Reflux, while it is common for babies, is not a pleasant thing. Reflux can lead to a variety of symptoms, including bad breath, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, frequent spit-ups, a chronic cough, and even frequent inconsolable crying, or colic. Reflux occurs when the sphincter from the esophagus to the stomach does not close tightly enough. Acid from the stomach, as well as food, can then splash back up to the esophagus. Unfortunately, there are very few treatments for reflux that are appropriate for infants.

There are, however, some things that you can try to help your infant who has reflux. One of these treatments is infant massage. Infant massage is a fairly simple and very effective technique that may help to relieve or even prevent reflux. Infant massage is a precise technique, and relies on detailed attention to the amount of pressure that is applied to the baby, as well as the placement, speed, order, timing, and repetition of the strokes in infant massage. Not only is it possible that infant massage can help with reflux, it may also help with constipation, gas, or other gastrointestinal discomforts. In addition, infant massage may provide an opportunity for you to bond with your baby.

Infant massage helps with reflux in that infant massage is thought to help to speed up the natural development of your baby’s central nervous system. This, in turn, helps to affect your baby’s control over the muscles that are contracting that cause reflux. Infant massage may be learned at home. Some practitioners of infant massage may use a vegetable or plant based oil during infant massage, as well.

Generally speaking, reflux will pass within the first few months of age. If your infant’s reflux lasts longer than 18 months of age, there may be another type of problem. There are medical options, and even surgical options, that may be available to help a child over the age of 18 months who is experiencing regular reflux. As always, no matter what your baby’s age, you should speak with your health care provider if you are concerned about the frequency or the severity of your baby’s reflux.

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