Even though parents and caregivers adore their babies, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by excessive crying, especially at night. You may sense something is wrong with them but don’t know what it is. What’s even more heart-wrenching is that they are still too young to tell you what’s bothering them. If you’re feeling at a loss, remember that many caregivers share this experience, and there are ways to help soothe those tiny tummies.
Here are some tried-and-true methods that can make all the difference in creating a happier, cry-free day for you and your child.
Understanding the Causes of Tummy Trouble
Before diving into soothing techniques, it’s essential to understand the potential causes of tummy troubles in infants:
Gas: Gas is a natural bodily function, often resulting from swallowing excess air. Babies frequently take in air when they drink from a bottle or breast, cry, or suck on a pacifier. The discomfort is most common in the first four months, though some infants may require assistance with gas for a year or even longer.
Indigestion: It’s natural for babies to have an upset tummy when they transition from a diet of only breastmilk or formula, to including solid foods. Their tiny digestive systems need time to adapt, and experiencing some tummy troubles is quite common as they start exploring new tastes and textures.
Gut Inflammation: When there aren’t enough healthy bacteria in the digestive tract, the harmful ones may take over. These invaders can make it difficult for the gut to function properly, leading to discomfort and digestive problems. For little ones, this can manifest as colic or excessive crying.
Reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, which usually prevents stomach content from moving back up, is still developing in infants. This can lead to symptoms such as frequent spitting up, irritability, and discomfort, particularly after feeding.
Food Sensitivities: Food sensitivity, also known as food intolerance, refers to a non-allergic reaction to certain foods. In babies, food sensitivities can manifest as digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, particularly when introducing new foods. These sensitivities occur because their digestive systems aren’t fully equipped to handle ingredients like dairy or gluten. If your baby seems uncomfortable after feedings, it may be worth discussing food intolerances with your pediatrician.
Tips that can Help with Your Baby’s Stomach Issues
Understanding the causes can help you better address the problem and implement effective soothing strategies. Give your kids’ stomach some TLC with these tips!
Tip 1: Gentle Tummy Massage
A gentle massage offers incredible benefits for your baby. It helps promote restful sleep, lowers stress levels, aids digestion, and boosts immunity.
Here’s a quick guide on how to do gentle tummy massages:
Lay your baby on their back on a soft, flat surface, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable.
Put your two thumbs flat across your baby's belly, just above the belly button.
Gently press in and slide your thumbs away from each other. Apply light pressure—just enough without causing any discomfort.
Stay attuned to your baby’s reactions. Continue the massage for about five minutes, watching for signs of any discomfort.
Tip 2: Warm Compress
A warm compress can help soothe your baby’s tummy by relaxing the muscles and alleviating cramping. Fill a cloth or small towel with warm (not hot) water, wring it out, and place it gently on your baby’s abdomen.
You can also use a heating pad on a low setting, but always ensure that there’s a barrier (like a blanket) between the pad and your baby’s skin.
Tip 3: Bicycle Legs Exercise
Comfort your baby’s tummy and get adorable laughs and giggles with the Bicycle exercise! While your baby lies on her back, move her legs back and forth like she’s pedaling a bike. This playful motion helps with intestinal movement and can help kick trapped gas to the corner.
Tip 4: Swaddling
Swaddling may help calm babies during tummy ache episodes. Use a lightweight, breathable blanket to snuggle and wrap your baby. Remember to leave enough room for their hips to move. Ensure the swaddle is not too tight to avoid hip dysplasia.
Tip 5: White Noise
White noise can mimic the sounds of the womb, creating a calming environment that may help soothe a fussy baby. You can use a white noise machine, a fan, or even apps designed for soothing sounds.
You may also experiment with different noises, such as gentle rain or heartbeat sounds, to see what works best for your baby.
Tip 6: Holding Positions
Holding your baby in certain positions can help relieve tummy discomfort. Here are some positions to try:
Tummy Time: Lay your baby on their tummy against your chest. This position can help relieve gas while promoting healthy digestion, as it also encourages your baby’s body to push against gravity.
Frog Position: Hold your baby upright, with their legs tucked beneath them in a seated position. This helps provide comfort and gas relief.
Colic Position: The “colic hold” is a comforting position used to help soothe colicky babies. To perform the colic hold, you gently cradle your baby across your lap, allowing their tummy to rest on your thighs. This position applies gentle pressure on their abdomen, which can help relieve gas.
Tip 7: Feeding Techniques
Proper feeding techniques can significantly help in reducing the chances of tummy troubles.
Burping: Burp your baby regularly during and after feedings. This can help release any swallowed air.
Positioning: Keep your baby’s head elevated while feeding to help minimize the risk of reflux.
Pacing: Allow your baby to take breaks during feeding, especially if they seem to be gulping.
Tip 8: Create a Calm Environment
Sometimes, external factors can contribute to a baby’s discomfort. Keep the environment quiet and calm. Dim the lights, reduce noise, and minimize distractions to help soothe your baby. Establish a consistent routine for feedings, naps, and bedtime.
Tip 9: Consult with a Pediatrician
If your baby’s tummy troubles persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea), consult your pediatrician. They can help provide guidance and check for any underlying issues that may need addressing. Your doctor may also advise you to give your babies probiotics. As probiotics can help alleviate tummy troubles in infants. Consider Flotera® BioGia Protectis Oral Drops (Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938)!
It is a neutral-flavored probiotic food supplement that helps with digestive health. Flotera® BioGia Protectis Oral Drops (Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 ) contains 100 million CFU of Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) DSM 17938® which is used to help enhance intestinal ecology, improving digestion and help enhance natural resistance to intestinal infections with proper diet and healthy lifestyle.
Flotera® BioGia Protectis Oral Drops (Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) DSM 17938®) is available in leading drugstores nationwide.
Remember that every baby is unique, and it may take time to find the right combination of techniques that work for your little one. Patience, extra love, and a few gentle strategies can lead to happier, relaxing days for the both of you.
Mahalagang Paalala: Ang Flotera® BioGia Protectis OralDrops ay Hindi Gamot at. Hindi Dapat Gamiting Panggamot sa Anumang Uri ng Sakit.
ASC Reference Code: U0060P111224F
References:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-relieve-baby-gas
https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/colic-and-gas
https://www.babycentre.co.uk/x25010511/why-have-my-babys-first-foods-caused-tummy-troubles#:~:text=Your%20baby%20may%20get%20an,tummy%20troubles%20after%20starting%20solids%20
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34036760/
https://www.medicinenet.com/how_can_i_relieve_my_babys_gas/article.htm#:~:text=A%20warm%20bath%20and%20compress,make%20the%20baby%20feel%20better
https://pathways.org/topics-of-development/tummy-time/
https://bikehike.org/what-is-baby-bicycle-legs/#How_long_should_you_do_bicycle_legs_on_baby
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/swaddling.html#:~:text=Swaddling%20is%20a%20way%20to,)%2C%20which%20can%20wake%20them
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/expert-answers/food-allergy/faq-20058538#:~:text=A%20true%20food%20allergy%20affects,and%20causes%20less%20serious%20symptoms
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6669027/
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-burp-a-sleeping-baby#burping-a-sleeping-baby
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28618052/
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/burping.html
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/calming-a-fussy-baby
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd-in-infants
Other References:
Other References:
Biogaia PIL and Supporting Documents
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