Acid reflux and spitting up are common occurrences in babies, but they are not the same thing
Acid reflux and spit up are common occurrences in babies, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference between the two is important so that you can provide the proper care for your baby. In this blog post, we’ll take a detailed look at acid reflux and spitting up in babies, and what you can do to help.
First, let’s define the terms. Spitting up is when a baby brings up small amounts of milk or formula after a feeding. This is a normal and common occurrence in babies, and is usually nothing to worry about. Acid reflux, on the other hand, is when the stomach’s contents, including stomach acid, flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and sometimes leading to other symptoms.
Read about the cause of spit up.
Symptoms of acid reflux in babies include:
- Persistent crying or fussiness, especially after feedings
- Arching of the back during or after feedings
- Refusing to eat
- Gagging or choking during feedings
- Frequent hiccups
- A sour or bitter taste in the baby’s mouth
- Difficulty sleeping
- Recurrent pneumonia
If your baby is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician. They may recommend changes to your baby’s feeding schedule or diet, such as feeding smaller amounts more frequently or switching to a different type of formula. Your pediatrician may also recommend medication to reduce stomach acid, if needed.
There are also a few things you can do at home to help alleviate acid reflux in your baby:
- Keep your baby upright for at least 30 minutes after feedings
- Avoid overfeeding your baby
- Burp your baby frequently during feedings
- Avoid tight clothing or diapers around your baby’s waist
- Try to keep your baby calm and relaxed during and after feedings
On the other hand, spitting up usually does not cause any discomfort to the baby and does not come with any other symptoms. Spitting up usually stops around age 1-2 or when your baby’s muscles that keep food down become stronger.
It’s important to note that if your baby is spitting up frequently or forcefully, or if they’re experiencing any of the symptoms of acid reflux, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician. They can help determine the cause and provide appropriate care.
In conclusion, spitting up and acid reflux may appear similar, however they are not the same thing. Spitting up is a normal and common occurrence in babies, while acid reflux is a condition that causes discomfort and other symptoms. If you suspect your baby has acid reflux, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment. Remember that there are things you can do at home to help alleviate acid reflux, such as keeping your baby upright after feedings, avoiding overfeeding, burping your baby frequently, and avoiding tight clothing or diapers around your baby’s waist.
