Baby Colic and Reflux – Causes & Symptoms of Colic and Reflux
Colic and reflux are common issues seen in babies and are not dangerous. There are a few steps one can take to alleviate the discomfort, such as using the best bottles for colic and reflux and burping them often during feeding.
Let’s understand the two issues.
Infant Reflux
Reflux is a common problem for people of all ages. In adults, it is sometimes called heartburn or acid reflux. When reflux occurs, food and/or stomach acid regurgitates backward, i.e., from the stomach and into the esophagus. It is very common for infants to experience this backup, but it often does not cause great discomfort.
In healthy babies, infant reflux is seen in the form of spit up. If your baby is healthy, happy, and growing, reflux will not pose a problem. Here are a few things that you can do to reduce the frequency and/or severity of infant reflux.
Burp your baby often during feeding
Keep your baby upright for about half an hour after feeding
Avoid sitting in the ‘car seat position’ for extended periods of time
Avoid exposing your baby to smoke
Use the best bottles for colic and reflux that you can find
Colic
Colic is another common condition, which is diagnosed when a baby cries incessantly for more than three hours a day at least three times a week. Infants under six weeks old are most likely to experience colic; however, most babies outgrow it by the time they are three or four months old.
Unlike reflux, doctors and researchers do not know the exact cause of colic. Factors such as bright lights, noises, and tummy gas can cause them to cry for hours.
Here are a few things that you can try to help soothe your baby.
Using the best bottles for colic and reflux
Feeding then while sitting in an upright position
Burping your baby often during a feeding session
Rubbing their tummy or back
Swaddling them
Dimming the lights
Rocking or walking them around
Using a pacifier
Make sure the nipple flow is appropriate for your baby’s developmental stage.
Best Bottles for Colic and Reflux
Choose a bottle that boasts an innovative design, which includes the likes of a vent, which allows the air to escape through a bottom so your little one does not ingest excess air that could cause uncomfortable gas or make infant reflux worse.
Using the best bottle for colic and reflux, along with the aforementioned other tips, can help your baby feel better. With this knowledge in mind, also remember that your baby will eventually outgrow colic or infant reflux.