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How To Prop Up Crib Mattress For Reflux?

Aiden Lawrence

May 15, 2024

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How to Prop Up a Crib Mattress for Reflux

If your baby suffers from reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), a simple yet effective method to provide relief is to slightly elevate the crib mattress. You can achieve this by placing a wedge or a rolled towel under the mattress to create a gentle incline. This position helps gravity to keep the stomach contents where they belong, thus minimizing discomfort and reducing the chances of acid reflux.

Understanding Infant Reflux

Infant reflux is a common condition where the contents of a baby’s stomach flow back into their esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in infants is not as well-developed, which is why reflux is quite common among babies. Symptoms of reflux can include spit-up, irritability during feeding, arching their back, poor weight gain, and frequent coughing. While it can be a concern for parents, it is often a temporary condition that resolves as your baby grows and the LES matures.

Why Elevate the Mattress?

Elevating the crib mattress can help minimize reflux for a few reasons:

1. **Gravity:** An inclined surface helps gravity to keep the stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
2. **Sleep Quality:** An elevated position can lead to less discomfort, potentially resulting in better sleep for your baby.
3. **Reduced Irritation:** By keeping stomach acids where they belong, you reduce the chances of your child experiencing pain or irritation.

Methods to Elevate the Crib Mattress

There are different safe methods to elevate the crib mattress, each with specific steps and considerations to ensure it’s done correctly and safely.

Using a Crib Wedge

A crib wedge is a specially designed, triangular foam cushion that sits under the crib mattress. They are usually sold in baby supply stores or online and come in various degrees of incline, typically from 12 to 30 degrees.

**Steps to Use a Crib Wedge:**

1. **Purchase the Right Wedge:** Ensure that the wedge you select is meant for a crib and is designed at an angle recommended for babies with reflux.
2. **Place the Wedge Under the Mattress:** Carefully lift the crib mattress and place the wedge underneath it at the head or the foot, depending on the wedge design.
3. **Check Stability:** Make sure the mattress is stable and the wedge is secure. A loose wedge could pose a safety risk.
4. **Monitor Your Baby:** Always keep an eye on your baby to ensure they remain in a safe sleeping position and are comfortable.

Using a Rolled Towel or Blanket

If you prefer not to purchase a wedge, a rolled towel or blanket can be an effective and budget-friendly alternative. This method also creates a gentle incline under the crib mattress.

**Steps to Use a Rolled Towel:**

1. **Select the Towel or Blanket:** Choose a firm towel or blanket that can be rolled tightly.
2. **Roll and Position:** Roll the towel or blanket into a tight, compact shape and place it under the mattress at the head of the crib.
3. **Check the Incline:** Ensure the incline is gentle and not too steep as a steep incline can be unsafe.
4. **Secure Placement:** Make sure the towel or blanket stays firmly in place to prevent any shifting.
5. **Ongoing Supervision:** Keep an eye on your baby’s sleeping position and comfort, just as with the wedge method.

Additional Measures for Reflux Management

While propping up the crib mattress can offer relief, there are additional measures that can significantly aid in managing your baby’s reflux effectively.

Feeding Techniques

– **Small, Frequent Feedings:** Feeding your baby smaller amounts more frequently rather than larger amounts can reduce the volume in the stomach, thus minimizing reflux.
– **Burping During Feeds:** Take breaks during feeding to burp your baby and help release trapped air that can contribute to reflux.
– **Upright Position:** Holding your baby in an upright position for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding can also help by leveraging gravity to keep food down.

Monitoring Sleep Position

Placing your baby on their back to sleep is still the safest position to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, once the baby begins to roll over on their own, they will likely choose their most comfortable position. The incline created under the mattress will still assist in reducing reflux even as their sleep positions vary.

Avoiding Certain Foods (For Breastfeeding Mothers)

If you are breastfeeding, certain foods in your diet could exacerbate your baby’s reflux. Consider reducing or eliminating caffeine, spicy foods, chocolate, and acidic foods, which are known to trigger reflux.

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Consulting with Healthcare Professionals

If your baby’s reflux is severe or doesn’t seem to improve with at-home measures, consult your pediatrician. They can offer insights into whether medication or other interventions are necessary. Sometimes, reflux may be a symptom of another underlying issue, such as a food allergy or intolerance that needs to be addressed separately.

Safety Considerations

When elevating the crib mattress, safety is paramount. Here are critical points to keep in mind to ensure your baby’s sleeping environment remains safe.

Avoid Over-Elevation

Parents may be tempted to create a steeper incline in hopes of relieving symptoms quickly but keeping the incline gentle is crucial. An incline of about 12 to 30 degrees is generally sufficient. Too steep of an incline may pose a risk of your baby rolling down to the foot of the crib, which can be unsafe.

Check for Gaps

Any gap between the mattress and the sides of the crib can be dangerous, as it can create a risk of entrapment or suffocation. Ensure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib even after placing the wedge or towel underneath.

Secure Bedding

Keep the crib free from loose bedding, pillows, and toys. Loose items can pose suffocation risks and are not recommended in the crib, especially for babies under twelve months.

Regular Monitoring

Regularly check the setup to ensure the wedge or towel remains securely in place and that the mattress maintains its intended incline. Adjust as necessary to keep the incline steady and secure.

Finishing Thoughts

Managing your baby’s reflux can be challenging, but making small adjustments—such as propping up the crib mattress—can bring significant relief. Elevating the mattress helps use gravity to keep stomach contents down, potentially minimizing discomfort and spit-ups. In addition to elevating the mattress, deploying effective feeding strategies, maintaining safe sleep practices, and consulting healthcare professionals when needed can collectively offer your infant better comfort and improved well-being. Always prioritize safety when making any adjustments to your baby’s sleeping environment, and keep in constant consultation with your pediatrician to ensure the best care for your little one.