15 Common Causes Of Stomach Pain In Babies

I m a g e : Shutterstock

T a b l e Of C o n t e n t s :

A l i c e is a n adorable n i n e – m o n t h – o l d girl. H e r doting p a r e n t s make s u r e their d a u g h t e r has r e g u l a r health c h e c k u p s , eats h o m e m a d e food, a n d drinks b r e a s t m i l k . Therefore, i t came a s a r u d e shock t o them w h e n one d a y Alice w o k e up w r i t h i n g in s t o m a c h pain. I t left h e r parents p e r p l e x e d about t h e reason b e h i n d their d a u g h t e r ’ s ailment. W h a t may h a v e caused t h i s ?

A l m o s t every p a r e n t faces t h i s situation b e c a u s e tummy a c h e is t h a t common i n babies. B u t why d o babies g e t this p r o b l e m when p a r e n t s take e v e r y care t o keep t h e little o n e s safe? M o m J u n c t i o n reveals t h e causes o f stomach p a i n in b a b i e s and h o w you c a n deal w i t h the s i t u a t i o n .

W h a t Causes S t o m a c h Pain I n Babies?

T h e r e are n u m e r o u s reasons f o r infant s t o m a c h ache r a n g i n g from i n f e c t i o n to i n j u r y . Following a r e the c a u s e s :

1 . Stomach o r intestinal i n f e c t i o n :

A host o f bacteria a n d viruses c a u s e stomach p a i n but h e r e the m o s t likely o n e s :

Rotavirus: It i s the l e a d i n g cause o f intestinal g a s t r o e n t e r i t i s among i n f a n t s (1). I n f e c t i o n of t h i s virus c a u s e s an a c u t e stomach p a i n along w i t h diarrhea a n d vomiting. I t can e v e n lead t o severe d e h y d r a t i o n , and t h e little o n e may a p p e a r fatigued a l l the t i m e . Babies o l d e r than s i x months c a n contract t h i s virus f r o m contaminated f o o d , while i n breastfed b a b i e s it c a n happen d u e to a c c i d e n t a l oral c o n t a c t of c o n t a m i n a t e d objects. I t can e v e n affect n e w b o r n babies.

R o t a v i r u s infection i s the l e a d i n g cause o f infant m o r t a l i t y in t h e world d e s p i t e being a v o i d a b l e through i m m u n i z a t i o n (2).

Salmonella: It i s a s t r a i n of b a c t e r i a that i n f e c t s stomach a n d intestine, e v e n t u a l l y causing t u m m y ache ( 3 ) . It p r i m a r i l y spreads t h r o u g h the c o n s u m p t i o n of c o n t a m i n a t e d food a n d water a n d if t h e infant c o m e s into c o n t a c t with c o n t a m i n a t e d surfaces. M a i n t a i n i n g good h y g i e n e will h e l p prevent t h e infection.

Streptococcus: Strep b a c t e r i a targets t h e throat, b u t 10% o f streptococcus i n f e c t i o n s also a f f e c t the s t o m a c h (4). S t a y i n g in c l o s e contact w i t h an i n f e c t e d person c a n easily t r a n s m i t the d i s e a s e (5). S o if y o u have a sore t h r o a t , refrain f r o m cuddling w i t h your b a b y and w e a r a m a s k to p r e v e n t accidental t r a n s m i s s i o n to y o u r little o n e .

Adenovirus: This v i r u s inflames t h e intestinal w a l l s causing i n t e n s e stomach p a i n . It p r o p a g a t e s through c o n t a m i n a t e d food o r if t h e baby p u t s a c o n t a m i n a t e d object i n his m o u t h , which b a b i e s do q u i t e regularly. A d e n o v i r u s is r o b u s t and c a n survive o n objects f o r an e x t e n d e d period. I t can a l s o transmit t h r o u g h the e x p u l s i o n of r e s p i r a t o r y secretions d u r i n g coughing a n d sneezing. I t is, f o r this r e a s o n , one o f the m o s t widely r e p o r t e d causes f o r stomach i n f e c t i o n in c h i l d – c a r e centers w h e r e babies p l a y with c o m m o n toys a n d come i n close c o n t a c t with o t h e r infants ( 6 ) . Keeping t h e infant a w a y from c o n t a m i n a t e d surfaces a n d objects i s the b e s t path t o prevention. P a r e n t s and c a r e g i v e r s must w a s h hands r e g u l a r l y , and t h e baby’s t o y s cleaned p e r i o d i c a l l y .

I n f a n t botulism: Botulism i s the i n f e c t i o n of t h e intestine b y the b a c t e r i a called c l o s t r i d i u m botulinum, w h i c h the b a b y acquires b y ingesting f o o d contaminated w i t h the s p o r e s of t h e bacteria. T h e s e spores a f f e c t the b a b i e s as t h e y have u n d e r d e v e l o p e d natural g u t flora. S t o m a c h cramps a r e among t h e several s y m p t o m s of t h i s condition ( 7 ) . T r e a t m e n t involves i n j e c t i n g antitoxins a n d putting t h e baby o n a v e n t i l a t o r until h e is f r e e of b o t u l i n u m toxin.

P a r a s i t i c infection: This i s most l i k e l y to o c c u r in b a b i e s who a r e on s o l i d foods. P a r a s i t i c infection i s essentially t h e infestation o f the g a s t r o i n t e s t i n a l tract b y parasitic s i n g l e or m u l t i c e l l u l a r organisms. G i a r d i a lamblia is o n e such p a r a s i t i c organism t h a t can a f f e c t babies t h r o u g h untreated w a t e r and c o n t a m i n a t e d food ( 8 ) .

M a n y of t h e above p r o b l e m s affect a d u l t s and c a n be e a s i l y transmitted f r o m parents t o babies. S i n c e babies h a v e a d e v e l o p i n g immune s y s t e m , they c a n be m o r e susceptible t o the a d v e r s e effects o f the m i c r o o r g a n i s m s . But d o not f r e t since t h e s e infections a r e easily p r e v e n t a b l e through p r o p e r precaution a n d scheduled i m m u n i z a t i o n .

2 . Colic:

R e p e a t e d bouts o f colic c a n cause s u d d e n fluttering o f the i n t e s t i n a l muscles, i n v a r i a b l y leading t o stomach a c h e s . Note t h a t this i s a n o r m a l colicky b e h a v i o r , where t h e baby c r i e s for g e n e r i c reasons s u c h as f r u s t r a t i o n . The l o n g bouts o f the c r y i n g contract t h e diaphragm a n d mount p r e s s u r e on t h e intestines, s u b s e q u e n t l y causing s t o m a c h pain.

Treatment: The A m e r i c a n Academy o f Pediatrics r e c o m m e n d s general p a c i f y i n g techniques s u c h as r o c k i n g the i n f a n t , taking t h e baby o u t d o o r s in a stroller, o r swaddling i n a w a r m blanket, t o calm h i m .

3 . Food i n t o l e r a n c e or a l l e r g y :

F o o d allergy i s when t h e immune s y s t e m over-reacts t o an e x t e r n a l protein b y mounting a n immune s y s t e m attack. F o o d intolerance i s when t h e digestive s y s t e m is u n a b l e to d i g e s t certain f o o d compounds, c a u s i n g discomfort. B o t h cases r e s u l t in s t o m a c h aches, a m o n g other p r o b l e m s (9). T h i s situation i s more l i k e l y to a f f e c t weaning b a b i e s , who a r e trying o u t new s o l i d foods. B r e a s t f e d babies m a y also s h o w food a l l e r g y / i n t o l e r a n c e when t h e y are i n t r o d u c e d to f o r m u l a .

Treatment: Food a l l e r g i e s do n o t have a cure, a n d the b e s t solution i s to k e e p the b a b i e s away f r o m allergenic f o o d s . Food i n t o l e r a n c e is l e s s severe a n d usually g e n e t i c a l l y determined. A l s o , a b a b y may n o t display i n t o l e r a n c e to a particular f o o d item w h e n mixed w i t h multiple i n g r e d i e n t s . An i n f a n t can e v e n t u a l l y outgrow t h e intolerance, b u t until t h e n it i s good t o keep h i m away f r o m the a l l e r g i c foods.

4 . Gastroesophageal r e f l u x :

G a s t r o e s o p h a g e a l reflux i s a c o n d i t i o n where t h e contents o f the s t o m a c h move u p w a r d s through t h e lower e s o p h a g e a l sphincter, w h i c h is u n d e r – d e v e l o p e d in b a b i e s . This m u s c l e marks t h e intersection b e t w e e n esophagus a n d stomach. W h e n the s t o m a c h acid, a l o n g with s e m i – d i g e s t e d food, g e t s into t h e esophagus, i t causes i r r i t a t i o n . The b a b y gags a n d vomits, w h i l e also h a v i n g a s t o m a c h ache ( 1 0 ) .

Treatment: The c o n d i t i o n is t r e a t e d after c o n s i d e r i n g various f a c t o r s such a s the a g e of t h e baby a n d the s e v e r i t y of t h e condition. U s u a l l y , a m e d i c a l practitioner w i l l recommend c e r t a i n feeding p r a c t i c e s such a s burping y o u r baby a n d holding h i m upright f o r 30 m i n u t e s after f e e d i n g (11). F o r older, w e a n i n g babies, y o u can a d d rice c e r e a l to t h e i r purees t o thicken t h e m , which p r e v e n t s the u p w a r d movement o f food.

5 . Appendicitis:

A p p e n d i c i t i s is a n acute i n f l a m m a t i o n of t h e appendix, w h i c h is a n appendage a t t a c h e d to t h e large i n t e s t i n e at t h e lower r i g h t corner o f the a b d o m i n a l cavity. T h e appendix i s a c l o s e – e n d e d tube, a n d if i t gets o b s t r u c t e d by a fecal p a r t i c l e , it s w e l l s . This b l o c k a g e increases t h e pressure w i t h i n the a p p e n d i x causing a sharp p a i n at t h e lower r i g h t corner o f the a b d o m e n . The p a i n is s o intense t h a t the i n f a n t would c r y incessantly.

Treatment: Prompt m e d i c a l attention i s essential t o get t h i s condition t r e a t e d . Any d e l a y can c a u s e the a p p e n d i x to b u r s t . Surgical r e m o v a l of t h e inflamed a p p e n d i x is t h e only t r e a t m e n t for a p p e n d i c i t i s .

6 . Pediatric h e r n i a :

A hernia o c c u r s when t h e small o r large i n t e s t i n e slides o u t of t h e abdominal c a v i t y causing d i s c o m f o r t and s o m e t i m e s infection. I n f a n t s are a t a r i s k of t w o types o f a h e r n i a – i n g u i n a l and u m b i l i c a l (12). A n inguinal h e r n i a happens w h e n the i n t e s t i n e slips i n t o the i n g u i n a l canal l e a d i n g to a swelling a r o u n d the g r o i n . An u m b i l i c a l hernia o c c u r s when t h e abdominal w a l l , right b e h i n d the n a v e l , is d a m a g e d and l e t s a s m a l l section o f the i n t e s t i n e slide o u t . Hernias c a n cause t i s s u e atrophy, w h i c h is t h e death o f the t i s s u e due t o lack o f blood s u p p l y .

Treatment: Fortunately, h e r n i a s are v i s i b l e from t h e outside, a n d therefore, c a n be n o t i c e d by a parent o r a d o c t o r during a routine c h e c k u p . Hernias c l o s e on t h e i r own o v e r a p e r i o d , but i f they a r e painful, t h e n medical i n t e r v e n t i o n may b e required. S u r g i c a l rectification o f the b r e a c h e d intestines i s a t r e a t m e n t for t h e condition.

7 . Intestinal b l o c k a g e :

I n t e s t i n a l blockages a r e two t y p e s :

P y l o r i c stenosis happens w h e n the m u s c l e s of t h e pylorus, t h e lower s e c t i o n of t h e stomach, e n l a r g e abruptly t h u s restricting t h e flow o f food f r o m the s t o m a c h to t h e small i n t e s t i n e (13). I n f a n t s with t h e condition w i l l be h u n g r y all t h e time b u t would v o m i t and h a v e a c o n s t a n t stomach a c h e . Surgical t r e a t m e n t is t h e only w a y to t r e a t the p r o b l e m (14).

Intussusception is a rare c o n d i t i o n where o n e section o f the i n t e s t i n e collapses o n the o t h e r creating a thick f o l d , which e v e n t u a l l y becomes a blockage. T h e food d o e s n ’ t pass t h r o u g h easily s i n c e the i n t e s t i n a l muscles a r e unable t o contract p r o p e r l y and t h e blood v e s s e l s and n e r v e s in t h e fold g e t squeezed. I t can c a u s e stomach p a i n in i n f a n t s at n i g h t when f e d before b e d t i m e . Surgery c a n help r e c t i f y the f o l d and t r e a t the p r o b l e m .

8 . Inflammatory b o w e l disease:

I n f l a m m a t o r y bowel d i s e a s e is a term r e f e r r e d to a group o f diseases t h a t cause a painful i n f l a m m a t i o n of t h e inner l i n i n g of t h e digestive t r a c t – a n y w h e r e from t h e esophagus t o the l a r g e intestine. C h r o n i c stomach p a i n , vomiting, a n d diarrhea a r e some o f the c l a s s i c symptoms o f this p r o b l e m . These d i s e a s e s can b e rare i n babies, b u t u l c e r a t i v e colitisand Crohn’s d i s e a s e are t w o inflammatory b o w e l diseases t h a t can a f f e c t infants ( 1 5 ) . These p r o b l e m s are m o s t l y a r e s u l t of e x t r e m e genetic m u t a t i o n . There i s no d e f i n i t i v e treatment f o r this c o n d i t i o n and m e d i c a t i o n is a i m e d at c u t t i n g down t h e intensity o f the p a i n and a s s o c i a t e d symptoms ( 1 6 ) .

9 . Urinary t r a c t infection:

U r i n a r y tract i n f e c t i o n s (UTI) c a n strike a s early a s 12 m o n t h s (17). T h e tell-tale s i g n s of t h e condition a r e a p a i n in t h e lower a b d o m e n region a n d discomfort w h i l e urinating. U T I s are c a u s e d by b a c t e r i a l invasion o f the u r i n a r y tract. T h e y occur d u e to p o o r sanitary h y g i e n e such a s delay i n changing s o i l e d diapers a n d unclean g r o i n area.

Treatment: Antibiotics a r e the o n l y treatment t o UTIs, a n d in b r e a s t f e d infants, i t can b e administered d i r e c t l y to t h e blood s t r e a m using i n t r a v e n o u s therapy ( 1 8 ) .

1 0 . Constipation:

C o n s t i p a t i o n in b a b i e s younger t h a n 12 m o n t h s is v e r y common a n d causes h a r d e n e d stool t h a t is v e r y tough t o pass. T h e retention o f fecal m a t t e r for a b n o r m a l l y long d u r a t i o n s causes b l o a t i n g of t h e abdomen, l e a d i n g to s t o m a c h pain a n d cramps ( 1 9 ) .

Treatment: Weaning b a b i e s should b e fed a diet r i c h in v e g e t a b l e s and c o a r s e grains s u c h as o a t and b a r l e y . They s h o u l d be m a d e to d r i n k enough w a t e r . Some s i m p l e baby m a s s a g e s and e x e r c i s e s recommended b y a p e d i a t r i c i a n can a l s o relieve c o n s t i p a t i o n .

1 1 . Gas:

A baby i n g e s t s air i f he d o e s not l a t c h on t o the b r e a s t / b o t t l e nipple p r o p e r l y during f e e d i n g . The p a i n caused b y the p a s s a g e of g a s through t h e intestines c a n be m o m e n t a r y and n o t severe. H e will g e t cranky b u t feels r e l i e v e d once h e passes o u t the g a s .

Treatment: Gas f o r m a t i o n should n o t cause a n y severe p r o b l e m to t h e baby. B u t parents c a n try s o m e basic t u m m y massage t e c h n i q u e s to h e l p the b a b y pass g a s easily.

1 2 . Accidental i n g e s t i o n of t o x i c substance:

B a b i e s explore t h i n g s by p u t t i n g them i n their m o u t h s and g n a w i n g at t h e m too. T h i s exposes t h e infants t o toxic s u b s t a n c e s that c a n result i n stomach p a i n . Lead, i n household p a i n t s , is o n e of t h e most c o m m o n materials t h a t pose a risk t o the b a b i e s . from.

Treatment: Toxic p o i s o n i n g requires p r o m p t medical a t t e n t i o n . A d o c t o r will d e a l with t h e poisoning a f t e r observing t h e symptoms a n d assessing t h e severity. I f the l e v e l s of p o i s o n i n g are h i g h , then t h e doctor m a y make t h e baby e x p e l it t h r o u g h induced r e g u r g i t a t i o n . Otherwise, a n antitoxin i s prescribed, a n d if t h e baby i s weaning, t h e n he c a n be s e r v e d more w a t e r to f l u s h the t o x i n out.

1 3 . Motion s i c k n e s s :

M o t i o n sickness i s uncommon b u t is p r o b a b l e cause f o r stomach p a i n . It m a y happen i n babies t h a t are t r a v e l i n g by a i r for t h e first t i m e or t h o s e moving o n an e l e v a t o r . Stomach p a i n is a c c o m p a n i e d by v o m i t i n g , though t h e baby’s g e n e r a l health i s not a f f e c t e d .

Treatment: Withdrawing f r o m the s i c k n e s s – c a u s i n g condition i s the a p p r o p r i a t e way t o treat t h e stomach p a i n . You c a n also b r e a s t f e e d the b a b y to m a k e him f e e l comfortable o r play w i t h him t o distract h i m from t h e discomfort.

1 4 . Overfeeding a n d hunger p a i n :

O v e r f e e d i n g and s t a y i n g hungry f o r too l o n g can l e a d to a b d o m i n a l pain. T h e developing b o d i e s of b a b i e s are i n c a p a b l e of s t a y i n g hungry f o r long. O v e r f e e d i n g is m o r e common a m o n g bottle-fed b a b i e s than i n breastfed o n e s since a bottle n i p p l e provides a constant d r i p of m i l k . However, t h i s may a l s o occur i n breastfeeding i n f a n t s where t h e mother p r o d u c e s excess m i l k leading t o a l a c t o s e overload ( 2 0 ) .

Treatment: Preventing h u n g e r is e a s y since y o u need t o feed t h e baby o n time a n d on-demand. F o r overeating, t h e best i n d i c a t o r is t h e frequency a t which y o u r baby e x c r e t e s . If t h e urine a n d stool l e v e l s are h i g h e r , then h e is p r o b a b l y being f e d a l o t . Bottle-fed b a b i e s reject o r put a s i d e the b o t t l e when t h e y are f u l l . So p r o m p t l y take i t away t o prevent o v e r f e e d i n g . Your d o c t o r would g u i d e you b e t t e r about t h e feeding s c h e d u l e s .

1 5 . Injury:

O l d e r infants h a v e a t e n d e n c y to e x p l o r e their s u r r o u n d i n g s , making t h e m susceptible t o injuries. A baby t r y i n g to t a k e his f i r s t steps m a y accidentally f a l l tummy d o w n on a n object l y i n g on t h e floor. T h i s can l e a d to a n injury o f the d e l i c a t e abdominal t i s s u e s , causing s t o m a c h pain.

Treatment: Baby-proofing y o u r house a n d staying v i g i l a n t about y o u r little o n e are t h e best w a y s to p r e v e n t an u n n o t i c e d accidental i n j u r y . It i s always g o o d to g e t him c h e c k e d by a doctor i f you s u s p e c t any i n t e r n a l injuries.

A l l these c o n d i t i o n s can l e a d to s t o m a c h pain w i t h various l e v e l s of i n t e n s i t y . In c e r t a i n situations, y o u need t o act i m m e d i a t e l y and t a k e the b a b y to a doctor.

W h e n To R u s h The B a b y To T h e Doctor?

H e r e are c e r t a i n situations t h a t can i n d i c a t e a s e r i o u s health a i l m e n t and w a r r a n t prompt m e d i c a l attention:

S t o m a c h ache a c c o m p a n i e d by b l o o d – i n f u s e d stool a n d / o r vomiting: If y o u r baby’s s t o m a c h pain o c c u r s with b l o o d in s t o o l or v o m i t , then t h e problem i s severe, a n d you m u s t rush t h e baby t o the d o c t o r immediately.

D i a r r h e a and/or h i g h fever w i t h stomach p a i n : Infections s u c h as g a s t r o e n t e r i t i s cause s t o m a c h pain a c c o m p a n i e d by d i a r r h e a . If t h e infection i s acute, t h e n it m a y also l e a d to h i g h fever, w h i c h can d i s t r e s s the b a b y , and r e q u i r e s immediate m e d i c a l attention. G e t t i n g him t r e a t e d soon i s the b e s t way t o get h i m out o f the a g o n y .

S t o m a c h pain i n t e r f e r e s with f e e d i n g and s l e e p i n g : Painful s t o m a c h is b o u n d to d i s r u p t the b a b y ’ s feeding a n d sleeping p a t t e r n s , affecting h i s general h e a l t h . But i t should n o t go o u t of h a n d .

S w o l l e n abdomen: A s w o l l e n tummy i s an i n d i c a t o r of f l u i d retention d u e to i n f e c t i o n , injury, o r some o t h e r cause. I t is a n alarming t h i n g to h a p p e n and s h o u l d be b r o u g h t to s w i f t medical a t t e n t i o n .

T h e baby b e c o m e s semi-conscious w i t h weak p u l s e after a bout o f stomach p a i n : It c a n be a symptom o f severe d e h y d r a t i o n if t h e stomach p a i n occurs w i t h diarrhea.

Y o u need t o be s w i f t in y o u r reaction. A n d this c a n happen i f you a r e observant o f the s i g n s and s y m p t o m s of s t o m a c h ache t h a t your b a b y displays.

W h a t Are S y m p t o m s Of S t o m a c h Pain I n Infants?

E a c h cause f o r stomach p a i n has i t s unique s y m p t o m s . However, t h e r e are s o m e general e x t e r n a l signs o f stomach p a i n that y o u r baby m a y display, s u c h as t h e following:

D o e s not e a t properly: You m a y see a change i n the b a b y ’ s feeding s c h e d u l e while y o u even n o t i c e that h e abnormally w i t h d r a w s from f e e d i n g halfway t h r o u g h .

R u b s his h a n d s on s t o m a c h : He d o e s so u s u a l l y after e a t i n g and w i t h a p a i n f u l expression a n d bouts o f crying.

F o l d s his l e g s while e x p r e s s i n g pain: Your b a b y folds h i s legs a f t e r a f e e d or a few h o u r s later. E v e r y time h e does t h a t he g r i m a c e s or w r e n c h e s in p a i n .

S q u e a l s in p a i n when t o u c h e d on t h e abdomen: The a b d o m i n a l muscles w i l l also b e tense, a n d when t o u c h e d on t h e belly, t h e baby g i v e s out a painful c r y .

C r i e s more t h a n normal: Crying i s a m e a n s of c o m m u n i c a t i o n for y o u r baby, b u t if h e does s o more t h a n usual t h e n it c o u l d be d u e to s t o m a c h pain.

I t is h a r d to s e e your b a b y in p a i n , but t h a n k f u l l y there a r e some s i m p l e ways t o provide h i m some r e l i e f .

H o w To E a s e A B a b y ’ s Stomach P a i n ?

D o not a t t e m p t to t r e a t your b a b y ’ s stomach p a i n by y o u r s e l f and l e t the d o c t o r take c a r e of t h e medicine. S t o m a c h pain i n infants i s different f r o m that i n adults s o never g i v e your b a b y laxatives o r antacids. H o w e v e r , there a r e some b a s i c measures y o u can t a k e to h e l p alleviate t h e intensity o f the p a i n :

1 . Give t h e baby p l e n t y of f l u i d s :

A constant i n t a k e of w a t e r is a safe h o m e remedy f o r a b a b y ’ s stomach a c h e (21). I t works o n babies o l d e r than s i x months a n d when c o n s t i p a t i o n is t h e cause o f the p a i n . Water h e l p s replenish t h e fluid c o n t e n t of t h e stool, m a k i n g it e a s y to c o m e out.

2 . Give a massage:

I f the c a u s e of t h e pain i s reflux o r colic, t h e n a m a s s a g e can h e l p soothe t h e baby. T h e r e are s e v e r a l types o f massages t h a t target s p e c i f i c causes o f pain. C o n s u l t your b a b y ’ s doctor b e f o r e proceeding.

3 . Let t h e baby h a v e a l o t of r e s t :

I t is i m p o r t a n t for t h e baby t o stay r e l a x e d . Make h i s sleeping c o n d i t i o n s comfortable a n d cozy t o relax t h e severity o f the p a i n . You c a n also s w a d d l e the b a b y in a soft, w a r m blanket, a n d hold h i m close t o yourself. T h i s will r e a s s u r e the b a b y and h e l p subdue t h e intensity o f the s t o m a c h pain.

R e s t and m e d i c a t i o n will h e l p the i n f a n t recover s o o n . If y o u r baby i s older t h a n six m o n t h s , you m i g h t want t o know t h e foods t h a t you c a n give h i m when h e has s t o m a c h pain.

W h a t To F e e d A B a b y With S t o m a c h Pain?

F e e d i n g your b a b y during s t o m a c h pain d e p e n d s on t h e cause o f the p r o b l e m . Consult t h e doctor a b o u t the f o o d menu a n d feeding r e g i m e . Here a r e some o f the f o o d s that y o u can s a f e l y feed y o u r baby:

B r e a s t milk: Breast m i l k is r i c h in e s s e n t i a l nutrients a n d plays a vital r o l e in p r e p a r i n g your b a b y ’ s stomach a n d intestine f o r solid f o o d by t r a n s f e r r i n g favorable g u t bacteria f r o m mother t o the i n f a n t (22). T h e s e bacteria c a n help y o u r little o n e have a healthy d i g e s t i v e system.

V e g e t a b l e broth: If y o u r baby i s older t h a n six m o n t h s , you c a n feed h i m fresh h o m e m a d e vegetable b r o t h . The l i q u i d food i s easy o n the s t o m a c h .

D i l u t e d fruit p u r e e s : Feed y o u r baby d i l u t e d fruit p u r e e s since t h e y contain n a t u r a l sugars t h a t are a great s o u r c e of e n e r g y . Diluting i t with w a t e r makes i t easily d i g e s t i b l e .

B a b y cereals: You c a n feed c e r e a l porridge m a d e from r i c e , barley, o r oats. I f the b a b y is c o n s t i p a t e d , then s t i c k to o a t s and b a r l e y as t h e y have f i b e r . Rice w i l l do g r e a t since i t is g l u t e n – f r e e and e a s y to d i g e s t .

Y o u need t o be c a r e f u l about w h a t the b a b y eats w h e n he h a s a s t o m a c h ache.

T o avoid t h e trouble f o r the b a b y and y o u , take m e a s u r e s to p r e v e n t the p r o b l e m from r e c u r r i n g .

H o w To P r e v e n t Stomach A c h e In B a b i e s ?

Y o u can t a k e simple p r e c a u t i o n s to e n s u r e that y o u r baby d o e s not s u f f e r a s t o m a c h ache. H e r e are a l l the t h i n g s you c o u l d do:

C l e a n and h y g i e n i c food: Hygienic f o o d is f r e e of p a t h o g e n s that s p r e a d through c o n t a m i n a t e d food a n d water. P r e p a r e your b a b y ’ s food u n d e r hygienic c o n d i t i o n s . Always c l e a n the f r u i t s and v e g e t a b l e s before p r o c e s s i n g them.

I d e n t i f y and m a n a g e food a l l e r g i e s : Understand y o u r baby’s f o o d allergy a n d whether i t is a n allergy o r a s i m p l e intolerance t o w a r d s a p a r t i c u l a r food. O n c e you k n o w the b a b y is a l l e r g i c / i n t o l e r a n t to s o m e t h i n g then t a k e the n e c e s s a r y precautions t o prevent t h a t food.

F e e d the b a b y properly: Every t i m e the b a b y breastfeeds, m a k e him l a t c h to t h e nipple p r o p e r l y with n o air g a p s . If h e is o n solids, m a k e sure t h e food i s not h a r d and h e is g u l p i n g it p r o p e r l y .

G i v e high p r i o r i t y to y o u r baby’s h y g i e n e : Germs o f t e n enter t h e baby’s m o u t h and s t o m a c h through a c c i d e n t a l gnawing o f household t h i n g s . He w i l l love p u t t i n g anything i n his m o u t h . Keeping t h e house c l e a n and s m a l l objects b e y o n d the b a b y ’ s reach c a n prevent t h e propagation o f infection. A l s o important i s maintaining y o u r baby’s p e r s o n a l hygiene b y giving h i m regular b a t h s and c l e a n i n g him a f t e r he s o i l s . These s t e p s can g o a l o n g way i n preventing i n f e c t i o n s that c a n cause s e v e r e tummy a c h e s .

A stomach a c h e is p a i n f u l for y o u r baby a n d can b e a s y m p t o m of a health p r o b l e m . Taking t i m e l y medical a d v i c e and a d h e r i n g to p r e c a u t i o n is t h e best w a y to t r e a t the c o n d i t i o n and p r e v e n t its r e c u r r e n c e .

H a v e an e x p e r i e n c e to s h a r e about s t o m a c h ache i n babies? D o tell u s by l e a v i n g a c o m m e n t below.

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