Reflux symptoms usually get better on their own by the time the child is 12 to 14 months old.
However, babies with severe reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease) may need medication or surgery.
Home Remedies
If youre concerned about your babys symptoms, its important to talk to your pediatrician.
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However, the AAP says that this practice is ineffective in reducing reflux.
Medicine for Reflux in Babies
At-home strategies are usually enough to improve mild cases of infant reflux.
Antacids
OTC antacids that treat infant reflux includeMylanta, Maalox, and Tums.
Mylanta and Maalox can be given to infants who are older than 1 month.
Tums are not recommended for babies under 1 year old.
Stick to the dosing guidelines exactly if youre giving your baby antacids for reflux.
In general, antacids should not be taken for more than two weeks.
Always read the product labels closely before giving any medication to your baby.
Providers may prescribe these medications for babies with reflux because they help heal the esophageal lining.
A liquid form of Pepcid can be used for babies, and kids can take chewable tablets.
H2 blockers do come with a small risk of side effects, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, andconstipation.
The best time of day to give a baby famotidine will depend on what your pediatrician has recommended.
In general, famotidine is usually taken 15 minutes to 1 hour before eating.
However, OTC H2 blockers are not FDA-approved for children younger than 12.
Your infant will need a prescription if their pediatrician wants them to take H2 blockers for reflux.
H2 blockers work fast and can reduce your infants symptoms in as little as 30 minutes.
Infection Risk
H2 blockers and PPIs reduce the amount of stomach acid in your infants stomach.
While PPIs are available OTC, the formulations are only for adults.
Providers usually prescribe PPIs for four to eight weeks.
However, studies have shown that these drugs are not consistently beneficial for reflux and have serious side effects.
Therefore, they are generally not recommended for infants and children with GERD.
The wrapping makes it harder for food to come out of the stomach and go up into the esophagus.
In addition, the procedure may not be effective for some children.
Infant reflux can be hard to manage and disheartening for caregivers.
Many families try multiple remedies before finding one that works.
The situation can test your patience, so its important to stay in touch with your pediatrician.
It can also help to keep track of the treatments youve tried and how your baby reacts to them.
If your baby has GERD, consider working with a pediatricgastroenterologistwho specializes in digestive health conditions in children.
Although effective, these medications can have side effects and risks that you and your pediatrician should discuss.
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