what to feed a baby with upset stomach

What can a child eat with an upset stomach?

Plain baked potatoes and white rice are safe foods, which are bland enough that they won't irritate her tummy. Applesauce, gelatin and toast are also safe for your child to eat while she is recovering from an upset stomach.

What can I give my Baby to drink after an upset?

Before you feed more solid foods to your baby, it's best to start with liquids after a stomach upset. Beverages that are specifically formulated with electrolytes help replace fluids lost because of vomiting or diarrhea.

Does your baby have an upset stomach after eating?

Some babies also experience upset stomach when transitioning from breast milk to formula. A small percentage of children under the age of 5 have food allergies. If your little eater seems to get extra fussy after mealtimes, it could be related to their diet. Other symptoms of food allergies include:

How can I Help my Baby’s digestive problems?

For formula-fed babies, it can be a matter of finding a more suitable formula. For exclusively breast-fed babies, taking a closer look at what mum is eating and drinking can be key to easing baby’s digestive distress. For babies who have both breastmilk and formula, both options need to be explored.

What to feed a toddler with stomach problems?

When your child has spent the day near a toilet, turn to BRAT – bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Once her stomach problems have calmed down, this quartet of bland foods is unlikely to cause extra pain to your child’s tummy.

Why does my child have an upset stomach?

Whether it is due to food poisoning, the flu or simply a case of indigestion, an upset stomach can be a terrible ordeal for a child and parent alike. When your child is uncomfortable, you might struggle to find foods that won't make her stomachache worse. Keep in mind that fluids are more important than food when a child is sick, especially if she is losing water through vomiting or diarrhea. If she can keep food down, choose bland options that won't make things worse.

How to help a toddler with a sore stomach?

Give him 1 to 2 tablespoons of fluid such as water or an oral rehydration solution -- a special electrolyte solution that can prevent dehydration that's available at the supermarket or drugstore. If he is vomiting, wait about 30 minutes and then increase the amount of fluid to 1 to 2 ounces every 10 minutes. Although ginger ale has a reputation for soothing sore stomachs, that’s only the case if it actually contains ginger – and not all commercial brands do.

How long after tummy ache can you feed a child?

For about 24 to 48 hours after tummy troubles, don't feed your child any high-sugar, spicy or greasy foods, as it can aggravate her stomach. Skip apple juice because it can also bring back diarrhea. When you reintroduce milk, do so slowly. Acidic drinks such as orange juice, although good for colds, should be avoided, too.

What does crap mean in a child?

If your child’s stomach hurts due to constipation, another acronym might be of better assistance: CRAP, which stands for cherries, raisins, apricots and prunes, and all have plenty of fiber to loosen her stool, according to "YOU: Raising Your Child," by Michael Roizen, MD, and Mehmet Oz, MD.

Who is Kelsey Casselbury?

About the Author. Kelsey Casselbury has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Penn State-University Park. She has a long career in print and web media, including serving as a managing editor for a monthly nutrition magazine and food editor for a Maryland lifestyle publication.

Constipation

Early on in your baby’s life, they may seem like a mini poo factory, going “number two” up to 12 times per day. This typically slows down after their first few weeks, then increases again after they’ve started solids.

Formula ingredients

It’s always possible that the ingredients in baby’s formula don’t agree with their GI tract. Some babies also experience upset stomach when transitioning from breast milk to formula.

Allergies or sensitivities

A small percentage of children under the age of 5 have food allergies. If your little eater seems to get extra fussy after mealtimes, it could be related to their diet.

GERD

All babies do their fair share of spitting up, but in infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease — aka GERD — spitting up can be accompanied by poor feeding, choking, and (you guessed it) stomach pain.

Breast milk

No one can deny breast milk is the ultimate superfood — but if a nursing baby is sensitive to something in your diet, it can spell trouble for their tummy.

Medications

The mouth is the gateway to the GI tract, so anything your baby takes orally could ultimately put their tummy in a funk – including medications.

Take a look at their diet

If you suspect foods in your baby’s diet are giving them digestive troubles, talk with your doctor or dietitian about the possibility of allergies or sensitivities. They may recommend an elimination diet or clinical testing to get to the bottom of the problem.

Best foods for toddlers recovering from a stomach bug

Once your child’s symptoms resolve, you may be eager to get them back to a balanced diet. It may be a good idea to start slow to make sure your child’s diarrhea and vomiting don’t come back. Start with half of what they would normally eat to test their tummy.

Common causes of diarrhea and vomiting in kids

Like adults, sometimes kids just get sick. It’s often caused by viral infections or eating something that irritated their digestive tract. If your older child complains of frequent stomach aches, it could be childhood anxiety. Talk with your pediatrician if you think that could be the case.

Drinks for toddler with upset stomach

The most Important thing that helps a sick kid is to keep them hydrated! Try to push fluids in any way possible – most illness cause fluid to be released from the body ( think diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating from a fever) and dehydration can take your kid from bad to worse quickly.

What to give a toddler with a fever

If your child has a high temperature, your child’s pediatrician may advise you to give them a fever reducer, like acetaminophen (Tylenol).

What to do if one burp position doesn't get air out?

If one burping position doesn't get the air out, try another. "Laying baby on their tummy on your legs and patting baby's back, holding baby with your hand on their chest just under their neck and leaning baby forward while sitting up, and hugging her with her head over your shoulder are a few different options," Dr. Alt says.

How to stop a baby from tummy tucking?

Don't distract your baby during feeding. Keeping your baby focused can help prevent tummy troubles, Dr. Loizides says. "Avoid interruptions, sudden noises, bright lights and other distractions, and make each feeding calm, quiet and leisurely.". 8. Burp in different positions.

How to help a baby move?

Try a warm bath or towel. A bit of warmth can ease the stomach. "A warm towel isn't a bad idea, or a warm bath can sometimes help baby relax and move their bowels as well," Dr. Alt says. "Just make sure they aren't too hot!". Also, keep your baby comfy by avoiding tight diapers and waistbands, Dr. Loizides suggests.

How to help a baby with constipation?

"Some babies will get a little constipated," Dr. Alt says. "If this happens, avoid rice cereal—try oatmeal instead— and bananas as these can be constipating. Pureed fruits, especially pureed prunes, can help keep things moving.".

How to get gas out of a baby's legs?

Bicycle baby's legs to remove gas. Another external technique to try is baby leg exercises. "Maneuvers you can do to help them pass gas include bending the legs and bringing knees to tummy, and bicycling baby's legs," says Kim Alt, M.D., a pediatrician at Rockford Pediatrics in Rockford, Michigan. 3. Find the right formula.

How to soothe a baby's belly?

RELATED: How to Massage Your Baby. 1. Do a soothing baby massage. Your baby's digestive system is still very immature, but you can help move things along. " Infant massage is an exceptional and natural way to resolve abdominal discomfort," ...

Can infants have probiotics?

Infants' gut bacteria haven’t developed yet , which could cause tummy problems. "I often add a probiotic approved for children especially in breastfed infants—some formulas contain a prebiotic or probiotic already," Dr. Montague says. "Studies have shown occasionally babies have a predominance of one bacterium in their guts as opposed to a more diverse bioflora." Infant probiotics come in drops or powder form. Ask your baby's pediatrician before trying this option.

Why are babies so sensitive?

New-born babies have sensitive digestive systems that take time to mature and strengthen. Some babies will of course be more reactive than others, and more prone to digestive upsets of all kinds. For some babies, even the tiny fragments of certain digested foods that end up in mum’s breastmilk may cause reactivity and irritation. ...

What triggers a baby to eat?

For babies who have both breastmilk and formula, both options need to be explored. The most common trigger foods are: Cow’s milk/Dairy. Soy (and other beans/legum es)

Why is it important to test reactive foods in breastfeeding?

The added benefit of testing reactive foods in breastfeeding babies is that it helps guide an appropriate schedule for the introduction of solids. A baby that has shown reactivity to certain foods through mum’s breastmilk will definitely be best served by putting these foods at the bottom of the list of ‘first foods’!

How to help a baby with digestive issues?

Other ways to support digestive comfort in your baby: Massage: gentle tummy massage along the line of the colon, and also using these same principles on baby’s feet. There are some excellent how-to guides online! Good burping techniques. Checking alignment with a cranial osteopath.

What foods do babies eat?

Caffeine (tea/coffee) Chocolate. Eggs. Citrus. Nightshades (Tomato, Potato) Cabbage family foods (broccolli etc) Spicy foods. Onions/Garlic. This is a looong list, and so it can be useful to have some help to do your detective work and discover what exactly your baby is reacting to.

Why do we take Epsom salt baths?

Epsom salt baths to help relax physical tension. Herbal medicines are excellent support to ease digestive discomfort when given at the right dose. Important things to remember: Babies’ digestive tracts are developing and maturing at a great rate.

Can breastfeeding affect digestion?

Many a breastfeeding mother has asked herself: “Could what I’m eating be affecting my baby’s digestion?”. The answer, quite simply is YES. New-born babies have sensitive digestive systems that take time to mature and strengthen.

How to reduce gas in infants?

Other Ways to Reduce Gas. Helping a baby maneuver her body can also help rid the stomach and intestines of trapped gas. For example, giving your infant tummy time is one way to put pressure on this trapped air and facilitate the burping or passing of gas 2.

What to do if your baby has an upset stomach?

If the upset stomach is caused by gastroenteritis, it’s important to keep your baby well hydrated. Some parents use a homeopathic remedy called gripe water to treat an upset stomach, although there is no evidence this remedy works.

How to help a baby with gas after bottle feeding?

If the gas or stomach ache occurs after bottle feeding, help the baby swallow less air by using slow-flow nipples and bottles that are vented, angled or collapsible. If the formula or breast milk itself seems linked to the tummy troubles, contact your baby’s pediatrician for guidance.

What causes a baby to be fussy?

Home Remedies for a Baby With Upset Stomach & Gas. Upset stomach and gas are common causes of fussiness in babies. Parents may struggle to comfort infants who suffer from these and other gastrointestinal symptoms, especially if they can’t tell what’s wrong, or when they don’t know to help their baby feel better.

Why do babies get fussy?

Upset stomach and gas are common causes of fussiness in babies. Parents may struggle to comfort infants who suffer from these and other gastrointestinal symptoms, especially if they can’t tell what’s wrong, or when they don’t know to help their baby feel better. Many home remedies are touted to ease symptoms, although not all are proven effective. But when the culprit is gas or upset stomach, there are some useful strategies and home remedies that can help curb the discomfort -- and the fussiness.

What to do if baby has stomach pain?

However, if your infant has vomiting, diarrhea or is drinking very little or no formula or breast milk, contact your baby's pediatrician right away to avoid serious consequences of dehydration. Let the pediatrician know if your child has ongoing signs of stomach discomfort, and take your baby to the doctor when your baby suffers from forceful vomiting, blood in the stool, or a fever or rash along with stomach pain.

How to help a baby with gas?

Allowing your baby to lay on her back and kick her legs, or giving her a tummy massage may also help. Infant simethicone drops, an common anti-gas remedy which breaks up gas bubbles in the gut, can also be tried, however it’s effectiveness in treating fussy or colicky babies has not been established.

Why is chicken broth good for toddlers?

Clear broth helps prevent dehydration. When your toddler has an upset stomach, she might vomit of have diarrhea several times a day. Repeated bouts of vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration . Serve your toddler warm chicken broth and encourage her to sip it slowly. The broth will ensure that your child gets plenty of liquids but will also help soothe her irritated stomach so she feels better.

What to do when toddler vomits?

Electrolytes. When your toddler vomits or has diarrhea with her upset stomach, she loses electrolytes that help balance the fluids in her body. Replace electrolytes by offering her bananas. If your toddler is unable to eat, her doctor might recommend oral rehydration solutions, which replace potassium and other electrolytes lost through vomiting ...

Why is my toddler unable to sleep?

17 December, 2018. An upset stomach can make your toddler miserable. Symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain, which can cause your toddler to become fussy and unable to sleep. In most cases, you must wait until the upset stomach has passed, but certain foods might help soothe his tummy and ease his discomfort.

Why is it important to soften stool for a toddler?

Serving low-fiber foods with diarrhea helps your toddler's stool firm up so his symptoms ease.

What is the best way to soften a toddler's stool?

Low-Fiber Foods. Foods that don't contain a lot of fiber act as binding agents to help firm up your toddler's stool so her diarrhea eases, the American Academy of Family Physician notes on its Family Doctor website. High-fiber foods soften the stool so it passes through the intestines efficiently.

What to eat to help a toddler with an upset stomach?

Plain baked potatoes and white rice are safe foods, which are bland enough that they won't irritate her tummy. Applesauce, gelatin and toast are also safe for your child to eat while she is recovering from an upset stomach.

What to eat for toddlers with diarrhea?

White pasta is a toddler-friendly food that can help ease diarrhea. A 1/4-cup serving of cooked noodles is an appropriate size for a toddler. Two or three saltine crackers, a slice of white toast and a small bowl of unsweetened breakfast cereal without milk are additional low-fiber foods that can help reduce the severity of your child's diarrhea.