Bringing up food is a common physiological process that usually happens after eating in healthy infants, children, and young people. It is most common in babies – affecting 4 in 10 infants – but can happen to almost everyone at some point in their lives.
Cot wedges (reflux wedges) can cut down the amount a baby regurgitates considerably. It is considered the first step in managing a baby’s reflux.
Why do I need a baby reflux wedge? Positioning and inclining the upper body of your little one is the single most important consideration with managing infant reflux. Lifting up the baby’s upper body and head will help to keep rising stomach acids down and stop them elevating up to the throat. This raised position is also fantastic for babies struggling with congestion and ear ache or breathing difficulties.
What size cot wedge do I need? It is important to match the wedge with the width of mattress you have. If you have a standard cot, the width will be 60cm wide or a cotbed is 70cm wide.The wedge size relates to the width of the mattress and you should try and get a reflux wedge that is the same size as the mattress width so that it can’t move around too much. If you have a special size cot or an unusual measurement that is not available, we can help you.
How high does the wedge need to be? Our Wedgehog’s have an 18 degrees rise, which is a tried and tested angle of elevation to help reduce the symptoms of reflux. Some parents prefer a more extreme cot wedge to help with advanced reflux sickness or GORD.
- Wedgehog wedges that sit underneath the baby’s mattress, does not need a cover and are available in 28cm Moses, 38cm Crib, 60cm Cot and 70cm Cot bed sizes. Placing the Wedgehog under the mattress appeals to parents and carers who do not want to put the wedge in direct contact with their baby.
- Wedgehog wedges that sit on top of the baby’s mattress, are covered with super-soft covers. They are available in 28cm Moses, 38cm Crib, 60cm Cot and 70cm Cot bed sizes. Placing the Wedgehog on top the mattress appeals to parents and carers who prefer to put the wedge in direct contact with their baby.
- Child and Adult wedges are also available. These are larger wedges, with a removable washable cover suitable for child/single beds and adult beds.
- Place the wedge about half way down the mattress
- Babies feet should be at the base of the bed (for safer sleeping)
- Place the baby on the wedge, on top of the mattress, ensuring that your baby’s bottom is on the mattress itself, so that they are not completely suspended on the wedge.
The Wedgehog supplied without a cover is designed to sit underneath your baby’s mattress so that it does not come into contact with the baby at all. Parent’s who have specialist mattresses or do not wish to put their baby directly on a wedge, often opt for this wedge.
- The mattress is raised from underneath
- There is no need to be as specific about where you put the wedge in relation to your baby, as long as their feet are at the foot of the cot (for safer sleeping) and the wedge is in place underneath to provide the essential lift for your baby.
Items such as blankets, towels and pillows placed in the cot/crib to achieve an incline can lead to slumped sleeping position, over heating and breathing difficulties. This is definitely not recommended.
