There are general precautions that can be taken when caring for an infant or child with reflux.

Reflux Precautions for Infants

• Elevate the head of the bed to a 30 degree angle and position the child in a prone position (on tummy). This helps to minimize the night refluxing and aspiration. This can be achieved in a variety of ways. You can put the head of the mattress on the top rung of the crib and the bottom of the mattress on the bottom rung. You can also put a pillow under the crib mattress. You can also put something stable under the legs of the crib, bed or bassinet.
  
  
• Thickening of feeding has been recommended for years as therapy for reflux in infants. This can be achieved by adding infant cereal to breast-milk or formula. The usual amount is between 1 and 3 tsp per ounce of formula or breast milk. Rice cereal can be used but will often cause constipation so oatmeal is recommended. Also--if you are using powdered formula, try switching to a thicker variety--concentrate or the thickest of them all, ready to feed.
• Avoid tight or constricting clothing.
  
  
• Eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.
  
  
• Keep the child upright for 30-45 minutes after feeding.
  
  
• Avoid laying the child flat as much as possible. If they are laying down having them on their tummy is preferable.
  
  
• Talk to your pediatrician about trying Mylanta or another over the counter antacid. Children's Mylanta is not good for refluxers as 1) it contains calcium which will aggravate reflux and 2) it is designed for occasional upset stomach not for daily use.
  
  

Reflux Precautions for Children

• Avoid supine( back laying) or semi seated position
• Elevate head of bed
• Fast before sleeping
• Avoid large meals (smaller but more frequent feeds)
• Diet if overweight or obese
• Avoid foods that decrease the LES pressure or increase gastric acidity, such as:
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Fatty foods
  • Citrus fruits
  • Tomatoes
  • Chocolate
  • Mint
• Avoid tight fitting clothes
• Avoid tobacco smoke
• Avoid medications that decrease the LES pressure or increase gastric acidity, such as:
  • Adrenergics
  • Anticholinergics
  • Calcium-channel blockers
  • Prostaglandins
  • Xanthenes (caffeine, theophylline)