What is reflux?
Reflux is a very common condition in babies that is caused by the movement of stomach contents upwards via the oesophagus due to your baby’s digestive system continuing to develop. The result usually makes for messy bibs and disjointed feeds. Generally, reflux is at its worst around the fourth month however reflux usually dissipates near the age of one.
What to expect when your baby has reflux
If your baby is affected by reflux, there are a series of indicators. Spewing food is the most common and obvious sign of reflux, making feeding times on the whole more awkward. Some babies will toss and turn when being fed and reject food, this can extend to crying and agitation. Aside from feeding time you can also expect your baby to hiccup and cough more than usual. Some babies even suffer from ear infections resulting from reflux.
Taking action against reflux
If the above symptoms are part of daily life for you and your baby, it’s time to tackle the issue. While you cannot completely reverse the effects of reflux, you can take measures to reduce its symptoms.
Many parents have contented their baby by making changes around feeding time. Positioning is one key element that can reduce the reflux-related stresses of feeding. Feed your baby in an upright position as this allows gravity to aid natural digestion. When the feed is over, maintain this position for around 15 minutes, ensuring food is further digested and not resting in the oesophagus ready to return. Most babies spend hours lying on their back each day, so any breaks you can offer can help open up airways and encourage better digestion. The babocush offers ‘tummy time’, a time when your baby can lie comfortably on their stomach, secured and comfortable.
Less food, more often
Also, another feeding technique that can make a difference is reducing volume and increasing frequency. More light feeds are easier for your baby to digest and lower the risk of spewing. Remember, when you do make changes to your baby's routine you risk upsetting them. Try to establish and stick to routines as early as possible.
Comfort
Constant crying, resulting from reflux and discomfort places your baby under a lot of pressure. As any parent would admit, feeding at these times is not enjoyable for parent or baby. ‘Absolute contentment’ is more than a slogan at babocush - it’s what we have delivered to babies and parents globally. Post or pre-feeding, the softness of the babocush cushion combined with the gentle heartbeat and vibration from within, safely settles babies. The heartbeat sensation is created by a battery powered vibrating device inside the cushion.
Reflux and other conditions
While most babies naturally move past reflux without any medical intervention it is worth noting that the symptoms of reflux are found in other conditions. What looks like reflux could be an allergy, a metabolic disease or an intestinal abnormality. If your baby is vomiting excessively you should always seek medical advice.
Reflux is just one of the conditions that the babocush can help relieve – it can also be used to relieve wind and trapped gas and reduce startle reflex. To learn more about what the babocush can do for you and your family click here.
