Ways to prevent the backflow of gastric contents into the mouth in children

Many parents may encounter the problem of reflux of stomach contents into the mouth in their children, especially newborns and infants. This problem can be a source of anxiety and stress for both the toddler and his caregivers. In this article, we will discuss what regurgitation is in newborns and infants, what are its causes, and, above all, what are effective ways to deal with this problem.

Regurgitation in newborns and infants – what is it?

Regurgitation in newborns and infants is a situation in which, after a meal, the stomach contents flow back up and out of the child’s mouth. This is quite a common phenomenon in children and is often not a cause for concern. However, it can be burdensome for both the child and the parents.

Regurgitation and vomiting in a child

It is worth noting the difference between regurgitation and vomiting in a child. Regurgitation is the gentle flow of stomach contents, usually after a quiet meal, while vomiting is a more intense reflex that can be caused by a variety of causes, such as infections or food allergies. If your child is vomiting frequently and profusely, you may need to consult a doctor.

Regurgitation in newborns and infants – causes

There are many factors that can contribute to regurgitation in newborns and infants. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Excessive amount of food consumed in one meal.
• Incorrect position of the baby during feeding.
• Bloating and colic.
• Gastroesophageal reflux.

Ways to deal with regurgitation in newborns and infants

If you are struggling with your child’s regurgitation, there are many ways to help alleviate it:

• Correct feeding position: Make sure your baby is well attached to the breast or bottle and is in an appropriate position that minimizes the amount of air he or she may swallow while eating.
• Burping after a meal: After feeding, gently burp your baby to help get rid of any air in the stomach.
• Regular, smaller meals: If your baby tends to overeat, consider feeding him smaller, more frequent meals.
• Avoid turning your baby over after eating: Try not to turn your baby over immediately after a meal, as this may increase the risk of spilling.

Regurgitation and proper feeding and burping of the baby after a meal

It is worth paying special attention to the techniques of feeding and burping the baby, because they can significantly affect the frequency of regurgitation:

• Feeding on Demand: Feeding your baby on demand can help you avoid overeating and make it easier for your baby to control how much food he or she eats.
• Burp gently: Burping your baby should be gentle and non-aggressive to avoid excessive upsetting of the stomach.

Regurgitation in newborns and infants – when to see a doctor? how to distinguish regurgitation from acid reflux disease?

Although regurgitation is often a natural phenomenon in newborns and infants, there are situations in which it is worth consulting a doctor:

• If the child rains very often and profusely.
• If the regurgitation is accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, difficulty gaining weight, or crying after feeding.
• If you suspect that your child may have reflux disease, which requires specialized treatment.

It is worth remembering that each child is different, and what may be normal for one child may be a problem for another. If you have any doubts about your child’s health, it is always worth consulting a doctor who will help solve any problems and provide appropriate advice.

Your suggestions

If you have your own proven ways of dealing with regurgitation in newborns and infants, share them with other parents. Sharing experiences can help many parents in difficult situations.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about the health of babies and newborns, we recommend reading our other articles on baby care and dealing with common problems in infancy.

It is worth remembering that regurgitation in newborns and infants is often a normal phenomenon that may disappear over time. However, if you have any doubts or concerns, it is always worth consulting a doctor who will help you properly diagnose and treat any problems.