If your baby is habitually waking up 45 minutes into his nap,
screaming in pain, and acting inconsolable, consider going in at 40
minutes and gently rocking him through the cycle, so he does not become
over stimulated by self-initiated crying. This is suitable for babies who
are newborn up to three months old.
For the baby over three months, try using a pacifier immediately upon
waking or if he is fully awake, pick him up and comfort him the best you
can. Sit, walk, or rock him until he displays signs of tiredness. Then try
putting him back down.
Crying
Crying through feedings, not latching on, small feedings, crying until
exhausted, and then taking a small feeding again are the typical signs of
reflux. It seems to work best to feed a very young baby immediately upon
waking. Avoid letting your reflux baby get into a full cry. Do not try to
stretch your baby’s feeding routine beyond what your baby is capable of
doing given the presence of GER/GERD.
If your baby is stressed during his feeding, it is better to stop the
feeding, calm, soothe and relax your baby and then continue.
Reflux infants tend to be more comfortable in an upright position, thus
they generally object to being laid down (especially on their backs). The
AAP has recognized that a back position may increase crying with a
reflux baby. Talk with your pediatrician about this, since the supine
position is a factor in the decrease of SIDS incidents.
Crying is stressful for the baby as well as the mom and dad, especially
when the little person is inconsolable. Besides the suggestions offered in
chapter 8, to help a baby cope with crying through the reflux pain, his
parents can wrap him securely and hold him snuggly in an upright
