How to Position Your Baby for Feeds With Reflux

Support your baby’s head and neck so their head is higher than their stomach, with their body comfortably aligned rather than curled tightly at the waist. You can try an upright cradle hold or hold your baby against your chest; the best choice is one that lets you support them securely and feed without rushing.

If your baby coughs, gulps, pulls away, or seems uncomfortable, pause the feed and let them settle before offering more. For bottle-feeding, hold the bottle so the nipple stays filled with milk without encouraging a fast flow, and ask your pediatrician whether a different nipple flow or feeding pattern makes sense for your baby.

After a feed, hold your baby upright in your arms for about 20 to 30 minutes if it is practical, while you remain awake and attentive. Avoid pressing on their belly immediately after a feed, such as by putting them in a tightly positioned seat, and use this time to notice whether burping or a calmer pace helps.

Even if your baby seems more comfortable upright or on their side while awake, place them on their back for every sleep on a firm, flat sleep surface. Do not use pillows, wedges, or an inclined sleep surface to manage reflux; if symptoms are disrupting feeds or sleep, bring your observations to your pediatrician instead.

A supportive chair and a pillow under your arm can help you maintain a steady hold, but keep pillows away from your baby’s face and never leave them feeding unattended. Our Baby Reflux Relief Checklist can be a simple place to start as you think through feeding, sleep, and comfort and prepare questions for your baby’s clinician.