Reflux Wedges for Infants with Acid Reflux

There are many acid reflux wedges and acid reflux pillows on the market for adults with acid reflux but it’s difficult to find something similar that works for an infant.

The phrase “sleeping like a baby” is often used to describe a deep and peaceful slumber but you know differently. Babies with infant acid reflux typically have very interrupted sleep, often tossing and turning unless swaddled in an effort to find a comfortable position that reduces the occurrence of infant acid reflux or waking up with painful reflux episodes. Upright positioning is extremely helpful for many babies with infant acid reflux. The problem is not so much elevating baby's head to stop spit up as it is keeping him from rolling down once you've elevated him.

You can very easily place bricks under the crib to elevate it, or elevate the mattress itself but I can't tell you how many phone calls and emails I've received over the years from distraught parents who have found that their baby rolled down to the foot of the crib with a face up against the bumper or a blanket. An infant acid reflux wedge or baby wedge pillow with attached harness or crib sling like a Tucker Sling or Danny Sling (reflux sling) prevents this from happening.

Infant Reflux Wedges or Baby Reflux Pillows for Sleeping

Reflux wedges and pillows for babies and infants with acid reflux

Crib Wedge

You can very inexpensively purchase crib wedges for infants from chain baby stores, however, the incline is so slight that it's not beneficial for most babies and many simply slide down to the foot of the crib and end up flat anyway.

Baby Reflux Wedge - Tucker Wedge, RESQ Wedge, Infant Acid Reflux Wedge

The most effective sleep measure is to purchase a baby sleeping wedge. A sleeping wedge has a harness to stop your baby from sliding down and keep him from rolling off the side of the wedge. The Tucker Sling with Wedge and the RESQ Wedge have the harness in the middle of the wedge so your baby's body is completely on the wedge, allowing him to sleep on his back or stomach (or also on his side with the Tucker Wedge but not the RESQ wedge.)

Baby AR Pillow - Acid Reflux Pillow for Baby

The AR pillow has it's harness at the base of the wedge so your baby's head and back rest on the wedge but his bottom and legs are actually on the crib mattress. Because of this he can only be on his back in the Baby AR Pillow. All three wedges are 30 degree wedges but your baby's legs will be on the same plane as his body with the Tucker Wedge and RESQ wedge as opposed to being flexed or bent on the AR Pillow. For babies with severe reflux the legs should not be flexed because that can increase refluxing. Leg flexing will also decrease oxygenation so if you have a preemie or baby with aspirational concerns be sure and get a Tucker wedge or RESQ wedge. Both the Tucker Wedge and the RESQ wedge will put your baby in a secure upright position and help reduce painful night wakings.

Crib Sling - Reflux Sling

Tucker Designs also makes the Tucker Sling for crib mattress that is essentially a half sheet with a harness attached to keep the baby from sliding down to the foot of the crib. The sling simply slips over your existing crib mattress which you prop up using any firm and sturdy item. In this way you can control the elevation of the mattress as your baby's reflux improves. The Tucker Slings are also covered by most insurance.

Still Confused? See our Reflux Wedge Comparison Chart

See our sleeping wedge comparison chart for for a quick comparison. These wedges are covered by most insurance with a diagnosis of reflux. Find out how.

RESQ Wedge
Price $199.95

Tucker Wedge
Price $121 - $126

Baby AR Pillow
We have chosen to discontinue this product

Comfy Lift Bed
Price $499.95

Tucker Sling
Price $74 - $83

Reflux Wedges for Infant Diaper Changes - Diaper Changing Wedge

The Pollywog Changing Station Incliner is another reflux wedge for diaper changes. This reflux wedge simply slides under your existing changing table cover to place the baby on an incline during diaper changes. When purchasing a changing wedge be sure the baby's legs are on the same plane as his body. An infant with reflux should be in a position where the whole body is elevated, not just the head. Flexion on the legs puts upward pressure on the tummy! The Pollywog Changing Station Incliner is only available for purchase in our Pollywog online store. We have both covered versions and less expensive uncovered diaper changing wedges

A reflux wedge can minimize spit ups when you change your baby's diaper

Keep your baby on an incline even during diaper changes.
This product is covered by most insurance.Find out how.

Reflux Wedges for Infant Feeding - Feeding Wedge

Proper digestive positioning during feeds can actually improve colic and infant acid reflux. Studies have shown that left side positioning and upright positioning with no pressure on the stomach lead to fewer refluxing episodes.

The best way we’ve found to consistently feed an infant with acid reflux on the left side in an upright position is to use a reflux wedge specifically designed for feeding, also known as a nursing wedge. This allows you to breastfeed your infant while he lies on his left side in an upright position regardless of which breast you are feeding from. While feeding from your right breast the infant is in a cradle position and while feeding from your left breast the infant is diagonal to you, almost in a football hold.

In both positions the infant is supported by a firm reflux feeding wedge on his left side, in an upright position with a straight spine. This works equally well for bottle feeding. We have received immeasurable feedback over the last few years that even babies without acid reflux spit up less and have fewer incidences of colic and discomfort during feedings when using a reflux nursing wedge. Pollywog Nursing Wedges are available for purchase in our Pollywog online store.

See Testimonials for the Pollywog Nursing Positioner.

A reflux feeding wedge will make feedings more comfortable for you both.

To learn about critical positioning during feedings read Best Breast and Bottle Feeding Positions.
This product is covered by most insurance.Find out how.

Looking for products to help manage acid reflux in babies?

Visit our online store for a complete line of feeding and sleeping wedges as well as other products handpicked to help acid reflux in babies. Our wedges are covered by most insurance. Find out how.