Common Baby Stomach Problems

Are you stressed about your baby’s stomach and digestive problems? Don’t worry; you are not alone. Most new parents find this part the most challenging since babies are unable to tell you how they feel.

In this article, we have put together some of the most common baby stomach problems that you could keep a check on and seek medical help whenever necessary.

Reflux

Reflux is one of the most common digestive problems in babies that new parents face. Since the oesophagal sphincter in babies is still in the developing stage, the digestive process is quite slow. Due to this the milk that your baby drinks can be thrown back out from the stomach as spit up. It takes a little time for the stomach to learn and adjust to the rhythm.

This usually disappears once your baby is between 4 to 12 months. However, if you notice your little one shows symptoms such as frequent hiccups, spitting up frequently after a feed, and breathing problems, then it’s best to seek help from your paediatrician.

Vomiting

Vomiting is another common problem for babies. This is caused due to an infection in the intestinal tract by bacteria or virus. The vomiting would usually subside within two or three days, though the tummy would still continue to be a mess for some days after.

Consult your doctor if you notice fewer wet diapers or a dry mouth since this could be a sign that your baby is dehydrated.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea in babies is usually caused due to a virus, the most common one being rotavirus. This kind of virus usually strikes during the winters. The thing you could do during this time is to ensure your baby is well hydrated.

Consult your doctor if the diarrhoea lasts for over two weeks, there is mucus or blood in stools, or if the baby cries while passing stools. Your doctor would run a few tests on the baby’s stool to confirm the diagnosis.

Constipation

Babies also suffer from another common problem that is constipation. This usually worsens once babies start eating solid foods or are put on whole milk. Feeding too much milk could cause a lot of discomfort to your baby.

Consult your doctor if you notice blood in stools or pain and crying while passing stool.

Colic

Colic is also another problem most babies suffer from. Colic can be frustrating and stressful for parents since you do not exactly know what is troubling your child. Colic has been defined as excessive or prolonged crying and screaming that can last for up to several hours in a day. The cause is still unclear. It usually begins within the first three weeks of birth and gradually goes away by the time a baby turns three months old. Some of the reasons your baby could have colic include the following:

Gas:

Though this is not a proven fact, you could give it a try and make adjustments to your nursing diet. Try to avoid caffeine, milk products, and foods that cause gas.

Milk allergy:

This may be rare, but some babies could develop a sensitivity to cow milk formulas. Hence, your doctor may recommend changing the formulas to a soy-based one to see if there’s any improvement.

In cases of colic, your doctor would recommend some medication or probiotics to relieve the symptoms.

Seek Help

These are some of the most common stomach problems babies usually face. However, if you find anything that’s a cause for concern, it’s best to seek help from your paediatrician right away. Though many of these problems are not too serious, it’s very important to know the warning signs and to know how to help your sick child  immediately.

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