Helping Your Baby with Reflux Sleep

Whether you’re a first-time parent or have gone through the ups and downs of life with a newborn before, it's always difficult when your baby experiences acid reflux. Their growing bodies are still adjusting to life outside the womb and acid reflux can be a result of one of those adjustments.

From seeing your newborn in pain to sleep deprivation and disrupted sleep patterns caused by reflux, the effects of acid reflux on the entire family are exhausting.

Luckily there are ways to help manage your baby’s reflux and make them more comfortable so they can fall asleep. Read on for tips on how to help your baby have an easier time falling asleep with reflux.

What is Acid Reflux in Babies

Acid reflux in babies is a common condition that happens in the first few months of your baby’s life. Reflux is common in healthy babies––a young baby’s stomach is continuing to grow and develop which can lead to spitting up or tummy discomfort.

Reflux in a baby occurs when stomach acids flow back into the esophagus from the stomach, due to the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle ring at the top of the stomach, not being strong enough yet to close completely. Reflux can start around four months of age or earlier and usually gets better by the time your baby is 12 to 18 months.

If your pediatrician notes that your baby is gaining weight and otherwise healthy, you likely will need to help them manage their symptoms of reflux. 

Does My Baby Have Reflux?

There are different signs and symptoms that your baby may have reflux that are common. Common symptoms of reflux in babies include: 

• Spitting up

• Disrupted sleep

• Crying or fussy when feeding

• Refusing feeds

• Struggling to feed or swallow

The above signs and symptoms are normal for healthy babies as their bodies continue to develop. However, there are some other rarer symptoms of reflux that you should discuss with your pediatrician: 

• Not gaining weight

• Spitting up blood

• Blood in bowel movements

• Trouble breathing

• Frequent coughing 

If your baby has a more severe case of reflux or if there is a family history of reflux, get in touch with your pediatrician to see if they have a condition such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or a food allergy.

Does my baby have silent reflux?

Most babies have obvious signs of reflux such as spitting up. If your baby has silent reflux, the signs may be a little less obvious. If your baby has silent reflux they may cry or be fussy after feeds and find no comfort when burped. You may also hear a rumbly tummy.

Why Does Acid Reflux Affect Baby Sleep

When the stomach contents, including stomach acids, flow back into the esophagus, it can lead to a burning sensation and pain. This discomfort can wake the baby up frequently during the night or prevent them from falling asleep in the first place.

Back Sleeping and Reflux

Many parents wonder, “Should I put my baby to sleep on their back if they have reflux?” The answer is yes, if your baby is under 12-months-old and has reflux they always should be put to sleep on their back. Safe sleep for baby guidelines according to the American Academy of Pediatrics say the safest position for all babies is on their back, including those with reflux.

If your baby can roll back and forth both ways independently, you can let them sleep on their stomach if they choose to roll over after putting down on their back. If your baby can’t yet roll both ways on their own, gently return them to their back if they roll while in their crib. 

When it comes to baby sleep safety, putting your baby to sleep on a firm surface on their back is proven to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The American Academy of Pediatrics also tells parents not to worry about their baby choking if they spit up because of reflux while asleep. Babies have an automatic gag reflex which can prevent this. Speak to your pediatrician for personalized guidance if you’re concerned about your baby with reflux.

Tips to Help Your Baby with Reflux Sleep

• Burp Your Baby: Burping your baby frequently during feeds can help decrease acid reflux and related symptoms. Experts recommend how to burp your baby in a position either over your shoulder, upright on your hap, or on their tummy laying over your legs. 

• Follow a Bedtime Routine: Routines before bedtime calm your baby so they are ready to sleep. If your baby is experiencing reflux, a familiar consistent bedtime routine can help soothe and calm them so they can sleep regardless of being uncomfortable. 

• Feed Frequently with Smaller Portions: Many pediatricians recommend giving your baby less food in one sitting to help them digest and reduce reflux. To make sure your baby is getting all the food and nutrients they need, you must also increase the number of feeds. 

• Sit Up Baby: Keeping your baby sitting up for 20-30 minutes after their feed can help decrease their reflux. You can always put them in a carrier and take them for a walk after feeding!

• Try a New Bottle: If your baby is bottle fed, sometimes trying a new bottle brand can help reduce reflux. Some nipples on bottles let your baby swallow more air which can lead to more gas and reflux. It may take trial and error.

• Switch Formula: There are some babies who are more sensitive to certain types of baby formula and experience reflux because of the formula. Speak to your pediatrician about additional hypoallergic formula options.

If your baby’s acid reflux continues despite your best efforts, or if they are excessively spitting up, get in touch with your pediatrician. They are always there for any questions––big or small.

The Bottom Line

While baby reflux is normal, approaches exist to help relieve symptoms of reflux and promote peaceful, restful sleep. 

From maintaining an upright position after feeding to keeping with a consistent bedtime routine, better sleep for baby is possible––even with reflux. If you don’t see any improvement in your baby’s reflux or it lasts well into toddlerhood, get in touch with your pediatrician to discuss further options.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}