A baby’s upset stomach is never any fun — for them or for you. When you can tell your little one is dealing with tummy pain, you may feel at a loss for how to help. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t take action to get your child the relief they essential. Here’s a look at the most mutual causes of upset stomach in babies, plus what you can do to soothe it away.
Signs that your baby’s stomach may be upset:
Despite being nonverbal, babies are unexpectedly effective communicators! Alert parents can spot the signals that a painful tummy is generating distress in their baby. Lookout for the following signs and symptoms:
• crying more than usual
• spitting up or vomiting
• refusing to eat
• experiencing new or unusual sleep disruptions
• having diarrhea or constipation
• making grimacing faces
Possible causes:
Just like with adults, there’s a whole host of concerns that could cause your baby to have an upset stomach. While a safe diagnosis may require a doctor’s visit, these are some of the most common reasons babies experience tummy pain.
Gas: Basic and simple, the likely culprit behind your infant’s belly pain is gas. Fortunately, though baby’s gas may leave you with some sleepless nights, it isn’t usually unsafe.
Constipation: Has your little one been giving you as many dirty diapers as usual? If not, their belly pain may be from constipation.
Formula ingredients: Some babies also experience upset belly when transitioning from breast milk to formula.
Allergies or sensitivities: A small percentage of kids under the age of 5 have food allergies. If your little eater seems to get extra fussy after mealtimes, it could be related to their diet. Other symptoms of food allergies include:
• vomiting
• hives
• swelling of the lips or face
• difficulty breathing
• skin rash
Breast milk: No one can deny breast milk is the definitive superfood — but if a nursing baby is sensitive to something in your diet, it can spell trouble for their stomach. Spicy foods, dairy, and caffeine are a few potential contenders that may disturb baby’s stomach.
Medications: Anything your baby takes orally could ultimately put their stomach in a funk – including medications. Exclusively or partially breastfed infants and kids receive vitamin D supplementation via drops. Some formulations of these vitamin drops include added ingredients that might bother baby’s belly.
Soothing techniques to try:
Looking for ways to calm baby’s upset belly? These may help.
Bicycle baby’s legs: To release gas pain, gently bicycle your baby’s legs back and forth
Take a look at their diet: If you suspect foods in your baby’s diet are giving them digestive troubles, talk with your doctor or dietitian about the possibility of allergies or sensitivities.
Consider a different formula: If you feed baby with formula, you may be able to quell their belly pain by switching the, well, formula of their formula. Try using Luke warm water when mixing up baby’s bottle. This can help the formula dissolve without the need for shaking, which can generate air bubbles that lead to gas.
Keep baby upright after feeding: Keeping your baby sitting (or otherwise propped up) following a feeding agrees gravity to do its work of taking food down the digestive tract. Avoid letting your baby lie down for about 30 minutes post-feeding.
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