Things We Do for No Reason™: Teach caregivers reflux precautions

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infant Health
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Nonpharmacological techniques, termed "reflux precautions," are frequently recommended to families to manage infant reflux symptoms.
• These precautions lack a universal definition and include practices like burping, upright positioning, altered feeding schedules, and bed elevation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the routine recommendation of reflux precautions for infant reflux.
• To examine the scientific basis and clinical messaging surrounding these common interventions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and critical analysis of existing recommendations and research on infant reflux precautions.
• Assessment of the impact of these recommendations on the perception of normal infant physiology.

Main Results:

• There is a lack of consensus on the definition and components of reflux precautions.
• Paucity of research supports the efficacy of these interventions for physiological infant reflux.
• Routine recommendations may lead to the pathologization of normal infant development.

Conclusions:

• The widespread recommendation of reflux precautions for infant reflux is not supported by robust evidence.
• Current practices may create confusion for families and pathologize normal physiological processes.
• A re-evaluation of the routine use of reflux precautions is warranted.