Infant Reflux Medications: What You Need to Know
When your baby is struggling with reflux, it’s completely natural to wonder if medications could help. But before going down that path, let’s take a closer look at the most commonly prescribed medications for infant reflux and whether they’re actually effective.
What Medications Are Commonly Prescribed?
The medications most often recommended for infant reflux include:
Acid Suppressants
Examples: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole or H2 blockers like ranitidine.
Purpose: Reduce stomach acid to minimise irritation.
Antacids
Example: Gaviscon Infant.
Purpose: Neutralise stomach acid to soothe symptoms.
Prokinetics
Purpose: Help the stomach empty faster, reducing the frequency of reflux episodes.
While these sound like solutions, the truth is they’re not always as effective as you might hope.
Do They Actually Work?
Research shows that medications for reflux often have limited benefits for babies. That’s because most infant reflux isn’t caused by excessive acid. Babies naturally produce less stomach acid than adults, and reducing it further can sometimes do more harm than good by upsetting their gut’s delicate balance.
Here’s what you need to know about each type:
Acid Suppressants:
Studies suggest only a slight improvement in symptoms, and in many cases, they’re no better than a placebo.
Risks: Can disrupt digestion and increase the risk of infections.
Antacids:
May offer short-term relief but don’t address the underlying causes of reflux.
Risks: Can cause constipation and reduce nutrient absorption.
Prokinetics:
These are controversial because of side effects like irritability and, in rare cases, neurological concerns.
What Does the Research Say?
Most babies naturally outgrow reflux as their digestive systems mature, typically by 12–18 months. Medications are usually only recommended for severe cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where issues like poor weight gain or oesophagitis (irritation in the oesophagus) are present.
Current guidelines recommend trying non-medication approaches first to help manage reflux symptoms.
What Can You Do Instead?
The good news? There are plenty of gentle and effective ways to support your baby’s reflux:
Bodywork
Gentle techniques like cranial osteopathy can help release tension and improve balance in your baby’s body, easing symptoms naturally.
Feeding Adjustments
Small changes to feeding positions or pacing can make a big difference. If you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can provide support and advice.
Investigating Triggers
Allergies, tongue tie, or food sensitivities can sometimes contribute to reflux. Exploring these with an IBCLC or paediatric dietitian can help uncover and address the root cause.
Final Thoughts
Medications aren’t always the answer for infant reflux, and most babies improve naturally as they grow. With the right support, there are so many gentle, non-medicated ways to ease your baby’s symptoms and bring calm to your baby (and yourself)
As always, consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about your baby’s care.
References for Infant Reflux Medication can be found here
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Hi I’m Michelle, I teach parents how to calm their unsettled newborn with simple exercises and strategies. I can help you support your baby through issues such as colic, infant reflux, oral restrictions and birth strain. I’m an osteopath with over 20 years experience and a mum of 2 boys.
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