Stomach aches in babies and children

It is completely normal for an infant to have periods of stomach aches, because even that little tummy has to get used to life outside the womb. But as a parent, it’s common to feel helpless and frustrated – because babies with aching tummies might cry for lengthy periods of time. Even babies who are past infancy will often have aching tummies. While this is usually harmless and passes on its own, it’s still good to know what to watch for.

Belly-aching babies

Infants tend to get stomach aches because their stomach and intestinal system have to get used to processing breast milk or formula. It’s not so surprising, really: baby’s body has to adjust from receiving nutrients via the umbilical cord to suddenly kickstarting the highly complex system of the stomach and intestines. And meanwhile, the intestines often aren’t fully developed yet. That means baby’s sensitive stomach might struggle a little bit before getting things right. Sometimes, a tummy ache might also be due to the baby swallowing a lot of air while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, which will make them extra gassy. Another reason, which is slightly less common, is that your little one could be sensitive to certain foods, such as cow’s milk.

Baby massage, or infant massage, can be an effective way to alleviate stomach ache. Place your baby on their back and make little cycling/jogging movements with their legs, and then gently press their legs into their belly. A nurse or paediatrician can help show you what to do.

Could it be colic?

Some newborns seem to have tummy aches off and on all day, which usually get worse in the evening and at night. If baby has a nighttime stomach ache, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have colic – but if they’re shrieking for several hours at a time, over several weeks, and at about the same time of day, then it might be infant colic.

Stomach pain could be from constipation

One of the most common reasons for a baby’s belly ache is constipation and problems passing stool. That might be due to lifestyle adjustments, like a dietary change. Constipation is generally very rare in babies that only breastfeed. Read more about how to help a constipated baby.

Worry or stress can lead to tummy ache

The belly and brain are closely connected: our intestines have many, many nerve endings that communicate with the brain. Stress or worry can easily lead to an upset stomach or constipation. And yes, infants can indeed feel stress, for example, if they aren’t given adequate closeness. Among slightly older children, the cause might be various changes, like starting preschool, moving, or going on holiday. Reflect on whether anything has happened in your child’s life that might be the cause of their stomach pain.

It isn’t always the stomach...

It can be hard for young children to precisely describe what actually hurts. It’s quite common for little ones to have pain in their foot, for example – but to point to their stomach. So you will have to be a little observant and watch how they’re doing: if your child is eating, having normal bowel movements, and if they don’t have a fever, then there’s nothing to worry about. But if the pain doesn’t pass, then contact your paediatrician or doctor.

When should I seek medical care for a stomach ache?

It isn’t very common, but sometimes a child’s stomach pain could be due to illness, such as a urinary tract infection. It could also be groin or testicle pain, but it’s usually difficult for a child to describe this, so it will often be expressed as a stomach ache. Always seek medical care if:

• The baby or child has a fever and stomach pain, but no cold.
• The pain is occurring at clear, regular intervals.
• The pain doesn’t pass within a few days, or gets worse.
• The baby or child doesn’t want to eat, vomits, and has a stomach ache, and it does not seem to be gastroenteritis.
• There is blood or mucus in the stool.
• You are worried and have a feeling that something isn’t right.

Please note that all information above is based on Swedish recommendations.