What dietary change can help manage gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants?

Positioning during feeding is an effective dietary change to help manage gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants. Proper positioning can minimize the risk of reflux episodes by reducing the likelihood of stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus. When infants are upright during and after feeding, gravity helps keep the stomach contents down, which can ease symptoms associated with GERD.

Additionally, the positioning technique can include holding the baby in an upright position for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding, which further aids in preventing reflux. Working on the infant’s positioning during feeding also has no adverse effects compared to some other interventions, making it an ideal first approach in managing GERD.

Other options may not address the underlying causes of reflux effectively or might not be suitable for all infants, which is why focusing on positioning is essential in managing this condition.