Dealing with spit up comes with the territory when you have a baby. For many families, it’s simply another part of the feeding, burping, changing, and laundry routine. But sometimes reflux seems to be accompanied by a baby who’s uncomfortable or unsettled. Maybe they get fussy during feedings, arch their back, or have trouble settling afterward. When your baby can’t tell you what’s bothering them, it can be difficult trying to figure out what might help. Understanding what’s happening and knowing when to talk with your doctor can make those early months a little easier to navigate.
Why Is Reflux So Common in Babies?
A baby’s digestive system is still developing after birth. The muscle that helps keep food in the stomach isn’t fully mature yet, which makes it easier for milk or formula to come back up. Babies also spend plenty of time lying down and since they have a liquid diet, a little spit-up after feeding isn’t unusual. But it can also be stressful for new parents to watch their baby experience acid reflux symptoms. As babies grow, spend more time upright, and their digestive systems develop, acid reflux typically becomes less of an issue.
Small Changes May Make Feedings Easier
While some babies aren’t too bothered by a little reflux, most aren’t very happy about it. Some babies may become irritable around feedings, pull away while eating, or arch their backs. Sometimes simple adjustments to your feeding routine can help with reflux. Your pediatrician may also recommend smaller, more frequent feedings or keeping your baby upright for a little while after they eat. Taking breaks to burp your baby can also be helpful. And although it may be tempting to prop up a sleeping baby who struggles with reflux, safe sleep recommendations still apply. Babies should be placed flat on their backs to sleep unless their doctor says otherwise.
Where Does Chiropractic Care Fit In?
Those first few months involve a lot of changes for a baby’s growing body. Birth itself is a major physical event, followed by rapid development as babies begin gaining head control, moving more, and eventually learning to sit and crawl. Pediatric chiropractic care takes a gentle approach to supporting a baby’s developing spine and nervous system. At Bare Chiropractic, we adapt our approach to care specifically for an infant’s small body. We look at areas of tension or restricted movement that may be affecting their overall comfort. Gentle, non-invasive chiropractic adjustments can be one part of supporting your baby’s comfort and healthy development alongside the care they receive from their pediatrician.
Helping Your Baby Feel More Comfortable
The newborn stage comes with plenty of questions, and feeding concerns can make an already tiring season feel even harder. Fortunately, acid reflux tends to improve for most babies as they grow, but regardless of how long you’ve been dealing with it, know that help is not far away. If you’re looking for chiropractors in Billings who provide gentle care for infants and families, Bare Chiropractic is here for you. Contact our office to learn more about our approach to pediatric chiropractic care.
Sources
Alcantara, J., Anderson, R. “Chiropractic care of a pediatric patient with symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, fuss-cry-irritability with sleep disorder syndrome and irritable infant syndrome of musculoskeletal origin.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 2008 Dec; 52(4): 248–255. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2597889/
“Infant Reflux.” Mayo Clinic, 2024 Dec 10. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infant-acid-reflux/symptoms-causes/syc-20351408
