Natural Ways to Soothe Infant Reflux

Acid reflux in babies can be distressing to witness, especially when your little one is uncomfortable and fussy after feedings.

While some reflux is normal for infants, knowing how to manage it gently can make a significant difference in their comfort and your peace of mind.

Reflux occurs when stomach contents travel back up into the esophagus.

In babies, this is often due to an immature lower esophageal sphincter, the small muscle that keeps food in the stomach.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, this is a common occurrence in infancy, particularly in those born prematurely, and usually improves as your baby grows more active and their digestive system matures.

Simple changes in daily care can help reduce reflux episodes.

Holding your baby upright for at least thirty minutes after feeding allows gravity to aid digestion and helps keep stomach contents in place.

Avoid feeding your baby while they are lying down, and try to create a calm feeding environment to minimize air swallowing.

Gentle movement exercises, like the “bicycle legs” technique, can also support digestion and ease bloating by encouraging the passage of trapped gas.

Massage is another soothing option.

By using warm olive or coconut oil and massaging your baby’s tummy in a gentle clockwise motion, you can stimulate the vagus nerve, which supports both digestion and relaxation.

A study published in Biological Research for Nursing found that regular massage can significantly reduce symptoms in infants with reflux and even improve sleep quality.

Always remember to wait a little while after feeding before beginning any massage.

Feeding adjustments may also help.

Offering smaller, more frequent feedings instead of larger meals reduces the pressure on your baby’s stomach and lessens the likelihood of spit-up.

In some cases, thickening breast milk or formula with an age-appropriate thickener, as advised by your pediatrician, can reduce reflux episodes.

A review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that thickeners can nearly halve the number of daily reflux events in certain infants.

Lifestyle considerations are equally important.

Keeping your baby away from secondhand smoke not only protects their developing lungs but also reduces reflux triggers.

If you are breastfeeding, paying attention to your own diet can make a difference—eliminating common allergens or irritants may help if your baby shows signs of sensitivity.

Staying well-hydrated and including probiotic-rich foods in your diet can support both your health and your baby’s digestive balance.

While most babies will outgrow reflux as their digestive system matures, your gentle, consistent care can help make this stage far more comfortable for them.

Should reflux symptoms be accompanied by poor weight gain, feeding refusal, or breathing difficulties, it is important to seek guidance from your pediatrician promptly.

Your baby’s comfort matters, and with small, mindful changes, you can make each day a little easier for them—and for you.