What dietary changes can help alleviate gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants?

Some simple dietary changes can help alleviate gastroesophageal reflux (reflux) in infants. These changes include avoiding overfeeding, thickening breast milk or formula, burping the baby regularly, and keeping the baby in an upright position after feeding [1]. In some cases, the doctor may suggest changing the type of formula if the infant has an allergy to cow's milk protein [1].

Feeding Adjustments to Reduce Reflux

Feeding adjustments are the first line of defense in managing gastroesophageal reflux in infants. It is important to avoid overfeeding the baby, as you should provide the recommended amounts of formula or breast milk [1]. Burping the baby after every 30 to 60 milliliters of formula, or after finishing each breast during breastfeeding, can help reduce the amount of swallowed air and thereby alleviate reflux [3]. It is also recommended to keep the baby in an upright position for 20 to 30 minutes after each feeding to prevent stomach contents from returning to the esophagus [3].

Thickening Milk

In some cases, the doctor may recommend adding a small amount of rice cereal to the baby's formula or breast milk to make it thicker. Thicker milk can help it stay in the stomach and reduce reflux [1]. You should consult a doctor to determine the appropriate amount of rice cereal to add, and if the mixture becomes too thick, the mother may need to change the size of the bottle nipple or make a small 'X'-shaped incision to widen the opening [1].

Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

If the baby is formula-fed and the doctor suspects that the reflux may be related to a cow's milk protein allergy, they might suggest switching to a different type of formula [1]. It is essential not to change the type of formula without consulting a doctor first [1]. You can learn more about gastroesophageal reflux in infants by visiting the page Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux: Understanding, Diagnosis, and Management Options (Arabic).

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

Although gastroesophageal reflux is very common in infants and usually disappears on its own as the baby grows [1], you should contact a doctor if the baby experiences symptoms such as inadequate weight gain, weight loss, refusal to feed, excessive crying, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or frequent, forceful vomiting [3]. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical evaluation [2].

Medical references

• Reflux in Infants
• Gastroesophageal reflux in infants
• Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Infants