8 Natural Remedies for Baby’s Upset Stomach

Are you parent of a baby? Have you experienced that helpless feeling when your little one cries nonstop, and you can't figure out why? Babies cry for various reasons, and one possibility is discomfort due to an upset stomach.

An upset stomach in babies can lead to excessive crying, discomfort, and sleepless nights. Babies can experience stomach upsets due to various reasons like gas, acid reflux, food sensitivity, etc. When your baby has an upset stomach, you may be tempted to try every possible home remedy to provide them relief. While there are several over-the-counter medications available to treat an upset stomach in babies, trying some natural and safe home remedies can often do the trick. In this blog, we will discuss some common causes of an upset stomach in babies and some natural ways to treat it.

Causes of an Upset Stomach in Babies

There can be several reasons why your baby has an upset stomach. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Immature Digestive System
• Swallowing Air
• Overfeeding or Underfeeding
• Dietary Factors
• Infections
• Medications
• Food Sensitivity

Natural Remedies to Try

If your baby has an upset stomach, here are some gentle natural remedies you can try before turning to medications:

• Massage: Gently massaging your baby's tummy can help relieve trapped gas and pain that makes stomach upset worse. Lay your baby on their back and use light, circular motions with your fingertips to massage their abdomen in a clockwise direction. A great time to massage is during diaper changes or before bedtime when your baby is calm and comfortable. Make sure to stop if the massage causes any discomfort. The skin-to-skin contact will also help soothe your little one.
• Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding: Breast milk is the most natural and easily digestible source of nutrition for babies. If your baby is breastfed, nursing can provide comfort and help ease digestive issues. If your baby is formula-fed, ensure you are using a formula that agrees with their stomach. Opt for hypoallergenic or partially hydrolyzed formulas if your baby has frequent digestive troubles.
• Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to your baby’s tummy can help relax their muscles and alleviate discomfort. Dip a clean cloth in warm water, wring out excess water, and gently place it on your baby’s abdomen. Always ensure the compress is warm, not hot, and monitor your baby’s reaction closely.
• Avoid Overfeeding: It’s natural to want to feed a fussy baby more when their tummy hurts, but overfeeding can actually make stomach upset like reflux worse. Stick to the recommended number of feedings and amounts for your baby’s age and weight. Pay attention to signs your baby is full, like turning away from the bottle.
• Hydration: Dehydration can make stomach upset worse by causing constipation or hard stools. Offer your baby more frequent, smaller feedings of breast milk or formula to make sure they stay hydrated. Avoid giving water before 6 months old, but you can try giving electrolyte solutions if your pediatrician recommends it. Watch for signs of dehydration like fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears, etc.
• Warm Bath: A gentle warm bath can work wonders to relax your baby's stomach muscles and help them pass gas or stool more easily. Make sure the water temp is between 98-100 degrees F so your baby doesn't get too hot or cold. Hold them securely as their skin sensitizes to the water. You can try adding some chamomile tea bags to the bathwater as well for a calming, soothing effect. Keep baths brief, about 5-10 minutes.
• Gripe Water: Gripe water is an over-the-counter liquid made from herbs like fennel, ginger, and chamomile. It has traditionally been used for colicky babies, but it may also help soothe nausea, gas, and hiccups that can aggravate stomach upset. Give your baby gripe water orally with a spoon or dropper before or after feedings as needed. Avoid certain brands with added sugar, alcohol, or sodium bicarbonate.
• Burping/Posture: Making sure to burp your baby regularly when feeding and holding them upright for 15-30 minutes after can prevent stomach upset by allowing them to pass gas and digest milk or formula more easily. Trapped air from improper burping or too much reclined feeding is a common cause of baby tummy troubles.

When to Call the Paediatrician:

Most minor stomach upsets can be treated with these natural methods. However, consult your paediatrician if your baby has:

•       Persistent vomiting
•       Blood or mucus in stool
•       Diarrhoea for over 2 days
•       Fever over 100.4°F
•       Green-coloured spit up
•       Bloated or hard abdomen
•       Excessive crying/discomfort
•       Lethargy/decrease appetite

If your baby shows any of these symptoms along with upset stomach, call your paediatrician right away as it could indicate a more serious health issue requiring medical treatment. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for help if natural remedies don’t seem to work for your baby.

Conclusion:

Babies are delicate beings, and their digestive systems can sometimes be sensitive, leading to discomfort and distress. While consulting a paediatrician is crucial for severe cases, there are several natural remedies you can try at home to help alleviate your baby’s discomfort. With patience, care, and these natural remedies, you can help your baby feel better and happier in no time.

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FAQs

1. What causes gas and upset stomach in babies?

Ans. Common causes include an immature digestive system, swallowing too much air while feeding, overfeeding or underfeeding, reactions to ingredients in formula or breastmilk, infections, and side effects of medications.

2. How much gripe water should I give my baby?

Ans. The amount of gripe water depends on the product, but it's typically around 1-3 mL per dose. Always follow the instructions on the bottle for proper dosage based on your baby’s age and weight. Start with smaller doses.

3. Is it safe to massage my baby’s tummy?

Ans. Yes, gently massaging your baby’s tummy in a clockwise motion with your fingertips can help relax stomach muscles and relieve gas pain. Avoid putting too much pressure and stop if baby seems uncomfortable.

4. Can I add anything to my baby’s bath water for an upset stomach? 

Ans. Yes, you can try adding a couple of chamomile tea bags to your baby's warm bath water. The chamomile can have a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect. Just monitor baby closely since their skin is so sensitive at this age.  

5. How often should I burp my baby if they have an upset stomach?  

Ans. Burping more frequently, like every 2-3 oz if bottle feeding or every 5 mins if breastfeeding, can allow your baby to pass gas more easily and prevent tummy troubles. Keep them upright for at least 15-30 mins afterwards as well.

6. When should I take my baby to see a doctor for stomach issues?

Ans. See your pediatrician right away if your baby has symptoms like persistent vomiting, blood or mucus in stool, fever over 100.4°F, diarrhea for over 2 days, green spit up, or excessive crying/discomfort along with the upset stomach.