Do solids help reflux?

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.

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. 

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)