Sleeping Positions for Infants with Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is no fun for adults; imagine what it is like for a little baby. If your infant is suffering from acid reflux, you know the hardest thing to deal with is getting a good night's sleep. Not only is your infant up all the time, you are right there with them. It is frustrating and upsetting, but there are a couple simple things you can try that may help everyone feel better.

Babies have acid reflux because their little tummies haven't fully developed yet, so their digestion isn't fully functioning. This causes them to spit up and also have discomfort. Along with being uncomfortable and spitting up, more than likely your precious little one is also crying lots. This adds to the problem by allowing air bubbles to gather in their stomachs and causing gas. Babies also gulp their food while feeding, causing more gas to accumulate.

Before putting baby to bed, carry them in a sling for 30 minutes to help relieve any tension in their stomach and help release gas build up. This is also great for attachment parenting, by creating a strong bond between infant and parent. Peanut Shell and Maya Wrap make great slings and they are fairly reasonable in price, about $75. Most babies really enjoy them, I know mine does. It will also calm your baby and get them ready for sleeping. Try to keep your baby awake while in the sling, you don't want them to get too comfortable and then have difficulty getting them to fall sleep later without being in the sling first. Once your baby is calm, get them comfortable in bed.

They do make hammock cribs specifically for infants with acid reflux, but they can be pricey. A good night sleep is priceless though if you know your baby is suffering from acid reflux. The Amby Natures Nest Baby Hammock is made specifically for infants with acid reflux and are available to purchase online and in specialty stores. They run around $300, but that is comparable to many cribs and this crib ensure you and your acid reflux baby get some sleep.

By elevating the head of your infant's crib about 30 degrees or purchasing a sleep wedge to go under your baby's head, acid reflux will be lessened during sleeping. Some find having their baby sleep on their stomachs relieve acid reflux, but talk with your pediatrician before doing this to make sure your infant is past concerns for SIDS. Laying your baby on their left side might also help as their stomach is on the left, which allows gravity to do its part.

Acid reflux is no fun, so try out these options to see if they will help. Many times baby's will grow out of acid reflux, so although this is a challenging time, it will pass and in no time your adorable infant will be ready for potty training.

Sources:

http://www.coliccalm.com/baby_infant_newborn_articles/acid-reflux.htm

http://www.babyhammocks.com/