Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the acids in the stomach flow back into the esophagus and irritate its lining. It causes a burning sensation in the chest and may even cause difficulty to swallow food. This condition is common in adults and children. Babies with GERD experience coughing and wheezing after eating and may also spit up or vomit frequently. If your child is showing any of these symptoms, you can try some effective natural remedies for acid reflux and GERD.

Increase the frequency of feedings
Acid reflux and GERD are common when the stomach is full. Therefore, it is important to decrease the amount of each food but increase the frequency. When the stomach is less full, the pressure is low on the lower esophageal sphincter. This will prevent milk and food from going back into the esophagus. This is one of the most effective natural remedies for acid reflux and GERD in babies.

Change in the mother’s diet
This tip is important if you breastfeed your baby. Studies have shown that the symptoms of the condition in breastfed babies improves drastically when the mother restricts her intake of eggs and milk. If your baby is on formula milk, change the product to see if it helps.

Feed your child in an upright position
This is yet another important and effective remedy to deal with acid reflux and GERD in little ones. Avoid putting your child to sleep soon after feeding them. Moreover, keep them in a sitting position for about half an hour after feeding them to allow the food to settle.

Change your baby’s sleep position
Make your baby sleep on a firm mattress on their back. Elevate the baby’s head slightly with the help of a pillow to prevent acid reflux. Also, keep away thick blankets, pillows, and plush toys to make the sleeping area safe and comfortable. These effective natural remedies for acid reflux and GERD will keep the little one comfortable.

Use the right feeding bottles
If you bottle-feed your child, use a small bottle and keep the nipple filled with milk. This will prevent your child from gulping air. Choose nipples with smaller holes to limit the milk flow.

Thicken formula milk
When you are looking for effective natural remedies for acid reflux and GERD, you can consult your baby’s pediatrician and try this one. Add a small quantity of infant rice cereal to breast milk or formula to lessen spitting up. When the milk is thick, the stomach will not be able to throw it back into the esophagus.

Make your baby burp after every feed
Burping during and after every feed will alleviate GERD symptoms and keep the child more comfortable. If you bottle-feed your child, make them burp after every one or two ounces.

These are some simple and effective natural remedies for acid reflux and GERD in babies. If the condition persists, make sure you consult your baby’s pediatrician without any delay.