How to Avoid Tummy Ache in Babies?

Having a baby is one of the happiest moments in your life. The excitement of being a parent to a child is coupled with a sense of responsibility. It is a new beginning for a mother. A new being enters her world and taking care of it becomes her first and foremost priority. As a loving and caring parent you are alert to every little thing about your baby and even a slightest of problem can seem big enough to keep you on your toes. Among many others, tummy ache is one of the major problems related to small babies that frequently gives concern to parents.

Tips for avoid tummy ache in babies

• Major causes behind stomach aches in babies-One of the major causes behind a baby’s stomach aches is constipation. Mother’s milk is the best food provided by nature to keep the baby healthy and facilitate its growth. Since most of this milk is digested fully, babies pass very little stool while they are being breast-fed by their mothers. However, when you start feeding them on cow’s milk or powdered milk, it can cause constipation. The hardness of stool or gas formation in constipation can lead to stomach ache. Another cause could be viral or bacterial infection, due to unhygienic bottles or other equipments used to feed the baby, which may lead to diarrhea.
• How to avoid stomach ache in babies-The best way is to breast-feed the baby as long as you can. It will not only keep the stomach problems away but will also help all the organs grow faster and stay healthier. However, for some reasons you have to switch to other sources of milk, make sure that the transition is gradual and is comfortable for the baby to adapt to the change. Give milk in diluted form and make sure that you boil the bottle before use. The tummy ache caused by viral infection typically lasts only for a couple of days and then subsides on its own.
• How to soothe the stomach pain-If your baby is experiencing tummy ache due to constipation or any other reason, gently massaging it’s stomach can offer some relief. Starting from the belly-button, massage in outward direction in circular clockwise motion with oil or lotion. Another method to relieve the pressure on the baby’s tummy is to place it on its back and holding the legs upward and gently moving them forward and backward like riding a bicycle. A warm water bath will also soothe the babies’ stomach ache and help it relax. Feed the baby plenty of water to keep it hydrated and make the stool soft and relieve constipation.
• Medical advice is important-If you take good care to avoid the causes behind stomach aches in your baby, it won’t be affected by it. The above mentioned techniques will most likely relieve the pain to a large extent. However, once you have done all that you can to sooth its pain, it is best to call your medical professional, preferably a pediatrician, to get your baby thoroughly checked for any other abnormalities. Infants or babies are delicate and need a gentle and loving care in order to stay in good health. With some of these measures along with your love will surely keep your baby in perfect health.