Newborns require special care. They are vulnerable, so their caregivers should pay attention to everything connected with them. Food is one of the top priority things. A baby’s nutrition must have all the required vitamins and minerals. Besides, it should suit a baby’s organism and should not provoke allergic reactions or indigestion. No wonder the most popular baby formulas are HiPP Anti Reflux formula, HiPP HA Combiotic, and Holle Bio as they fit sensitive babies.
Parents of newborns need to know different things to be ready to react effectively to possible problems. One of them is a baby’s delicate digestive system. Most babies spit up their meals, even when being breastfed. It can be regarded as a problem or not. So, when does it turn into a medical problem? How can one reveal the problem? What baby formula can help babies with reflux?
What is Reflux?
The first thing caregivers should know is what reflux is. All people digest food the same way. They chew or drink and swallow it. After that, the chewed product moves through the esophagus that delivers food to the stomach. If everything goes as it should, the sphincter of the esophagus relaxes and lets the food enter the stomach. After that, it closes to prevent the food and stomach acid from returning.
Logically, reflux occurs in babies whose esophagus’s sphincter dysfunctions. As a rule, it closes too early or does not close completely. As a result, the food cannot enter the stomach or return backward together with the stomach acid. Such a problem may be typical not only for infants. It can become a disorder for people of all age groups, though infants are the most sensitive category of patients.
According to the statistics, 50% of newborns experience reflux. Its peak is usually expected in kids aged 4 months old. Infants usually stop experiencing it at the age of 12-18 months. However, some children suffer from its consequences longer or don’t have it at all.
When Is Reflux a Disorder That Requires Special Care?
Reflux or GER is a common thing for newborns and not only. It happens when babies cannot sit (under six months old). Others experience it when they overeat, consume the wrong products, exercise after meals, or eat before going to bed. In this case, it is not a problem and can be easily avoided.
GER is normal for children who frequently spit up but do not feel discomfort, develop normally, and gain the required weight. Parents usually just need to help their children burp after eating or not overfeed them to prevent reflux. Besides, babies should stay calm after meals for at least 30 minutes.
However, GER requires special attention in infants and kids who:
- poorly gain weight
- feel discomfort after spitting up
- have GERD after 18 months old
- vomit blood
- suffer from repeating pneumonia within a short period
In this case, the abbreviation GER changes into GERD with the “D” for “disease” at the end of it. Such reflux damages the esophagus and the mouth cavity of a baby. It is a common disease in babies who have swallowing and eating difficulties, like kids with neurological disorders.
GERD becomes dangerous when a child:
- loses appetite and refuses to eat
- suffers from belly ache
- vomits strongly and too often
- spits up blood
- coughs and chokes frequently
- loses weight
Such babies require a doctor’s consultation. As a rule, healthcare providers send a baby’s urine or blood samples to laboratories. They can also X-ray a baby’s gastrointestinal system or provide ultrasound diagnostics to see how a baby swallows meals. Other medical examinations can concern neurological tests to reveal the reason for GERD. Other testing can include saliva testing and endoscopy.
How to Help Babies with GERD
Before thinking about proper nutrition, caregivers should follow basic rules. First, they should not lay a child when feeding it. Second, the nipple hole mustn’t be big to avoid unnecessary air swallowing and choking. Third, a baby should stay calm after feeding for at least 20-30 minutes. Finally, parents should help a baby burp to relieve extra gasses.
If none of these methods help to avoid reflux and a baby experiences side effects, it will be necessary to consult a pediatrician. A health provider confirms the diagnosis and prescribes medicine or a diet. Sometimes dieting helps to manage the problems, and a baby doesn’t need to take drugs.
Breastfeeding is the best food for newborns, but not all mothers can breastfeed. In this case, health providers and parents should select the best baby formula.
What Baby Formula Fits Babies with GERD
The best variant is a specially created anti-reflux formula. One such formula is HiPP Anti Reflux formula. It is thick and hydrolyzed to let babies digest it properly and consume all the required nutrients completely. This formula does not have large fat cow milk globules that usually cause indigestion. Prematurely born infants can hurt their digestive system with thick baby formulas. So, one shouldn’t use the formula without consulting a doctor.
Other baby formulas that may fit a baby with GERD are those based on goat milk. Goat milk is easier to digest, so goat milk formulas can suit babies with reflux disease. The best variants should be marked as “for sensitive tummies” or “delicate care”, etc. It means these formulas are specially created for babies with poor milk tolerance. The best brands are Jovie, HiPP, and Holle.
The third variant is a baby formula without animal milk. Traditionally, the substitute can be soy, coconut milk, oat milk, or rice milk. It’s better not to choose the formula without a health expert’s supervision. Speaking about the safest variant, the best choice is organic baby formulas. The most popular vegan baby formula is BebeM rice formula. It’s 100% plant-based. It fits babies with animal milk intolerance and GERD.
The main criteria for the best infant formula selection must be their natural ingredients and safety. Healthcare providers help caregivers choose the best formula to meet the needs of their babies.
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