stomach further.

If you ask your doctor as well there are lots of drops you can give your dauther after a meal. Before giving her any I would ask the dorctor which he thinks would be the best option for your child. I know my pharmasist advised me not to use gripe water before 6 months. Really if you can get her stomach on the right track without drops that would be ideal because milk really should be the only thing they have untill 6 months. But I know when you see them in pain if thats the best ting I would be giving her drops as well as using elevation.

Good luck and hopefully you two find a solution. I know my cousins son did spit up untill ater his 1st year. And he is fine trying new food groups today. Sometimes the 1st year is heard for their little bellys! good luck

Enola - posted on 03/13/2009

My oldest two had severe reflux and like you we had to raise the head of the bed higher than the foot and they were prescribed Zantac, However, my son wound up being allergic to nearly everything and I could no longer breast feed and it wound up being kidney related, he grew out of it but never hurts to get them looked at.

Mandy - posted on 03/13/2009

I have 2 children.  My oldest is five and the other is a year and a half.  Both of them had trouble keeping food down.  The second one had her formula switched 5 times by the time she was two months.  The doctor's told me to have them sleep in a bouncer or carseat so that they wouldn't spit up and get chocked on it in their sleep.  Also make sure when you are feeding your child to hold him/her head up as far as you can without it getting uncomfortable.

Aimee - posted on 03/13/2009

Both of my children had reflux really bad. They were both on Zantac and while breastfeeding i had to be on it too. For my daughter our dr said to put a pillow under the mattress of the crib to elevate it and to let her sleep on her tummy. It helped A LOT!  With my son I stopped breastfeeding at 6 months and went to formula and it seemed to make it worse. I decided to switch him to soy formula and it was amazing, after about a week of being on it he had almost completely stopped throwing up. The drs said that sometimes a milk allergy can produce the reflux. Try switching formula and talk to your drs about meds. Hope this helped.

Esti - posted on 03/13/2009

Hi Ive been there. My dr told me to give a chamomile tea with a little gripe water and some caraway seeds, t helped relax him alot. Good Luck! The only good thing is that theyre adorable and this stage passes mine is 4 already! So enjoy it!

Esti - posted on 03/13/2009

Hi Ive been there. My dr told me to give a chamomile tea with a little gripe water and some caraway seeds, t helped relax him alot. Good Luck! The only good thing is that theyre adorable and this stage passes mine is 4 already! So enjoy it!

Angela - posted on 03/12/2009

My daughter had reflux too. She was put on Pepcid at 5 months old. She only used it for a few months and then she was fine. Prior to being put in Pepcid, she used to sleep in her swing in out bedroom. That is where she got the most sleep. Good Luck.

Teena - posted on 03/12/2009

Hi! I have 5 children, and my oldest (now 13) had a terrible time with it. We tried a number of things, but the best I found was a product called Infant's Friend. We just got from Woolworths...I don't know if it's still available. Another good thing was getting him to relax as much as possible by lightly massaging his tummy and singing to him, having soothing music on too makes a differnce. Making sure you as a mother aren't stressed is vital aswell, as stress just aggrivates it. I hope this helps you as it did me.

He will soon grow out of it.

Michelle - posted on 03/12/2009

My now 4 year old son had acid reflux. He would projectile vomit and was having some of the same issues. My pediatrician put him on previcaid and told me to put a teaspoon of cereal in his bottles. It worked like a charm I never was one who believed in putting cereal in bottles, I thought if you did that you were just being lazy. But after a couple of days of seeing him better, I am a total believer.

Courtney - posted on 03/12/2009

Both of my children had acid reflux. My daughter had it up until her 1st birthday. She had the type that it was so bad it would project out of her mouth. My son who is 6 months old also has acid reflux but is not as severe. We treat his by Prevacid twice a day and Reglan twice a day. You can also give the baby 1 mL Maylox or Milanta to calm the acid in the stomach. Our Gastro doctor says those are better to give a baby than Milacon. We also have his bed elivated so that he does not sleep flat on his back. I promise it will get better.

Jenn - posted on 03/11/2009

Gripe water & resting on a Boppy works like a charm!

Taina - posted on 03/11/2009

You should try and switch your baby milk to soil baby milk. Gripe water works like a charm.

Bree - posted on 03/11/2009

My little guy had reflux from 4 months and it used to cause him terrible discomfort. My clinic sister recommended Gaviscon for adults, the peppermint one (distributed by Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals). I gave him 2ml before each feed (got to be quick and have it handy all the time!) and although he hated every minute of it being administered, it gave him complete relief (for both him and me!). Good luck with whatever route you choose ...

Katie - posted on 03/11/2009

My baby had pretty bad acid reflux. We had to give her 30 mg of Prevacid a day, thicken her breast milk bottles, and have her sleep on a Tucker Sling. www.tuckersling.com. It was a complete life saver. She slept on her stomach with this wedge/sling. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask me any questions about the tucker sling!

Rhonda - posted on 03/11/2009

Hi!!

Why don't you try Soy milk!! My daughter was kind of the same way...I didn't give her any zantac just changed her to soy milk..who knows though..all babies are different..

Rhonda - posted on 03/11/2009

Hi!!

Why don't you try Soy milk!! My daughter was kind of the same way...I didn't give her any zantac just changed her to soy milk..who knows though..all babies are different..

Michelle - posted on 03/11/2009

My son (now almost a year old) had the same problem....our pediatrician suggested rice cereal in his bottle. She told us to add 1 tsp. per 1 oz. of formula (it seemed like a lot to me, but she said you could actually add up to a tablespoon per ounce!). Make the nipple larger or buy cereal nipples (Dr. Brown's makes them). This worked like a charm for my little guy. Good luck!!!

Michelle - posted on 03/11/2009

My son (now almost a year old) had the same problem....our pediatrician suggested rice cereal in his bottle. She told us to add 1 tsp. per 1 oz. of formula (it seemed like a lot to me, but she said you could actually add up to a tablespoon per ounce!). Make the nipple larger or buy cereal nipples (Dr. Brown's makes them). This worked like a charm for my little guy. Good luck!!!

Holly - posted on 03/11/2009

Hay did you try having him sleep in his car seat?Try lactose fee formula !my son he will 18 months and thats what i put him on a cupple weeks after he was born.good luck

Drea - posted on 03/11/2009

I began bottle feeding my daughter after 2 weeks and she had the same problem. If your child is bottle fed, try 1/2 tbs. of infant cereal in every 4oz. of formula. That is what her peditrician recommended and it worked like a charm.

Brandi - posted on 03/11/2009

I now have a 9 month old daughter who was born with acid reflux they also put her on zantac and it worked wonders we also had to thicken her formula with cereal and sit her straight up for a half hour after feeding her as well as when we were giving her the bottle we kept her upright this worked well and i am so grateful for the dr.'s we now have. Just a little advice make sure to talk with your pediatrician and dont give up until you are pleased with the results. I kept taking my daugter to the dr. at first and they would say she was fine then one night things got bad and we had to call 911 after being admitted into the hospital after time and time of going to the pds office i switched drs and thank god i did and they were able to get her on a schedule and now today she is a healthy baby girl that is growing and eating food and doing great... Good Luck

Brandi - posted on 03/11/2009

I now have a 9 month old daughter who was born with acid reflux they also put her on zantac and it worked wonders we also had to thicken her formula with cereal and sit her straight up for a half hour after feeding her as well as when we were giving her the bottle we kept her upright this worked well and i am so grateful for the dr.'s we now have. Just a little advice make sure to talk with your pediatrician and dont give up until you are pleased with the results. I kept taking my daugter to the dr. at first and they would say she was fine then one night things got bad and we had to call 911 after being admitted into the hospital after time and time of going to the pds office i switched drs and thank god i did and they were able to get her on a schedule and now today she is a healthy baby girl that is growing and eating food and doing great... Good Luck

Carrie - posted on 03/11/2009

I have had two children with acid reflux as infants.My oldest daughter had it severely. She was on zantac, cereal in her bottle and a lactose free formula. She also started eating baby food at 2 months. I feed her sitting up. Which all helped her. She grow out of it. Now I have a 3 month old boy that has it. I'm doing same things with him except the formula, and its working for him.

Kathy - posted on 03/11/2009

As someone who worked for a pediatrician, we always suggested placing a pillow under his mattress, not under him of course. This will place the bed at an angle that will help.

User - posted on 03/11/2009

my babys had reflux from birth this is the third child ive had with reflux so doctors give me GAVISCON infant, it comes in small pkts that you add to babys milk its brilliant stuff.

gaviscon infantbelongs to a group of medicines called reflux suppressants ,reflux is the process in which the stomach contents flow back up the tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach known as the gullet or oesophagus) gaviscon infant prevents reflux by stabilising the stomach contents and so reduces the incidence of reflux and regurgitation of feeds(posseting)

I also find putting baby on my shoulder or sitting up after feeding helps also

Kathryn - posted on 03/11/2009

Try lactose free formula to see if it might be lactose intolerance.

Tina - posted on 03/11/2009

My first also had horrible reflux as an infant. Elevating his bed helped alot. As soon as he was old enough we started adding cereal to his formula and that helped as well. My son was on three medications and they just upset his stomach. Good luck.

Cynthia - posted on 03/11/2009

Anybody tried a chiropractor. My Chiropractor and I have discussed it since my granddaughter had it and was on medication. He feels that he could definatley help. Due to distances between the two, was never tried. Chiropractors can do remarkable things!

Cynthia - posted on 03/11/2009

Anybody tried a chiropractor. My Chiropractor and I have discussed it since my granddaughter had it and was on medication. He feels that he could definatley help. Due to distances between the two, was never tried. Chiropractors can do remarkable things!

La'Frances - posted on 03/11/2009

My daughter has the same thing and it was terrible. The doctor sugguested that I place a tsp of rice cercel and make sure she stays eluavated throught out the day and specially at night. Hope some of that helps you.

Charlene - posted on 03/11/2009

My youngest daughter had acid reflux for about the first 6 months from the day she left the hospital she would throw up every time she fed. It was very hard and the doctor just told me to burp her more often :( I finally told her it wasn't helping and she diagnosed her with acid reflux. By then she was about 3 months old and taking zantac. She did not like it at all and would instantly spit it up along with formula. Next her pediatrician switched her to Pepcid and she took to that very well..Also, we changed her formula to Enfamil Lipil AR..I think that was what it was called and had her sleep at an incline. That helped a lot. Hang in there! The first few months are difficult. After her 6 month check up the reflux was pretty much gone.

Charlene - posted on 03/11/2009

My youngest daughter had acid reflux for about the first 6 months from the day she left the hospital she would throw up every time she fed. It was very hard and the doctor just told me to burp her more often :( I finally told her it wasn't helping and she diagnosed her with acid reflux. By then she was about 3 months old and taking zantac. She did not like it at all and would instantly spit it up along with formula. Next her pediatrician switched her to Pepcid and she took to that very well..Also, we changed her formula to Enfamil Lipil AR..I think that was what it was called and had her sleep at an incline. That helped a lot. Hang in there! The first few months are difficult. After her 6 month check up the reflux was pretty much gone.

Angie - posted on 03/11/2009

If all else fails, ask your Dr. if he/she can get you a "Danny Sling". It ties to the crib (that you elevate) and keeps the baby upright at night so they can sleep better.

Amy - posted on 03/11/2009

My daughter (who will be 2 next week) went through this same thing. I really feel for you because, not only did my daughter have reflux but she also had terrible colic. The only things that helped her were Zantac (after trying 4 other types of medication), sleeping in her car seat until she was 4 months old and Alimentum (which is VERY expensive) but worth it when she didn't cry out in pain & spit up vigorously after each feeding. The good news is, this too shall pass...I didn't want to believe that when I heard it, but it is so true. After my daughter reached about 9 months old she didn't seem to suffer from the colic anymore at all...she was even sleeping thru most nights. Then, when she reached a year old we were able to take her off of the Zantac completely and also off of the Alimentum (which helped the pocketbook alot!!!) She now is a very hyper, healthy toddler who is drinking 2% milk and has no traces of any of what she had to go through when she tiny.

Best of luck to you and your tiny wonder!! Hope this helped a little....

Mandelyn - posted on 03/11/2009

my son had it when he was a baby and his was bad.One time he turned purple,and couldnt get his breath.They didn't put him on anything after he ate I couldnt lay him down for about an hour.Cause if I sat him in his seat right after he ate he would still spit up.He never done it while he was asleep,just when he was awake.He grew out of it finally.Just dont lay him or her down right after they eat and try to keep stuff elevated if possible.

Jennifer - posted on 03/11/2009

Definitely try elevating the surface under his upper body so that it slopes down. We got this wedge cussion from Target that helps a lot. It also has velcro barries to put on either side of his body so that he doesn't role. We used to use it everywhere around the house (when we put her down). Good luck!