10 Home Remedies To Relieve Acid Reflux In Infants

Acid Reflux or the Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) affects both adults and babies. The disease is characterized by the upcoming of the stomach acid from the abdominal/stomach region towards the esophagus. While occasional reflux causes heartburn, chronic or long term effects of the disease include inflammation of the esophagus (Esophagitis), or the occurrence of abnormal changes in the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus).

Acid reflux in children and babies is a cause of coughing, repeated vomiting, effortless spitting and respiratory problems. Home remedies provide an easy way to control acid reflux and GERD at home.

Here Are 10 Home Remedies To Relieve Acid Reflux In Infants

1. Exercise

Exercise has a beneficial effect on digestion. For exercising the baby, lay him/her down on back. Hold both the legs of the baby, make a half-bent position of the legs, and move them in a way bicycle is ridden. The exercise can be done for a period of 10 minutes every day. It targets bloating and decreases acid refluxes.[1]

2. Provide More Frequent Feedings

If you overfeed the baby, he/she may have an acid reflux. Hence it is better to feed the baby is smaller amounts, a number of times during the day.[2]

3. Massage

Massage has health-improving effects for the babies. Massage has a stimulatory effect on the vagus nerve, which is responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive and the respiratory system. For massaging the baby, put him/her on your lap. Apply coconut or olive oil on the stomach of the baby and then message (in gentle manner), for around 5 minutes. You can message the baby 2 or 3 times every day.[3]

4. Sleeping Posture Adjustments

An incorrect sleeping posture may worsen the acid refluxes in babies. It is important for the baby to sleep with his/her head in a bit higher position. Keep the bed, bassinet or the baby’s crib elevated by around 30 degrees (use towels for the purpose).[4]

5. ACV or Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar provides for proper acid levels in the stomach, and helps in digesting the food. Add around a quarter of ACV to 1 glass of lukewarm water and provide the baby a few spoons of this mixture every day, before intervals.

6. Chamomile

The mucilages, volatile oils and flavonoids, found in the chamomile flowers soothe the inflamed esophageal mucosal linings, in babies who are affected by acid reflux. To control your baby’s acid reflux this way, add half spoon of the dried chamomile flower extracts (sold at pharmacies worldwide) to 1 cup of clean and hot water. Steep the mixture for around 10 minutes, strain it and let it cool sufficiently. Administer this tea to the baby in the form of 1 spoon dosage, 3 times every day.[5]

7. Thicken Baby Food

The baby may find it hard to digest foods of animal origin and can be affected by acid reflux due to indigestion. You can add more fiber to the diet of the baby by adding rice cereal to breast milk or formula milk and make the food easily digestible.[6]

8. Coconut Oil

The antimicrobial substance “lauric acid” that is found in the coconut oil kills all the dangerous bacteria in the esophagus. It also reduces inflammation of the esophagus. To control  the acid reflux this way, add half or a full spoon of coconut oil to the baby porridge and cereal foods. Provide the oil to the baby with every meal, for attaining improvements in lesser time.

9. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds contain substance by the name Anethole that can suppress stomach spasm. The seeds provide for improvement of digestion. To control the acid reflux through the seeds, add a spoon of crushed and grind fennel seeds to a cup of clean and hot water. Steep for a period of 10 minutes and then strain the mixture. Administer the mixture to the baby in the form of 1 spoon dose, around 3 times during the day.[7]

10. Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds improve digestion. Boil a spoon of the cumin seeds after adding a cup of clean and hot water to them. Cover the mixture and then steep for a 10 minute time period. Strain the mixture and let it cool completely. Give the baby 1 spoon of the mixture, 3 times a day.[8]

Consult a pediatrician immediately if the symptoms like recurrent vomiting, poor growth and blood in stools are there.