Stomach pain is surprisingly common in babies, but that doesn’t make it any less distressing for them or for you. When your little one is crying, fussing, or showing signs of tummy trouble, it’s hard not to feel helpless. And because babies are so delicate, it’s not as simple as giving them medicine and hoping for the best.
But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. With a better understanding of what causes baby stomach pain, you can take safe and gentle steps to ease their discomfort.In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons babies experience stomach pain, from gas to feeding issues, and share practical ways to help soothe your baby naturally.
Signs of a baby’s upset stomach
Since babies can’t tell you what’s wrong, it’s important to watch for physical signs of discomfort. If your baby has an upset stomach, they’ll usually show it through their behaviour and feeding patterns.
Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Crying more than usual, especially after feeding
- Refusing to eat or pulling away from the bottle or breast
- Spitting up or vomiting more than normal
- Trouble sleeping or waking frequently
- Diarrhoea or constipation
If your baby is showing one or more of these signs, it could be linked to gas, feeding issues, or a sensitive digestive system. In the next section, we’ll look at some of the most common causes of baby stomach pain.
what causes stomach pain in newborn babies
There are several common reasons why babies experience stomach pain or digestive discomfort. Some can be resolved at home with a few small changes, such as adjusting feeding techniques or switching formulas. Others may need guidance from your paediatrician.
The good news is, most tummy troubles are temporary and manageable once you understand what’s causing them.
Understanding the cause of tummy pain can help you find the right remedy. Here are the most common reasons newborns experience stomach discomfort:
Allergies and Sensitivities
Some babies experience stomach pain due to food sensitivities or allergies, especially during feeding. If your little one seems unusually fussy after meals, it could be a sign of a reaction to something in their diet.
For formula-fed babies, one possible cause of stomach pain is cow’s milk protein allergy. This is when a baby’s immune system reacts to the proteins found in cow’s milk, leading to digestive issues and other symptoms. In some cases, goat milk formula may be better tolerated. Brands like Kendamil and Nannycare offer high-quality organic goat milk options, which are gentler on sensitive stomachs. To understand differences between Goat and Cow’s milk, check out this article.
Another possibility is lactose sensitivity, where a baby struggles to digest lactose, the natural sugar in milk. If that’s the case, a comfort formula designed to reduce lactose may help soothe a tummy ache.
Don’t worry if this feels overwhelming. If you suspect your baby has an allergy or sensitivity, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional for guidance.
Other symptoms that may appear alongside tummy pain include:
- Vomiting
- Skin rashes or hives
- Swelling of the face or lips
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent fussiness
Gas
One of the most common causes of tummy pain in babies is gas. As your baby’s digestive system develops, they may struggle to release trapped gas, which can lead to cramping and discomfort. This is especially common in the first few months.
In breastfed babies, gas can sometimes be triggered by certain foods in the mother’s diet, such as broccoli, cabbage, onions, or dairy. Bottle-fed babies might swallow excess air during feeds, or react to their formula. Switching to a comfort formula that’s designed to be gentler on the digestive system can sometimes help reduce gas and fussiness.
To relieve gas, try gentle tummy massages, bicycle leg movements, or paced bottle feeding. If you’re formula feeding your baby, then always remember to burp your baby after every feed.
Constipation
Early in life, babies may have frequent bowel movements, sometimes up to 12 dirty nappies a day. This usually slows down after the first few weeks and changes again once they start eating solids.
Most parents are familiar with their baby’s usual pattern, so if the number of nappies suddenly drops, or your baby seems to be straining, they may be constipated. Other signs include hard, pellet-like stools or obvious discomfort while trying to poo.
Constipation is a common cause of tummy pain and can usually be eased with simple changes like offering more fluids or adjusting their diet or formula. If you’re unsure, speak to your health visitor or GP.
Spitting up
Spitting up is normal in babies, especially after feeds, and it usually doesn’t cause any harm. However, frequent or forceful spit-up may be a sign of something more, such as reflux or a feeding intolerance, and this can cause stomach pain in your baby.
If your baby is spitting up large amounts regularly, seems unusually fussy after feeds, or you notice blood or greenish fluid in the spit-up, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional.
Keeping your baby upright after feeding, offering smaller feeds, and burping them more frequently can help reduce mild reflux or spit-up.
How to Soothe a Baby’s Tummy Ache
If your baby is struggling with tummy discomfort, there are gentle, effective ways to help them feel more at ease. Below are some tried and trusted techniques
Monitor Their Diet
Some babies have more sensitive tummies than others. If you suspect your baby’s discomfort is related to their diet, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help rule out any food allergies or intolerances and advise you on the best next steps.
If your baby is formula-fed, switching to a gentle or sensitive formula may help. These are designed to be easier on tiny stomachs and can support digestion in babies with mild sensitivities. At Baby’s Pantry, we stock a wide range of organic and sensitive formulas carefully chosen to be kind to delicate digestive systems.
Address feeding issues
Tummy discomfort in breastfed babies isn’t always caused by food. Sometimes, the way your baby is feeding can lead to digestive issues. If the breastfeeding parent has an oversupply of milk or a fast let-down, the baby may end up swallowing extra air, which can result in trapped wind and discomfort.
If you suspect feeding technique might be contributing to tummy troubles, it may help to speak with a lactation consultant. They can offer practical advice on positioning, latch, and flow control, helping make feeds more comfortable for both you and your baby.
Bicycle Method
This gentle movement can help relieve trapped gas and ease stomach pain in babies. Simply lay your baby on their back, then hold their legs and gently move them in a pedalling motion, as if they’re riding a bicycle.
The movement helps stimulate digestion and encourages gas to move through the intestines. It’s a safe and simple method that many parents use during gassy moments or after feeding.
Feeding Positions
How you hold your baby after feeding can make a big difference to their digestion. Keeping them upright helps milk settle properly in the stomach and reduces the chances of gas build-up or spit-up. It also gives gravity a chance to support the digestive process.
Try to keep your baby in an upright position for at least 20 to 30 minutes after each feed. Avoid laying them flat immediately, especially if they’re prone to reflux or discomfort.
Quick Soothing Tips
- Burp your baby during and after feeds
- Try tummy massage or the bicycle method
- Keep baby upright after feeding
- Switch to a comfort or sensitive formula (with professional advice)
- Watch for signs of allergy or reflux
When to see a Doctor
While most baby tummy troubles are normal and temporary, speak to a healthcare provider if your baby:
- Has a fever, rash, or persistent vomiting
- Shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet nappies)
- Is extremely irritable or drowsy
- Has blood or mucus in their stool
- Isn’t gaining weight as expected
Conclusion
Tummy aches in babies can be caused by a variety of things, from digestion issues and gas to sensitivities or allergies. In most cases, these problems are manageable with a few small adjustments and gentle soothing techniques.
If you’ve tried several methods and your baby is still uncomfortable, it’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider for reassurance and support. Persistent symptoms could point to an allergy or feeding issue that needs a bit more attention.
At Baby’s Pantry, we offer a range of gentle baby formulas, including options for sensitive tummies, colic, and cow’s milk protein allergy. Whether you’re looking for organic goat milk or a comfort formula, you’ll find high-quality options to support your baby’s needs.
