Sleeping Positions for Babies with Acid Reflux or GERD

Babies from birth to six months often suffer acid reflux or what is medically called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD. When babies have acid reflux, they spit up what they have taken into their stomachs because the valve in their esophagus that connects to the stomach is still premature. Ask your pediatrician to determine whether or not your baby has acid reflux. He or she will be able to do tests to be sure about your baby’s condition. If your baby is having problems sleeping at night because of acid reflux, the following sleeping positions are recommended:

Have your baby sleep in a sling or hammock. Keep your baby in a sling, wrap, or pouch when he or she is sleeping. Since having them in a sling or wrap means that you have to carry them around, you will have to commit to this. If you are unable to do this, you can wear the baby 30 minutes after you have fed him or her. This will ensure a calm baby and prevent acid reflux. You can also try a baby hammock that is especially designed for babies suffering from acid reflux. These hammocks allow the baby’s head and upper body to be elevated, which controls the acid reflux.

Elevate the crib while sleeping. Another way to prevent acid reflux and sleeping problems is to elevate your baby’s crib about 30 degrees. This will help cut down acid reflux conditions and regurgitation. Also, have your baby sleep on his or her left side. Dr. Sears recommends this position because elevation allows the stomach inlet to be higher than the stomach outlet. This will prevent any food from being regurgitated.

Have your baby sleep on his or her stomach. When babies are in the prone position, the acid reflux will be minimized. However, be mindful that this position is believed to be the cause of sudden infant death syndrome, so consult a pediatrician when you are thinking about this alternative. There are also reflux wedges available in the market today which allows you baby to sleep on his or her stomach at an angle. This will help alleviate the discomfort of acid reflux and have the baby sleeping soundly.

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