What should a parent of a 1-month-old with gastroesophageal reflux do to help manage the condition?

Adding rice cereal to feedings is a common recommendation for managing gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. This approach works by thickening the feeding, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of reflux episodes. When the consistency of the formula or breast milk is thickened, it may stay in the stomach more effectively, decreasing the likelihood of spitting up.

It’s important to ensure that the thickening is done appropriately and based on guidance from a healthcare provider. This practice can improve the infant's comfort and reduce irritability that often accompanies GER, thereby enhancing overall feeding experiences.

While thickening all liquids can also be beneficial, it is typically more relevant to solid foods as infants progress in their diets rather than for all feeding scenarios. Reducing feeding frequency or switching formulas may not adequately address the symptom of reflux and could inadvertently lead to inadequate caloric intake. Therefore, adding rice cereal to feedings specifically targets the management of gastroesophageal reflux in a way that aligns with the infant's nutritional needs.