Swaddling is great for infant reflux. Babies with infant reflux respond well because the swaddle holds the body in a position that helps to prevent acid travelling back up the oesophagus. It also helps to soothe, as already discussed.
If you're curious if you should swaddle a baby with reflux, the answer is, it could help. Swaddling helps to soothe a fussy baby by wrapping them nice and tight (but not too tight) in a swaddle blanket.
Back Sleeping
The American Academy of Pediatrics confirms that babies use their automatic gag reflex to cough up or swallow fluid. As such, placing your baby on an incline or in a swing is not recommended, back sleeping on a hard surface is best, even for babies with reflux.
The best swaddle for a reflux baby is one that isn't too tight around their midsection. We liked the Sleepea 5-Second Baby Swaddle. Consider eliminating dairy from mom's diet if breastfeeding to rule out a milk allergy. Consider switching formulas if baby is formula-fed.
Do not over-feed your baby. Feeding your baby too much can make reflux symptoms worse. Their doctor or health care provider will tell you how much they should be eating with each feed.
Back sleeping is the best way to reduce the risk of SIDS and is the recommended position until babies can roll over fully on their own―even for babies with reflux.
Can Swaddling Help with a Baby's Gas? Yes. If your baby is younger than 2 months, you can help them release gas by swaddling them. In addition to applying gentle pressure to their stomach, swaddling relaxes baby, which may help them calm enough to lull them to sleep.
While the best sleep position for a gassy baby is still on their back, sometimes, gas pains make it harder for your little one to sleep. If this is the case, you may find that swaddling your baby before bedtime will keep them warm and comfortable during the night, as well as reduce any discomfort.
If your house is below 65F at night, a long-sleeve onesie or one-piece pajamas worn under the swaddle should be enough to keep your baby comfortable. But if your house temperature is over 65F at night, dressing your baby in a short-sleeved onesie for sleep should work fine.
Baby Reflux FAQs
Pacifiers may stimulate saliva and the downward push of the esophagus, both of which may help to get fluids back into the stomach sooner rather than later. However, doctors are still not recommending pacifiers as a treatment.
Reflux tends to peak around four to six months and then improve. The reason: Older babies start eating solid foods and consume less liquid — and solids are easier to keep down. But reflux isn't something babies just have to live with until they grow older.
If your baby has reflux, you can and should continue with tummy time. Try the positions where your baby is more upright such as on your chest, over your legs or on a gym ball. Remember to leave 20 to 30 minutes after a feed before placing your baby on their tummy to reduce vomiting and discomfort.
Babies with reflux often suffer from trapped wind amongst other symptoms. The sensation of needing to release trapped wind can cause your baby to wake frequently during the night. Another problem your baby may face with reflux is waking up in pain because their stomach acid splashes up into their esophagus.
Make sure to burp your baby well.
If baby has had enough to eat, it may stir while you are going through the act of the swaddle but your baby will settle down quite quickly after being swaddled.
You should stop swaddling your baby when he starts attempting to roll over. Many babies start working on this move at about 2 months old. Swaddling once your baby can roll over may increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and suffocation.
Your newborn baby will sleep better and sleep longer if you put them to sleep while swaddled. Swaddling prevents newborn babies from startling themselves awake with random arm movements.
If your baby will take a good feeding while still being swaddled, keep them swaddled. If they need to be unswaddled to eat well, unswaddle them. If your baby awakens, it's okay: many wake up during the feeding.
Here are five tips to reduce mild reflux: Hold your baby in upright position during feeding. Continue to keep your baby upright after feeding up to one hour. Overfeeding can aggravate reflux.
Not only might swaddling help your colicky baby get to sleep, there's a good chance it will help them stay asleep, too. Researchers have found that babies who are swaddled sleep more soundly than those who aren't. That's because when a baby twitches during sleep, their own movements can wake them up.
Swaddling helps babies sleep longer, reduces anxiety, and prevents face scratching. Risks include overheating, hip dysplasia, and decreased arousal, which may increase the risk of SIDS. To swaddle safely, don't over-swaddle, ensure a secure swaddle, and avoid swaddling too tightly.
Always burp your baby when feeding time is over. To help prevent the milk from coming back up, keep your baby upright after feeding for 10 to 15 minutes, or longer if your baby spits up or has GERD. But don't worry if your baby spits sometimes. It's probably more unpleasant for you than it is for your baby.
Sitting upright: Let the baby sit on your lap, then lean against your chest as you bottle feed them. This position is great for older babies or those with reflux.
Reflux is one of the most common infant feeding problems. It usually starts around the 2 to 3 week mark, peaks around 4 to 5 months, and typically goes away by about 9 to 12 months.