How to Help Sour Stomach in Babies

Your baby's sour stomach means he can't keep down formula or breast milk and spits up the liquid. Most cases of sour stomach in babies are due to gulping air or contracting a viral illness, but sometimes the regurgitation is a sign of reflux or more serious medical conditions. Help your baby's sour stomach by making some adjustments at feeding times.

Hold your baby in a semi-upright position while feeding her. Babies with a sour stomach may spit up more often if they are fed in a horizontal position. Positioning your baby at a 30- to 60-degree angle helps gravity keep the breast milk or formula in her stomach.

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Burp your baby often during feedings. Encourage a burp after every ounce to release air from the digestive tract. Babies who swallow excess air during feeding are more likely to regurgitate their meal.

Continue to offer your baby the breast or bottle. A sour stomach could be indication of a viral illness, which passes on its own without medication. Frequent vomiting can cause your baby to become dehydrated -- let your baby eat as often as he wants to stay hydrated.

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Avoid laying your baby down in his crib or playpen directly after feeding. A sour stomach that is associated with gastroesophageal reflux, GERD, is treated in the same manner as an adult with acid reflux 2. Keep your baby in an upright position with the help of a carseat, bouncy chair or swing.

Speak to your child's pediatrician if symptoms of a sour stomach persist after several days. GERD does not go away on its own and may require you to give your infant prescription medications before she eats.