According to gastroenterologist Dr Eric Hassall, there has been an “enormous rise in the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in infants for presumed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): In the 4 years from 2000 through 2003 there was at least a 4-fold increase, and in the 6 years from 1999 through 2004, there was a >7-fold increase. One of the PPIs, available in a child-friendly liquid formulation, saw a 16-fold increase in use during that 6-year period”. “Of the few double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trials (DBRPCTs) of PPI efficacy for symptom relief in infants, none shows benefit.” Furthermore, there are few safety data concerning PPIs for infants. Why on earth do babies need such potent and potentially damaging medications? 1. Allow overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria in the gut2. Inhibit mineral absorption leading to poor bone and tooth development3. Higher prevalences of necrotizing enterocolitis in infants4. Acute gastroenteritis or community-acquired pneumonia in children5. Clostridium difficile infections6. Vitamin B12 deficiency, which, if long term, can lead to permanent neurological damage. There are much healthier and safer ways to help babies who may be spitting up, fussy, colicky, crying a lot, gassy or otherwise showing symptoms of gastric distress.