by Summer Tierno

Created on: November 05, 2009

When you bring home your little bundle or job, you never really think anything will be wrong with her. As the days and nights go by, however, you may begin to notice that your baby is experiencing symptoms such as fussiness and crying. Initially, you may think she has colic, but it may be something more serious. If she is also spitting up and showing signs of abdominal pain, it could be acid reflux. If this is the case, there are several ways to help alleviate her symptoms.

Understanding Acid Reflux

The first thing you have to do is understand what your baby is going through. You should take your baby to the doctor so she can get properly diagnosed. You should not guess what is happening or try to diagnose her yourself.

Medication

Once she is properly diagnosed with acid reflux, her doctor may prescribe medication. Medication can help solve your baby's reflux issue or at least make it much better for her, according to coliccalm.com. Medication such as Zantac can "reduce stomach acid and help speed up the time that it takes for the milk to pass into the baby's intestines."

Burping

A good burp may help the symptoms of reflux. Make sure that you are very gentle while feeding your baby, and burp her very often. Your baby may also benefit from being held in the upright position while you are feeding her, according to coliccalm.com.

Contact

Skin-on-skin contact may also help your baby, according to coliccalm.com. After she is done feeding, place her body on your bare chest or stomach so she can feel your warmth. This will help calm her and ease any anxiety she is experiencing due to the reflux.

Breastfeeding

According to pollywogbaby.com, breastfeeding can help with acid reflux. Breastfeeding helps because breast milk digests much faster than formula; therefore the milk is in your baby's tummy for less time. This means less spit up and gas which is a lot less mess for you.

Acid reflux can be a difficult condition for an adult and even more difficult for a baby. You may feel overwhelmed and unsure of yourself but, no matter what, make sure you stay calm and continue trying to find comfort for your baby. Remember she is so little and cannot say what is hurting. Just be there for her and you both will get through it.

Learn more about this author, Summer Tierno.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.