If there's one thing parents know, it's that babies can be unpredictable. One day they're happy as a clam, and the next day they're crying their little eyes out with an upset tummy. When your baby is dealing with vomiting or diarrhea, it can be tough to know what to do. Luckily, there are plenty of solutions that can provide relief without making things worse.
Understanding Your Baby's Symptoms
Before we get into remedies and treatments, let's talk about the symptoms of an upset tummy in babies. If your little one is experiencing any of the following issues (and you'll know when they are), then chances are good that their digestive system isn't happy:
- Frequent spitting up
- Refusing to eat or drink
- Crying more than usual (which seems impossible)
- Diarrhea
- (Gross)
- (Stinky too)
- Vomiting
If your child is exhibiting one or multiple of these charming traits, don't worry! While unpleasant (for both you and baby), these kinds of symptoms aren’t uncommon among infants.
Causes of Upset Stomachs in Infants
There could be numerous reasons why this pesky stomach problem has reared its ugly head -- excessively excessive gas bubbles (pun intended). Some common causes include:
Overfeeding
Oh yeah... The incessant chewing apparently signals Little Miss/Mr doesn't want NO mo'. So overfeeding may lead your baby feeling uncomfortable & gassy from anything you've given them directly from (oversized bold text)the milk container/mother breastfeeding...just put yourself in the shoes () I mean booties on this overweighted babe!
Intolerance/Allergies
Babies' tummies are still developing, which makes them extra sensitive to certain foods. They may develop an intolerance or allergy to one of their formula's ingredients, cow's milk proteins (I mean who wouldn't) a reaction to Mommy's diet intake if breastfeeding...are we asking too much? Oh the price of parenthood!
Infection
Sometimes that darned diarrhea can hit due to infection caused by bacteria, germs, viruses or ...well, you get the point.
Feeling panicked already about your precious little darling? No need - there are plenty of remedies for those worrisome symptoms (but no guarantees on your nerves!).
Stay Hydrated
The most important thing is making sure baby stays hydrated! Encourage frequent sips whether they want it or not (just joking!). Infants should continue consuming regular liquids/milk/formula as usual with extra feedings throughout each day-to supplement any fluids losty from excessive /repeated diarrhea and/or vomiting instances.
Oral Rehydration Solutions
(Oooh fancy words eh) These solutions help replenish electrolytes frequently flushed out during repeated V & D episodes resulting in unnecessary dehydration. It resembles juice boxes without all the high sugar content yet high fragrance/fruit punch scent alongside gentle stimulating flavors (Stimulating flavor?! Controversial word-choice) - normally mixed up with water but don’t add this solution directly into current feeds rememeber adding just few ml/glugs especially after an episode occuurs will suffice
Limit Food Intake So perhaps overfeeding was the culprit earlier huh?
- Reduce food consumption by only providing smaller portions than usual avoiding frequent heavy meals
- Stick with simpler bland nonspicy soft-textured meals-(plain rice, oat cereal ) Most pediatric practitioners err on more conservative side gradually introducing solid foods e.g applesafuce fruits bla bla blah not enchiladas mama style)
Milk-Based Solutions
If struggling with feeding interruptions due to stomach discomfort/milk digestion mishaps, they may advise trying an infant formula that is easier to digest such as - hypoallergenic forms/ lactose-free.(We've spared you the chemistry for now!)
Anti-Diarrheal Medication
- Firstly No heavy-handed/self directed medication options!
- Infants under 6 years of age are off-limits and adults’ prescribed doses should not be reduced to infants' exaggerated limit.
Home Treatments can include:
- Around the clock chamomile tea sessions,
- Apple cider vinegar shots after every meal or
- Saltwater/Dettol baths (Joking! Don’t do this). While we haven't used any scientific methods or tools (duh!), common sense goes far in ensuring maximum relief during these tough times. Last but not least...dance it out with baby. Whipping through a few goofy moves will have them cackling their heart away while blowing steam on your end too(so many wins)!