You are likely familiar with the expression "spitting up" food? This usually applies to mild acid reflux. In most cases, children grow out of it. This is less a medical problem and more of the body reacting to food. As children age, the need to vomit lessens and, eventually, disappears.

There are times, though, that infant acid reflux remains. That is why you must know how to recognize it and what to do about it.

Infant Acid Reflux: Why Does It Occur

Many seem to believe that acid reflux only effects adults. This is not true; the symptoms of it can occur in children as young as two months. Acid reflux is not limited to age. It does, however, usually disappear with time.

Most children can grow out of acid reflux. This is because it is not so much a problem as a natural impulse. Children do not have full control over their bodies and spitting up food can become a by-product of that. Until your child is eighteen months, he or she can easily display symptoms of acid reflux.

Infant Acid Reflux: Symptoms

Keep in mind that the symptoms found here are typical for most children. If your son or daughter is exhibiting these, then you should not be alarmed. It is only when they persist after eighteen months (or occur too often to be deemed "spitting up") that you should talk with your doctor. Things to look for include:

•Irritability during feeding

•Refusing to eat

•Vomiting after feeding

•Hiccuping after/during feeding

•Coughing after/during feeding

•Bad breath

These are things that can occur in any child; it is when they continue to happen that you should contact your doctor.

Infant Acid Reflux: What You Can Do About It

There is no cure for acid reflux in infants. If your child is diagnosed with it, medication and basic lifestyle changes will be needed to keep the symptoms from flaring. While your doctor may prescribe certain medicines, in most cases, he/she will offer these suggestions:

•Hold your baby upright for half an hour after feeding

•Feed your baby in smaller meals to avoid acid build-up

•Do not use tight fitting diapers or clothes

•Burp your baby periodically during feeding

•Try to let your baby sleep on his or her back

These are simple steps, but they will do much in keeping the symptoms from returning. As was mentioned before, your doctor may prescribe medications. Many of these can be taken by children aged two and up.

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Recognizing the difference between a mild reaction to food and vomiting after every meal is essential.

You need to understand what acid reflux in infant actually means (not panicking, for example, when your child throws up after being fed too much). Knowing if your child is just going through a natural period of development or experiencing a larger problem is necessary. Learn the difference and spot the symptoms.