When teaching parents about managing gastroesophageal reflux in their 4-month-old, which statement reflects understanding?

Adding 1 teaspoon of rice cereal per ounce to the baby's formula is a correct approach that reflects an understanding of managing gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. This practice is based on the principle that thickening the formula can help reduce the frequency and severity of reflux episodes. Rice cereal increases the viscosity of the formula, making it less likely to flow back into the esophagus after feeding.

Infants with gastroesophageal reflux often benefit from having thicker feeds, which can help improve their feeding experience and reduce discomfort associated with reflux. This method is commonly recommended as a first-line strategy for managing mild cases of GER in babies.

The other options do not address the management of GER effectively. Feeding a baby whenever he is fussy can lead to overfeeding, which may exacerbate reflux symptoms. Using diluted fruit juices is not appropriate for a 4-month-old, as introducing such liquids can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and potentially worsen reflux. Feeding solid foods is not suitable at this age, as infants are typically not developmentally ready for solids until around 6 months, and introducing solids too early can interfere with their digestion and may not help with reflux management.