Stomach pains are a common problem with children. If you have a toddler or a child below the age of 5, complaining of constant stomach ache, you know that your child is screaming due to the pain induced by trapped gas. Gas pain in toddlers is one of most common problems mothers often complain about.

Gas can be a real problem. Toddlers can get gas easily, sometimes from medications or from swallowing food hurriedly before even chewing it, from certain food items that cause gas, not drinking enough fluids, being lactose intolerant or from swallowing air while eating or drinking. It is easy for toddlers to get gas pains quickly because their digestive tracts are not yet fully developed. Food passes very quickly through the body, which then leads to trapped gas and can be a cause of pain. Worry not, as gas is something which is very common and toddlers can be relieved of this pain by taking some home remedies.

Top 10 home remedies for gas pain in toddlers:

#1. Gentle massage

This is the first step that we take when we want to relieve gas pain in toddlers. The circular motion on the baby’s tummy with your palms can help the settle the aching nerves and muscles of the stomach. Massaging gently in circular motion, around the naval area of your baby’s tummy and also massaging from the chin down to the lower portion of the abdomen brings relief. All this needs to be done gently without pressure on the baby’s body. Also read: 6 Ways To Relieve Baby Of Gas Pain

#2. Foot massages

There are many nerves on our palms and feet that are linked to the stomach and massaging them can have direct effect in healing stomach pains. Massaging the feet has a therapeutic effect. Take the left foot of your baby in the palm of your right hand and then gently massage the centre of the feet with your left hand. Massage for 4- 5 times and then do this with the baby’s other feet. This can be done before a meal and will have immediate effect.

#3. Include more fibers in your baby's diet

Fibre rich foods improve digestion and keep things moving through the intestines. It also prevents constipation in children which can be another cause for gas. Berries, green vegetables, squash, celery, pulses, wheat are some of the fibre rich foods that should be included in a child’s diet. Breastfeeding moms should have fibre rich food to help their toddlers benefit from it. Fibre rich diet will help the child keep his system clean and make him less prone to flatulence.

#4. Encourage outdoor activities

Just as we tend to go for a stroll after having heavy food, children also will be relieved of gas pain if activities like walking and running without any twists are included in their daily lives. Active children have fewer gas related incidents. If your toddler has not yet mastered walking, you can take both his legs and gently move them in circular motions or cycle them between feeds. Encourage your toddlers to do a lot of activities. This will encourage food to move from the digestive tract. Also read: 3 Most Effective ingredients to treat Colic and Gas in Babies (without drops or medicine)

#5. Keep your child well hydrated

The digestive system works best when the body receives enough water and liquid. Having your child drink up fluids can not only relieve constipation but also is one of the best remedies for gas pains. Make sure your child drink enough water during the day. If you child is not fond of plain water, make him drink up juices, or flavoured water- flavour it with lemon and orange slices. Warm water, mixed with little honey is also a good remedy to relieve gas pain in toddlers.

#6. Asafetida Powder

Asafetida or heeng is a wonderful home remedy for gas pain in toddlers. You can mix the ‘hing’ powder in water to make a paste and apply it around (not inside) the child’s naval. Ensure that the child is lying in a horizontal position while you do so. You can also mix hing powder with olive oil and massage the baby’s abdominal area with it for some time. These remedies are known to provide relief.

#7. Pumpkin

Mashed pumkin or pumpkin as a vegetable is a great source to relieve toddlers of gas pain. Baked, steamed, roasted- pumpkin in any form is a resource that reduces the amount of gas created in the intestines. Half a cup of pumpkin with a meal everyday is a great way to ensure no gas pains in toddlers. Also read: Is it safe to give the Janam Ghutti to colic baby?

#8. Fennel seeds

These are extremely beneficial as it relaxes the intestines and helps trapped gas pass through easily while relieving gas pains. Including fennel seeds in diet is a great way to ensure that painful gas formation doesn’t happen. You can boil ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds and in 4 cups of water. Let it cool down and give a teaspoon of this water at least 2-3 times a day to your toddler. If your child can chew the seeds you can include fennel seeds when cooking vegetables.

#9. Warm compress

This is an age old method which brings immediate relief to gas pains. You can place a warm, not hot, compressor like a towel or a handkerchief on your toddler’s tummy. Soak a towel in warm water, wring it completely and place it on the tummy near the naval area. The warmth makes the gas move and pass down. When the compressor cools down, repeat the process. Do it 3-4 times until the gas has been released. Never use hot water bottles on baby’s tummy.

#10. Yoghurt and probiotic food

Yoghurt is a natural probiotic that relieves the tummy of any aches or pains. It is full of good bacteria. Fenugreek seeds are other probiotic food that can be easily given to your child. You can include them in khichdi recipes. Curd rice can be given to children to relieve them of gas pains. You can even use a little bit of rock salt to soothe gas pains in toddlers. Also read: Colic: symptoms, reasons and home remedies to treat the colic in babies Want to share your experience as a mom with other moms through words or images? Become a part of the Moms United community. Click here and we will get in touch with you

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