Regurgitation in babies is a common phenomenon and generally not serious. However, they can become a concern for young parents if they become frequent. Fortunately, there are tricks to reduce the frequency. We will give you no less than nine in the rest of this article.
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Baby Regurgitation: What Are We Talking About?
Regurgitation is, as a rule, relatively standard in babies. They consist of a mixture of milk and saliva, which rises from the stomach just after feeding or a few minutes after it. Passive they are distinguished from vomiting, which requires the baby to try to expel the contents of his stomach.
Linked to the immaturity of the cardia, the valve located at the entrance to the stomach and which is responsible for preventing the stomach contents from rising towards the esophagus, regurgitation is standard in babies and often harmless. However, if your child spits up a lot and you are concerned about it, some tips may help you spit up less.
Take Regular Meal Breaks
If your baby tends to spit up often, don’t hesitate to take 3 to 4 breaks during feeding or bottle feeding and give him time to burp before continuing with his meal. By doing this, you will slow down the pace of the meal and thus prevent your baby from drinking more milk than his appetite requires.
Squeeze Out The Overflow
During the breaks during baby’s meals, the intermediate burps will allow your baby to gradually evacuate the excess air swallowed at the same time as the milk, promoting reflux. To burp your baby, you must place her vertically against your shoulder and gently rub her back. Hold the bottle at a sufficient angle during the meal so that the teat is filled with milk, and there is no air inside. You can also opt for anti-colic bottles with a valve that allows you to always keep the teat full of milk, whatever its inclination.
Use The Laws Of Gravity
It is often enough to use the laws of gravity to prevent the contents of the baby’s stomach from rising to the surface. More clearly, do not put your baby to bed directly after feeding him, but place him in a vertical or semi-reclining position at least half an hour after his meal. The whole point is that his stomach is not at the same level as his mouth immediately following his meal.
To do this, you can use a baby carrier or raise the mattress of his bed by sliding a folded blanket underneath. If you opt for the latter solution, just make sure that a space does not form between the mattress and the edge of the bed where the baby could get stuck. Prolonged use of deckchairs is not recommended because they compress the stomach and accentuate regurgitation phenomena.
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Avoid Sudden Movement
Just after his milk meal, your baby’s stomach is comparable to a skin full of liquid without a cork to contain it. So that the liquid does not overflow, you must handle this wineskin with extreme care without making sudden movements. To prevent your baby from regurgitating, observe the same precautions just after his meal, fluidly and gently moving him with sudden movements. This is sometimes enough to reduce the risk of regurgitation!
Don’t Overload His (Small) Stomach
Does your baby regurgitate easily? What if the solution was simply to split your meals? Instead of giving him a large amount of milk, try feeding him smaller but more frequent amounts. Your baby will thus receive the quantities of milk he needs without distending his stomach more than necessary. As your baby grows, his stomach will adjust to receiving more significant amounts of milk at a time, and you may be able to reduce his feeding frequency.
Release The Pressure On Her Belly
Is the baby prone to regurgitation? So remember to adapt your wardrobe by choosing clothes that do not tighten your stomach. No more pants, shorts or skirts with elastic that narrows at the waist. Choose rompers or all-in-one sleepsuits that don’t put any pressure on your little one’s stomach. Also, remember to adjust your little one’s diaper properly, ensuring not to tighten it too much. Generally, it is advisable to leave a space of at least two fingers between the diaper and your baby’s belly.
Opt For Thickened Milk
If your baby is bottle-fed, know there is anti-regurgitation milk (or “comfort pints of milk” if sold in supermarkets) on the infant milk market. These preparations have the particularity of containing a thickener such as carob flour or rice, potato or corn starch. Thicker and viscous than conventional infant milk, they thus help to limit reflux phenomena in babies.
Then remember to adapt the teats of your bottles because the thickened milk does not pass through conventional teats. Note, however, that any change in your child’s choice of milk must be discussed in advance with the doctor treating your baby. If your child is old enough, try introducing solid foods like smooth purees. It should also help thicken the food bolus and limit reflux at the same time.
Make An Appointment With The Osteopath
If your baby regurgitates a lot, consider osteopathy. By relieving the infant’s tensions, osteopathy can significantly help reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, which a phenomenon of hyperpressure can cause.
See A Doctor
If, despite all these tips, your baby’s regurgitation does not improve and is accompanied by pain and crying at mealtimes, traces of blood, coughing, difficulty gaining weight, sleep or other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Your baby may be suffering from complications related to gastroesophageal reflux disease or a cow’s milk protein allergy. Specific treatment and a change in diet prescribed by a doctor may then be necessary for your toddler.
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