NICU
Neonates, Infant, Newborn, Baby, Preemie
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD, reflux)

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux?

GERD is what happens when the contents of the stomach move back up, or reflux, into the esophagus after or while eating a meal. In infants, this is extremely common, and often not a huge concern. With reflux, and infant will either spit up or vomit. The difference between the two is that with spit up, the baby more or less will literally spit the food up in a non-volatile manner. With vomiting, the stomach contents come out much more forcefully, often called projectile vomiting.

With neonatal infants, reflux is a concern because feeding habits of NICU babies are watched very closely. Doctors want to make sure a baby is eating enough and keeping enough milk or formula down before being sent home.

Keep in mind that GERD can be very scary to a parent. When a child refluxes and spits up or vomits, it is important they are in an upright position or they make have the appearance that they are choking.

Make sure to ask your pediatrician about how to react and clear the spit up or vomit if this occurs.

Here are some tips on how to help prevent reflux:

  • Do not overfeed your baby. Ask your pediatrician how much milk or formula your baby should be taking.
  • Burp your baby after one or two ounces of breast milk or formula.
  • Keep your baby in an upright position after feeding for approximately 30 minutes.
  • Have infants sleep on their backs, though this is recommended for all babies, no matter their condition.
  • Add a thickening agent to your baby's milk or formula. A pediatrician can help you decide what is best, though rice cereal is a common thickener.
  • Ask you pediatrician what to do if your baby chokes on their own spit up or vomit.
Treatment

Most infants with gastroesophageal reflux will outgrow this condition by 12 to 24 months of age. Thus, no treatment is necessary.

However, if the GERD is severe enough, a medication may be necessary.

See Also:

National Digestive Diseases
Colic Calm
Infant Reflux Disease