To soothe their newborns, many parents can often be observed rocking, jiggling, or bouncing their babies rhythmically. But for little ones with still-developing digestive systems, gastrointestinal distress, or full-blown reflux (pun not intended), one false move can cause baby to lose those precious few ounces of breastmilk or formula he just consumed. So, how does using a baby carrier fit into the early months of a baby suffering from irritating, even painful, acid reflux?
What Is Reflux?
The upward gurgling of stomach acid into the esophagus, reflux is one newborn care topic I wish I could say I had no firsthand knowledge of. I’d do hours of research if it could erase the experiences my first child, Nolan, endured. If you have a baby that spits up a lot, is taking reflux medicine, or seems to sleep best when held upright, you know what I’m talking about. About half of all babies are diagnosed with some form of reflux and many undiagnosed babies are often said by their adults to be “colicky.”
Our doctor prescribed a reflux medication and formula, which helped. Yet, those first six months, even after the change in his diet, were difficult, particularly when it came to sleeping. My friend Tova’s daughter, who happens to be in Nolan’s playgroup, had similar issues. But hers were more severe and now, at four years old, she has celiac disease. In her infancy, she would sleep in cradled in Tova’s arms. My friend propped pillows up all around her and learned to sleep sitting up. She did this for four months straight.
It was Tova’s story that got me thinking that there has to be a better way and that someone out there has already figured out what that better way is. After bonding over herbal tea and stories of our arms falling asleep long before we or our babies did, we are both glad that this stage has been supplanted by the toddler years.
Is There A Recommended Carrier for Reflux and Colic?
When thinking about this question for you and your baby, imagine yourself in the carrier and your body in the position the carrier puts you in. If your spine is anything but neutral, don’t use this carrier for a colicky or reflux-prone baby. With their crescent shape, slings are definitely ill-advised. Although some say the Baby Bjorn concentrates baby’s weight-bearing at the base of the spine, causing a slight curvature (and pressure on the tummy), in my experience, my baby’s spine stayed neutral and upright in the Bjorn.
Best, by far, however, was the Moby wrap
- The soothing it provided by mimicking the womb.
- The ease of breastfeeding while wearing it.
- The ease of wearing something so comfortable and blanket-like that one could practically sleep while wearing it.
Baby Carriers and Sleeping Parents
Which brings me to the crux of what I wanted to share about my experience with a sling and a wrap and my reflux baby. First, let’s lay on the table the acknowledged dangers of co-sleeping, of sharing a bed with your infant. While not getting into this debate, I will say that I understand the risks and I chose to co-sleep with both kids on many occasions.
Babies with reflux must be held upright to keep that acid down. You need your sleep too. I found that putting my son in the Moby, facing inward, his head against my chest, I could sit in our gliding rocker, recline a bit, and both of us could sleep easily and securely. I even rested a pillow under his bottom to take the slight pressure of his weight off my shoulders a bit. This worked wonders and I sincerely encourage parents with newborns to try babywearing to help with baby’s reflux and to help with the whole family’s sleep needs.
I understand why infant carrier makers can’t encourage using their product to wear your baby while sleeping. But no one can stop you from trying it out at home. Start with a nap. Sit up in bed with pillows propped (a bit less stable than a chair), or rest comfortably in your glider or rocking chair (preferred), with baby wrapped or slung in front on your chest. Both of you will be sleeping before you can say gastrointestinal tract.
Sweet dreams!
