Stomach pain in toddlers can be due to various causes such as swallowing excess air, indigestion, or gut problems. Most cases of stomach pain are self-limiting and treatable with some home remedies.
Only in some rare cases, where severe stomach pain interferes with your child’s daily activities, such as eating and sleeping patterns, medical intervention is required. However, if your infant has a stomach ache a little too often, then you should consult a doctor as it could be an underlying medical issue or a problem with their diet.
Causes Of Stomach Pain In Toddlers
The cause of stomach pain differs from one toddler to another. Below we have listed some of the most common causes of stomach pain in children:
- Food-related problems such as food poisoning or food allergies.
- Gut problems such as constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
- Gastritis or acid reflux that causes pain in the upper abdomen.
- Stomach infections such as gastroenteritis or other infections in organs like the urinary tract.
- Dehydration, stress, or lactose intolerance.
- Another reason could be swallowing excess air that causes belching or pain in children.
Top 7 Remedies For Stomach Pain In Toddlers
Stomach pain can make your toddler uncomfortable and agitated. To help reduce the symptoms, you can try the remedies mentioned below. However, be informed that if your child’s stomach pain persists even after 24 hours, you must consult their paediatrician immediately.
Try Warm Compression
This is one of the safest and most effective remedies for stomach aches. It has no side effects and provides almost instant relief. Providing warm compression to the abdomen can increase blood flow and help the gas to pass. The only thing that you have to remember while purchasing a heating pad is to choose one with an adjustable temperature.
Set the heat to the lowest level and place the pad on your child’s abdomen. But don’t place the heating pad directly on their body, make sure to put it above their clothing. If you do not have a heating pad, you can always use a warm bottle and wrap a piece of clothing over it.
Gently Massage Their Belly
A gentle massage can soothe the aching nerves and muscles of the stomach and also help improve blood circulation. Use your palms and fingers to gently massage in circular motions and in a clockwise direction around your toddler’s navel area. In addition to this, you can also massage from the chin downwards to the lower portion of the abdomen to alleviate pain.
Give Them A Warm Bath
Giving your little one a warm bath can help them relax and ease the muscle spasms in their abdominal area. This in turn will help reduce the intensity of the stomach ache. Just make sure that the water is lukewarm and not too hot to avoid hurting their skin.
Help Them Burp To Release Gas
Try to burp your toddler frequently so that they can feel a little more comfortable. Do this right after your toddler is done eating their meal. Make them stand straight with their head slightly tilting downwards. Now, pat or rub their backs gently to encourage burping.
Move Their Legs In A Cyclic Motion
Moving your toddler’s legs in a bicycle motion can help pass trapped gas. Bend their legs and bring their knees to the tummy. Now move the legs as if pedalling a bicycle. Repeat this movement 4-5 times which each rep lasting for about 30 seconds.
Do this exercise 2-3 times throughout the day to get relief from stomach pain. In addition to this movement, you can also encourage your child to move around a bit as it will help stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and reduce pain. Walking, light running, or twists and turns will be able to do the trick.
Keep Them Well Hydrated
Give your child plenty of fluids to keep them hydrated. Stomach aches can cause fatigue in toddlers and water can help replenish their bodies. It will also help the stool to pass easily. If they are bored of drinking plain water, you can give them healthy alternatives like ginger ale or herbal teas. Avoid giving them dairy products at all costs and also keep them away from fried foods.
Use A Tummy Relief Roll-On
Another effective way to treat your toddler’s tummy troubles is using a tummy relief roll-on on their stomach area. It relieves discomfort from gas, soothes acid reflux, and treats indigestion. Look for a tummy relief roll-on with organic and plant-based ingredients such as hing oil, peppermint oil, ginger oil, fennel oil, organic coconut oil, and nutmeg oil.
All these natural ingredients ease digestive problems, reduce cramps, and alleviate discomfort caused by bloating. Use the roll-on applicator to apply it over your little one’s tummy and wait for it to work its magic.
Ways To Prevent Stomach Pain In Toddlers
You can take the following measures to prevent stomach pain in toddlers:
- Give them small and frequent meals to avoid stomach pain due to indigestion or overeating.
- Include fibre-rich foods such as foods and veggies in your child’s diet to avoid constipation.
- Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently to prevent infections.
- Give your child plenty of fluids to maintain hydration and prevent the hardening of stool.
- Maintain proper hygiene in your house and disinfect your toddler’s room to prevent infections.
We hope that our list of remedies helps manage your toddler’s stomach pain. Remember to not give your child any over-the-counter medication without consulting your doctor. Also, if your toddler’s tummy problems continue to persist, take them to the hospital to determine the exact cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
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