Treating GERD in Children Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch GERD Treating GERD in Children By Dr. Mark Babyatsky Reviewed: April 30, 2007 Fact-Checked Q1. My 10-year-old son has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). He is on Prilosec and Pepcid Complete. We are following all the guidelines to get it under control, but he hasn't gotten any relief yet. He has had heartburn and stomach pain nonstop. Do you have any suggestions for him? — Stacy, North CarolinaFirst and most importantly, you need to make sure that your son's diagnosis is correct. Did he have an Q2. I have a 17-month-old baby girl who has been throwing up within 15 minutes of falling asleep. During the day when she is up and about, she retains her milk. She has always taken a bottle of milk to bed during nap time, but now she cannot retain that milk. I have tried not to give her milk when she is lying down, but she gets very cranky without her bottle. I am forced to give her the bottle in the middle of the night — as she is up and crying with hunger — only to have her throw up yet again. Do you have any advice about why this might be happening? Jenny the first thing I would consider as a possible cause for the vomiting in your daughter is reflux. This is very common in children and is often worsened by lying down. I would advise you to try to prevent your daughter from lying down for at least 20 minutes after she feeds. This means she will have to give up her naptime and nighttime feedings. Many a parent stresses over how to drop these feedings. You can be comforted in knowing that at 17 months your daughter does not nutritionally need a middle-of-the-night feeding, it is just something she has gotten used to and likes. I recommend that you drop one feeding at a time and would start with the middle of the night bottle. This will be a difficult transition for her, but I think she is at a good age to do it.If you find that her — Monica, WashingtonYour daughter may well have NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in GERD Treatment Options for GERD Although most cases of GERD can be effectively managed with lifestyle modifications and medications, sometimes surgery may be necessary.By Mark HenricksDecember 3, 2021 What’s the Difference Between Acid Reflux and GERD? A burning pain in your chest generally signals heartburn, right? But if you are thinking that heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is the same as gastroesophag...By Denise SchipaniDecember 1, 2021 What Is GERD? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Ashley WelchAugust 27, 2021 Managing GERD in an Era of UncertaintyBy Everyday Health Guest ContributorNovember 22, 2019 Still Searching for Relief From GERDBy Sean Delshad, MD, MBAMay 24, 2019 Heartburn Causes, Symptoms, and DiagnosisBy Diana RodriguezSeptember 17, 2018 How Changes in Body Weight Affect GERD A growing body of research shows that your weight can have a significant impact on acid reflux and related symptoms.By Allison RyanJune 22, 2018 GERD Symptoms and DiagnosisBy Mark HenricksJune 19, 2018 How to Choose the Right GERD Diet Consuming smaller meals, eating slowly, and avoiding certain foods may help relieve symptoms of GERD.By Mark HenricksJune 14, 2018 New Diet to Cut Acid RefluxBy November 16, 2017 MORE IN Gout Treatment and Prevention What Is GERD? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Gout Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges