Should You Elevate the Head of the Crib?

Most doctors will recommend that you elevate the crib for babies with reflux, colic, ear infections and respiratory issues. When our son had reflux as a baby we did elevate the crib (and the changing table pad). Read on for more information about why this is recommended and how it helps.

A preliminary report on the efficacy of the Multicare AR-Bed in 3-week–3-month-old infants on regurgitation, associated symptoms and acid reflux. http://adc.bmj.com/content/95/1/26.abstract

 Vincent Iannelli, MD on About.com Pediatrics recommends elevating the head of your babies crib about 30 degrees. www.pediatrics.about.com/od/acidreflux/a/0707_reflux_rx.htm

The PAGER (Pediatric / Adolescent Gastro esophageal Reflux Association) recommends: “Babies with reflux need to be positioned so gravity can help keep the food from coming back up out of the stomach. Often the head of the crib is raised to let gravity help keep your child's food down. A baby older than about three months will slide slowly to the bottom of a raised mattress. There are sheets with pockets available to remedy this problem.” www.reflux.org/reflux/webdoc01.nsf/(vwWebPage)/AboutGERD.htm?Open 

Dr. Greene explains: “Because reflux is usually a mechanical problem, and because babies can’t adjust their position as well as you and I can, positioning is an important part of reflux treatment. Because of the angle of the connection between the esophagus and the stomach, both the upright and “tummy time” positions use the force of gravity to minimize the chances of food and acid refluxing up the esophagus.” www.drgreene.com/qa/gastroesophageal-reflux-treatment?page=show

 The Baby Center medical staff recommends: "Elevating your baby's head when he's lying down can relieve symptoms, too — but don't use a pillow, since that's a suffocation hazard for young children. Instead, raise the head of his mattress by placing something under it." http://www.babycenter.com/0_treating-ear-infections_2010.bc