Stomach Pain in Newborns
Baby tummy problems? If only they could tell you what’s wrong. Until we locate a baby whisperer, here are a few ways you can help an unsettled baby.
- Try “bicycle legs” to activate their little digestive system.
- Try giving them a warm bath.
- Try clockwise tummy massages after a bath to help move things along. Read our checklist on how to give a baby massage.
- If they seem colicky or uncomfortable, try feeding little and often. Read our checklist on what to do if your baby has colic for more tips.
- Try burping baby after every feed until they seem more comfortable.
- Try burping halfway through feeds.
- Try different feeding positions to find out what suits baby best.
- Try carrying baby upright, perhaps in a sling after a feed, if they are colicky or uncomfortable: 15 mins is a safe bet.
- Try cool boiled water between feeds if they are constipated.
- Talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) if you think your baby could be reacting to a certain milk.
- Talk to your HCP if you’re concerned baby’s tummy problems could be caused by underlying illness.
- Consider your own diet if you are breastfeeding. Talk to your HCP about how your diet could be affecting baby.
- Talk to your HCP if you’re worried your baby might be lactose intolerant.
- Consider if your baby might have tongue-tie. Some babies are born with it and it can affect their feeding if left untreated.
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