4 Signs Your Baby May Be Suffering From Acid Reflux

Welcoming a new baby into the family is a wonderful event that will never be forgotten. But the first few months can be difficult for parents, especially if a baby suffers from acid reflux. Your baby's pediatrician can prescribe medication to help resolve the uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux, but as a parent, you will need to be able to identify the fact that your child is suffering from this condition. Some common signs that a young baby may be dealing with acid reflux include:

Frequent Vomiting

It is not uncommon for babies to spit up after eating, but babies who suffer from acid reflux may regurgitate the majority of the breast milk or formula that they were fed. If your baby vomits frequently, especially after feedings, it is important to make an appointment with your child's pediatrician.

Constant Crying

Acid reflux can cause stomach acids to rise into the throat, which can be very uncomfortable for a new baby. It is not uncommon for young babies with acid reflux to cry and be fussy a lot more than other babies. While it is not uncommon for young babies who are a few weeks to a few months old to cry often, if your baby cries constantly and also vomits often, it is important to contact your child's pediatrician as soon as you can.

Problems Sleeping

When babies are placed on their back to sleep, a child with acid reflux may experience pain and discomfort. This will most likely be expressed through crying and problems sleeping. While most babies wake up frequently to feed, if your baby has problems staying asleep for a nap or wakes up unhappy multiple times a night, it may be caused by acid reflux that makes it difficult to sleep.

Issues with Gaining Weight

Breast milk or formula provide a baby with the necessary nutrients to grow and thrive. But if a young baby is continually spitting up or vomiting their food, he or she will not be able to gain weight and grow properly. If your new baby is continually underweight at check-ups and you know that he or she has difficulty keeping food down, medication may be necessary.

Pediatricians can prescribe liquid antacids for babies that can relieve the pain and help stop vomiting after a feeding. If your baby shows signs of acid reflux, don't be afraid to talk to a pediatrician at a clinic like Ada Pediatrics PA so you can correct the problem.