You may feel helpless when it comes to your sick newborn. Some tend to believe that medicine
is the first answer to all ailments; however, there are always steps to try before you decide to
give an immature system a medication. Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux or
GER, has become a very common diagnosis for newborns these days, and the diagnosis nearly
always results in a trip to the pharmacy. There are other steps to try before you take that one.

Step 1:It is important to understand acid reflux symptoms in an infant. If you see these signs, please make the first step to contact your doctor. Other problems, such as fluid in the lungs, can arise from acid reflux and will need immediate medical attention.

Step 2:Some acid reflux symptoms may include constant crying, poor sleeping, refusal of food and spitting up. Your doctor may notice a red irritated throat. A more serious sign is when a wheezing or gurgling sound occurs when baby breathes. This could be a sign that baby has had some of the fluid enter the lungs.

Step 5:For those of you who prefer to have your baby sleep in the bed with you, consider
the risks. A baby with acid reflux should never be laid down on his back for any period of
time. I even kept one of the small wedges on the changing table so baby would never be
flat on her back. As an alternative to co-sleeping, place the car seat in a stroller and put the
stroller by your bed. Once baby is ready for his own room, put the car seat in the crib at
night and for naps. This will help when it is time to transition out of the car seat.

Step 4:Your infant car seat will become your best friend. Do not bother with wedges for baby\u2019s bassinet. Most do not have a steep enough angles to help and most babies roll off of them anyway. Your infant car seat has the perfect angle to hold your baby upright while he sleeps. The first night we had our baby sleep in her car seat was also the first night that she slept for 6 straight hours, no cries!

Step 6:Breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your baby's acid reflux diet, and
breastfeed often. If your baby is formula fed, ask your doctor about different brands to try
which may help reduce the acid in your baby\u2019s stomach. Try using a pillow like the Boppy
in different positions to help your baby sit more upright when feeding. Feed when baby
first wakes from a nap instead of right before you lay baby down for a nap. Keep baby as
upright as you can for at least 30 minutes after a feeding.

Step 9:Don\u2019t worry about milestones in reference to reflux treatment. \u201cMy baby doesn\u2019t have
the opportunity to roll over.\u201d When your baby learns to sit up is when acid reflux begins to
dissipate. You will soon be able to have short back and tummy time sessions on the floor
and your baby will reach those milestones we all love to obsess about.

and trust their judgment, however, you are the parent and ultimate decision maker.
Buckle your baby into the car seat when you lay him down for naps and bedtime.
Never leave your baby unattended in a support seat. Never use the support seat on a