Baby Foods and Acid Reflux

Feeding your baby from an assortment of jarred or homemade baby foods is a bonding experience. When a child suffers from acid reflux, feeding time can turn into a nightmare. Some baby foods have been known to cause acid reflux. Knowing how to ease your child's discomfort will make dealing with this condition a little more manageable for you and your child.

Identification

Acid reflux is a painful condition that happens when stomach acid flows into the esophagus. As the acid moves up, the result is a burning sensation. In children, acid reflux can be confused with colic. The child may become inconsolable, and cry out in pain. The child might have a hard time swallowing food, causing them to choke or vomit, and will develop poor eating habits.

Prevention/Solution

There are certain things a parent or caregiver can do to lessen the discomfort. Feeding foods in smaller portions will prevent the stomach from being over full. Small infants who still require burping should be burped after every two ounces. Keep the child in an upright position, or with their head elevated after eating. Mixing baby cereal thicker than normal may also help. In severe cases, the doctor might prescribe a medication to reduce acid content in the stomach.

Bad Food

Acid reflux affects each child differently. Some baby foods may irritate one child more than another. Certain kinds of baby food seem to be more irritating for kids with gerd. The different foods that have been known to aggravate reflux symptoms are corn, leafy greens, high-fat foods, strong acidic fruits and tomatoes or tomato juice.

Good Foods

Egg yolks are high in calories and good for reflux sufferers.

Children who suffer from severe cases of acid reflux may have difficulty eating. If weight loss is an issue, then the doctor may order a high-calorie diet. The reflux-friendly foods are cheese, chicken, oatmeal, cooked egg yolks and avocados. Eating a smaller-portioned, high-calorie diet will help with weight gain.

Warnings

Establish a plan to keep acid reflux under control. As the child grows older, it is common for them to grow out of it. Not treating gerd symptoms may cause long-term effects. The acid in the stomach can burn the esophagus, therefore causing ulcers and scarring. There is a possibility that the stomach acids can reach the top of the esophagus and into the windpipe. Stomach acid in the windpipe can lead to respiratory issues.