Question
Will sleeping immediately after eating harm the child’s gastrointestinal system?
Answer
Sleeping immediately after eating may lead to bloating or indigestion, as food has not been fully digested in the stomach before entering a state of sleep, which affects the normal peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract. In the long run, this may cause acid reflux, gastritis, and other gastrointestinal issues. If the baby eats too much before sleeping, it may also trigger vomiting. Therefore, it is recommended to wait for some time after the baby eats before allowing them to sleep, giving the gastrointestinal tract enough time to digest the food.