Introduction
Infant reflux is a common concern among new parents. It occurs when a baby’s stomach contents back up into the esophagus, often causing discomfort and frequent vomiting or spitting up. While it’s important to consult with your pediatrician for any health concerns, including reflux, one natural solution that has gained attention in recent years is probiotics. This post will explore the best infant probiotic for reflux.
Understanding Infant Reflux
Before we delve into the solutions, let’s first understand what causes infant reflux. The most common cause is an immature digestive system – simply put, your baby’s body is still learning how to process food efficiently. In most cases, this condition resolves itself as your baby grows and their digestive system matures.
However, some babies do struggle more than others with reflux symptoms which can include frequent vomiting after meals, excessive crying or irritability during or after feedings and poor weight gain.
The Role of Probiotics in Infant Reflux
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that naturally exist in our bodies and help maintain a healthy balance in our gut microbiome. They aid digestion by breaking down food particles and absorbing nutrients effectively.
In infants suffering from reflux issues, probiotics can potentially help by improving gut health and enhancing digestion efficiency thereby reducing spit-ups caused by undigested food coming back up.
Choosing The Best Probiotic For Your Baby
When it comes to choosing a probiotic supplement for your baby’s needs there are several factors you should consider:
1) Type of Strains: Look out for strains like Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L.reuteri Protectis), Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (B.lactis BB-12), Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium infantis which are well-researched for their safety and efficacy in infants.
2) Quality: Choose a reputable brand that assures quality, potency, and purity of the product. The probiotic should be free from allergens like gluten, dairy or soy.
3) Dosage: It’s crucial to follow the recommended dosage by the manufacturer or your pediatrician. Overdosing can lead to digestive discomfort in babies.
Top Infant Probiotics For Reflux
Here are three top-rated infant probiotics that parents have found effective for managing reflux:
1) BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotic Drops: This is a trusted brand offering L.reuteri DSM 17938 strain which has been clinically proven to reduce crying time in colicky babies and may help manage reflux symptoms as well.
2) Culturelle Baby Calm + Comfort Probiotic + Chamomile Drops: These drops contain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), one of the most clinically studied probiotic strains, along with chamomile extract known for its calming properties.
3) Mommy’s Bliss Baby Probiotic Drops Everyday: These drops contain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain and are free from additives, chemicals or parabens making them a safe choice for your baby.
In Conclusion
While these recommendations can serve as a good starting point in your search for an effective solution to manage your baby’s reflux symptoms, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician before starting any new supplement regimen. Remember that every baby is unique and what works best will depend on their individual needs.
Remember also that while probiotics can potentially help manage reflux symptoms, they are not a cure. It’s equally important to follow other recommended practices such as feeding your baby in an upright position, burping them frequently during feedings and keeping them upright for at least 20-30 minutes after feeding.
In the end, patience is key. Most babies outgrow reflux as their digestive system matures around the age of one year. Until then, know that you’re not alone and there are resources and solutions available to help you navigate this challenging phase.
