Guide: Prevent and relieve your baby's stomach pain

Sponsored by Semper

If your baby is a bit grumpier than usual, it's not impossible that it's the little tummy that's acting up, but it can be difficult to know that it's definitely a tummy ache that's the problem. That's why, together with Semper, we're going to clear up the most common concerns about babies with tummy aches, and give you some tips on what you can do to alleviate them.

Newborn babies struggling with stomach pain is common and nothing to worry about. However, if you want to make it easier for your baby, there are some tips and tricks that can ease gas and tension in the stomach

Why do newborns get tummy aches?
Stomach pain is normal for babies and is usually caused by the transition that the stomach and intestines go through in the first few weeks after birth. This is because the stomach is no bigger than a grape, and by four weeks it has grown to the size of a tomato! At this time, the intestines also start to get used to breast milk or formula, so it is a time of great transition.

Stomach pain in babies can in some cases be due to the baby swallowing air when eating, in which case you can ask the BVC for advice to make feeding easier. This also applies if you think it may be due to a reaction to milk, which it may be in some cases.

How do I know if my baby has a stomach ache?
Signals of stomach pain may include pulling the baby's legs up towards the stomach, tensing the body backwards, having a distended stomach and farting a lot, or whining, whining and crying more than usual.

If you're not sure whether a tummy ache is the problem or not, you should always rule out tiredness, hunger, the baby being scared, wanting closeness or needing a dry diaper. Read more about baby's little tummy at Semper HERE.

How do I prevent my baby's tummy ache?

1. Abdominal massage helps any gases to find their way out so that the baby has less stomach pain. Work in circular movements clockwise, with a moderate pressure and preferably together with an emollient cream or oil.
2. Burping is also something that works well for some babies as it relieves gas and tension in the stomach. After a meal, lift baby up towards you and bounce a little on the butt, and a little burp will most likely follow.
3. The noise and stress around you can affect your baby, who may react by crying. Therefore, try to move away in a quiet environment to create peace for you.

Are there any other tricks to use?
Lactic acid bacteria can be good for relieving stomach pain in young babies. You might think that bacteria are a bad thing, but the fact is that an adult has up to a kilo of bacteria in their body. The bacteria in the gut flora help us feel good and build a balanced immune system, so lactic acid bacteria can be given to create good gut health from the start.

Semper stomach drops contain the lactic acid bacterium L. reuteri Protectis. The drops consist of oil solution and bacterial culture and can be used from infancy to build up a good bacterial flora in the intestine.

Semper Vitamin D drops contain the same lactic acid bacteria as Semper Stomach Drops to soothe upset tummies. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium, which is needed to build teeth and bones, and to strengthen the immune system. When your baby is about a week old, it's time to start supplementing with vitamin D drops.
Sempers D drops should not be used together with other vitamin D drops.

You can find Semper's stomach drops and vitamin D HERE.

If your baby cries for several hours at a time for no apparent reason and despite being healthy, it may be colic. It is most common in babies between 2 weeks and 5 months. Read more about colic at Semper.

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