Babes in Arms – blogging about select baby carriers and slings from around the world

People often presume that reflux is common amongst babies and that over time they will simply get over it.  For most babies this is true, but for some babies a range of symptoms may present that are quite severe. These symptoms, such as prolonged periods of screaming, can be extremely confronting for parents. We may feel helpless and frustrated.  Support from places such as the Reflux Infants Support Association, from friends and family, and from parent networks can be a great reassurance and means of coping with this condition.

Many people have found Babywearing to provide a welcome relief for their baby. There is certainly much evidence to comfirm this. The  positioning and activity level of babies after they eat can greatly assist in relieving reflux. It is recommended by many specialists that for the first 30 minutes after eating that a baby who is known to suffer from reflux is kept upright. Using a baby sling or babycarrier such as the Peanut Shell or ERGObaby Carrier will enable parents to keep their baby upright while being hands free to get on with their day, albeit gently so as to keep baby settled. Baby seats and bouncers will not work as well because they can put further pressure on the stomach and increase the reflux symptoms.

It is important to be calm and soothing. Bouncing your baby around in your carrier can excite your baby and cause the acid to move around in your bubs tummy and cause further irritation. Walk slowly. The chest to chest contact, your heart beat and your slow, steady and calm breathing can help soothe all babies, not just bubs with reflux.

A baby suffering with reflux may benefit from babywearing in the following ways:

Better Digestion. Babywearing is associated with constant motion and frequent small feedings (as baby has direct access to breast as needed). These attributes promote good digestion. Babies who suffer from reflux benefit from being carrier in an upright position as the force of gravity helps to keep the acid in the stomach where it belongs.

Sleep more peacefully Holding baby close can assist in helping them to organise their sleep and wake cycle. Sleeping whilst in constant motion, heart to heart and in a supported position have shown to help babies to sleep longer and more deeply.

Decrease Stress Hormone circulating in your baby’s blood stream, which will calm and relax the both of you.

If you suspect that your baby has reflux, it is crucial that you make an appointment with your doctor to discuss possible solutions.

ERGObaby Testimonials from mothers of  babies with reflux:

In the few weeks since our ERGObaby ‘Sport’ carrier arrived, it’s become the best baby item we’ve invested in. Our little guy is a real snuggle-bub and also suffers from terrible wind, so it’s not uncommon for him to spend a few hours every day in the carrier. Despite me having neck and back problems, not once have I felt uncomfortable – and our ‘little’ guy weighs in at 5Kg at only 6 weeks! He happily drifts to sleep within minutes of being put in the carrier and the slight pressure on his stomach really helps sooth his tummy pains. It feels so secure that I can happily use both hands when he’s snuggled in, which means that I’m free to read to my daughter, give her a bath, cook dinner etc.

I’ve told so many Mum’s about how in love I am with my carrier and only wish that we’d had it for my daughter, as I’m sure it would have given her so much relief from her colic.

Sarah

I absolutely love my ERGO and am so glad I bought it when I did. Since getting home, I use the ERGO every day to get my baby to sleep. It helps with his reflux and because he sleeps sp well in it, my husband and I can enjoy getting out and about so much more than we did with the pram. After a long morning out shopping the other day with my husband (with baby sleeping the whole time!) I must have said, ‘I really love the ERGO’, about five times. It was such a pleasant day which would not have been possible without the ERGO.

Kristin

We love our ERGObaby carrier, and use it so much as Albert has colic and needs to be upright. Albert is a month old and we still haven’t needed to use a pram. Excellent.

Miriam