As parents, we are used to babies throwing up spit and coughing. Acid reflux may also look strangely similar but usually, your baby will look troubled or may even end up crying. Most babies have this occasionally but if your baby has this more frequently, then this is a problem that needs addressing. There are a few acid reflux remedies that are natural and safe to use.
How to Treat Baby Acid Reflux Naturally?
Here are some natural ways to treat acid reflux in your little one.
1. Cumin Seeds
The seeds of cumin are known to stimulate the process of digestion, thus bringing a reduction in the chances of acidity and gas from occurring. Babies can be given cumin seed water. Boiling a few spoons of cumin seeds with water and straining it gives a solution that can be consumed by the baby. A few spoons of this water given every day can bring relief from acid reflux.
2. Castor Oil
The constituents of the oil contain detoxing abilities, which can help to directly flush out any items in the baby’s body that might be causing trouble. Take a cloth and dip it in castor oil. Put the cloth on the baby’s tummy and wrap it in plastic so that the oil does not drip elsewhere. Cover this with cloth and let the cloth stay up to an hour. Later, give your baby a nice warm bath and the relief he gets will be supported.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil consists of anti-inflammatory constituents. This directly affects the irritation that causes acid reflux in the child. Furthermore, the oil is known to lubricate the digestive system, making it function at a higher efficiency. The oil also contains lauric acid. This is an antimicrobial fatty acid that helps in boosting the immunity in newborns. A spoon of extra virgin coconut oil with hot water should be given to your baby thrice a day before feeding him.
4. Baking Soda
This may seem weird at first glance but makes complete sense in scientific terms. For acid reflux, baking soda is a quick recommendation that is given by many. Acid reflux is a sign that the pH value of your baby is at the lower end. By ingesting baking soda, which is basic in nature, it shifts the pH content to a higher side, reducing the acidic nature in the stomach. This provides relief from acid reflux and resets the functioning of the digestive system to a normal state.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint is available in the form of an oil which is a potent cure for acid reflux. Peppermint in itself contains quite a few soothing properties that provide relief from any spasms one might be suffering from. Peppermint oil is also known to provide relief in indigestion and inflammation, which also acts in reducing acid reflux.
It can be used on the baby by mixing a few drops of peppermint oil in a small spoon of olive oil. This mixture can then be rubbed on the baby’s tummy to provide relief from the reflux. This should be done twice a day. Mothers can talk to their doctor if they can consume peppermint capsules or even make peppermint tea and consume it twice or thrice in a day.
6. Probiotics for Babies
The reasons for acid reflux could also be the absence of good bacteria in the gut, which results in a comparatively larger amount of bad bacteria that causes digestive issues and so on. The presence of good bacteria helps maintain a balance that fights off the bad bacteria and keeps the gut healthy. If your doctor agrees with this solution, you can administer probiotics for your baby. These come in the form of powders that can be given to your baby with the water. The powder can also be mixed with breastmilk in a bottle and given to the baby. If your baby is purely breastfeeding directly, then the powder can be applied around your nipple prior to the feeding so that it is sucked by the baby.
7. Motion Exercises
Most babies just lie down in their cribs without any motion or exercise. This could also result in improper digestion or acid reflux. A small amount of motion-oriented exercises can help stimulate the digestive process and also take care of any gas or bloating inside the stomach. These, consequently, reduce the chances of acid reflux from taking place. The best way is to let your child lie down flat and move his legs as if he was riding a bicycle. Undertaking this exercise for a few minutes every day will be fun for the baby as well as assist digestion. Do not do this right after feeding or at least half an hour prior to feeding the baby.
8. Chamomile
Chamomile tea is a well-known remedy for adults in taking care of the stomach as well as getting a good night’s sleep. For acid reflux in babies, chamomile is also known to work wonders. The chamomile flower contains constituents that have properties that reduce spasms in the body as well as are light sedatives, too. This, in a combination, provides relief from acid reflux and allow the body to rest. Boiling a few flowers with water and straining them gives a solution, whose few spoons can be given to the baby every day.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
This is yet another way that works on the principles of science and sets the pH value inside the stomach to a normal state. Once the acid levels are balanced, the acid reflux reduces and your baby will stop feeling any discomfort. Mixing a tiny amount of this raw unfiltered vinegar with warm water, and giving a few spoons of this mixture to your child is quite beneficial.
10. Feeding and Sleeping Practices
By making small changes in the position of sleep and feeding, chances of acid reflux can be highly reduced. It is good to ensure that the child is always upright while feeding is on. While sleeping, if acid reflux persists, try to provide an elevation of around 30 degrees for the upper part of the baby. This ensures that the food stays in the stomach and prevents the baby from throwing up.
Acid reflux rarely gets out of hand for babies and can be easily controlled. With the above-mentioned home remedies for reflux in babies, you can take care in ensuring that reflux is prevented altogether and your baby gets quick relief in case it has affected them.
Also Read: Gas Problems in Infants
