Does Starting Solids Help Reflux?
Reflux is very common in babies and, in most cases, resolves on its own with time. The licensed pediatric professionals at Solid Starts explain whether starting solids helps—and how to introduce food when your baby has reflux.
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Starting solids early is not a proven fix for reflux
Reflux is very common, tends to peak around 4 months of age, and usually resolves on its own by around 12 months as a baby's digestive system matures. Research does not support starting solids early to treat it, and most babies are "happy spitters" who need no special intervention.
Wait for readiness, then start solids as normal
There's no need to delay solids because of reflux either. A few simple adjustments—keeping baby upright after eating and allowing time to digest after breast milk and/or formula—can make mealtimes more comfortable.
Skip restrictive diets, and know when to seek help
Avoid cutting out food groups unless a doctor has confirmed an allergy, since unnecessary restrictions can limit nutrition and variety. If your baby is very uncomfortable, not gaining weight, refusing to eat, or has other worrying symptoms, talk to your pediatrician.
Reflux impacts 1 in 2 babies in the United States. While it typically resolves itself between 12 to 18 months of age, you do not need to wait to start solids. Our pediatric pros explain how families can help babies with reflux as they begin exploring real food.
How to start solids with reflux
Most babies with reflux can start solids as soon as they show all of the signs that they are developmentally ready, which typically happens around 6 months of age. Here is your checklist to get started:
Download the Solid Starts App for help choosing first foods.
Learn how to set up a safe eating environment.
Understand the difference between gagging and choking.
Take an infant rescue course in case of emergencies.
Learn about safe food shapes and sizes.
Consider how solids fits in your feeding routine.
Check out our article Acid Reflux in Newborns and Babies for how to help younger babies with reflux.
Tips for starting solids with reflux
Consider feeding times. Wait a little longer after nursing or bottlefeeding before offering solid food. This way, baby has more time to digest (and is less likely to spit up).
Try smaller, frequent feeds. Offer a little less breast milk or formula, and increase the frequency. This way, baby is less full (and less likely to throw up when exploring solids).
Allow baby to take the lead. Whether offering purees or finger foods, let baby decide to put food in the mouth, which can help avoid or soften feelings of discomfort with eating
Use food teethers. Regularly offer food teethers, which help a sensitive gag reflex and teach their brain how food feels in the mouth and when it is ready to be swallowed.
Go slow with gaggy foods. Wait a few weeks to offer sticky foods (avocado, banana) and foods that scatter in the mouth (rice), which often lead to gagging and spitting up.
Let baby watch you eat. Baby may connect eating with not feeling great, so show them (often!) how satisfying and fun eating can be. This helps encourage baby to explore.
Keep baby upright. Help baby sit upright for 30 minutes after feeding. Lying on their left side can also help. Offering the pacifier after feeding can also help.
Consider an extra burp. If baby seems uncomfortable at the table, take them out of the high chair and try to burp them. Some babies will burp and then return to happily exploring solids.
When to seek help
Contact your doctor if you observe any of the following symptoms:
baby is regularly struggling to drink or refusing food
baby is arching or crying during nursing or bottle feedings
baby is not gaining weight
baby has bloody or green/yellow vomit
baby is inconsolable when crying
baby has trouble breathing
baby is frequently coughing on their spit up, breast milk, or formula
baby will only eat when falling asleep or sleeping (dream feeding)
Start solids with confidence
- Guided Introduction to 100+ Foods
- Smart Tools to Simplify Mealtime
- Food Allergen 101
- 300+ Meal Ideas
- First Foods® Database
Start solids with confidence
- Guided Introduction to 100+ Foods
- Smart Tools to Simplify Mealtime
- Food Allergen 101
- 300+ Meal Ideas
- First Foods® Database
