Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter muscle at the opening of the stomach widens and stays open for a long time, resulting in the stomach acid getting all the way up in the esophagus or the food pipe, resulting in the irritation of the lining of the food pipe, which causes a feeling of uneasiness and heartburn. Usually, acid reflux is fairly common among both adults and children alike. It is rarely dangerous, however, if these symptoms persist, then it is advised that the person suffering should consult a doctor soon.

Proper diet can go a long way in controlling the symptoms of reflux. Certain foods are known to trigger the symptoms, so they should be avoided at any cost. However, certain foods are known to soothe people, babies in particular, suffering from this condition. In this article, we will discuss 11 foods that are absolutely safe for babies with reflux. Below is the list of such foods-

Acid Reflux in Babies: 11 Safe Foods

Vegetables

Vegetables are usually alkaline and don’t have high fat or sugar content. Therefore, they are an ideal choice for the diet of the baby. They can be mashed and then fed to the baby suffering from reflux.

Oatmeal

Although there is no scientific evidence to prove that oatmeal is an ideal choice, yet the reason why it is featured here is because it is easy to digest and has a lot of nutrients, making it an ideal cereal choice for babies with reflux.

Ginger

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, so it is really good for babies suffering from reflux. Add ginger, albeit in very low quantity, to the food of your baby. It is definitely a better substitute for salt or sugar, as it has flavors and can turn any bland dish into a tasty one.

Aloe Vera Juice

There is no scientific evidence to back this, but aloe vera juice works wonders for a lot of babies suffering from reflux. Consult your pediatrician about the pros and cons of feeding this juice to your baby.

Chicken

Chicken without skin, grilled or boiled, is a super food for your baby. It is completely safe for babies suffering from acid reflux. You can mash it and mix it with veggies, or feed chicken soup to your baby. It is a great source of protein, which is absolutely essential for your child’s healthy growth.

Fish

Fish is a great source of vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for cognitive development in your baby. It is also great for babies with reflux.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are a healthy source of nutrients and low on fat, therefore, they are ideal for babies with reflux. Spaghetti, whole wheat pasta, chapattis can be fed to your baby in small quantities.

Celery

Because of its high water content, celery is a low fat and neutral food option for babies suffering from reflux. It can be mixed in the food of the baby, or celery sticks can be given to infants, so that they can chew it.

Papaya

Papaya helps in digestion, as it contains an enzyme known as papain. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and has a lot of nutrients. Ideally, raw papaya can be boiled, mashed and given to the infants. Or it can be boiled and given to the kids as a part of chicken or vegetable stew. Ripe papaya can be diced into small pieces and fed to kids as a snack.

Fennel

The white bulb of the fennel can be sliced and given to babies as a part of soup, or their mashed food. It can improve stomach function and therefore, prove to be beneficial for babies suffering from acid reflux.

Low Fat Milk and Dairy Products

It is to be noted that full cream milk and high fat cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss etc. are detrimental to the health of babies suffering from acid reflux, but they can always be replaced by low fat alternatives. Skimmed milk, low fat cheese like feta, parmesan, camembert etc. are good options for babies suffering from acid reflux. In case you are a vegan, you can try soy or almond based alternatives.

There are other food options like fresh pineapple, parsley, chamomile for babies with reflux. But, it is extremely important to consult your pediatrician before trying to include any of these things in your child’s plate, because what might work for all might not work for your kid. At the end of the day, the baby’s health is to be taken into consideration, so it is very important to carefully plan out everything.