What should I do if my baby always has a bloated stomach?

There are many reasons for a baby's bloating, which is also called gastrointestinal flatulence. For example, if a child eats too much, it will increase the burden on the stomach and intestines, leading to a weakened gastrointestinal digestion ability. Food may stay in the stomach for too long, which will cause fermentation and produce gas, leading to bloating. Especially since children's digestive abilities are still imperfect, they should try to eat small meals frequently and avoid eating too much at one time. This can easily lead to such a phenomenon. In addition, incorrect feeding methods can also easily cause such symptoms. In daily life, we must pay attention to diet regulation. We should not eat too much at each meal. We must eat at regular times and in fixed quantities, and eat small meals frequently.

Why does my baby always have bloating?

Some parents have reported that their babies often have a bloated stomach and are always suffering from bloating. What is going on? Why are babies prone to bloating?

1. The baby’s digestive system is immature

Babies are prone to bloating, which is mainly related to the immaturity of their digestive system. During infancy, the baby's digestive system is not yet fully developed. In addition, since the baby lies down all day, food can easily accumulate in the baby's small stomach, which can easily lead to bloating.

2. Incorrect feeding method

If your baby always has bloating, you should also consider whether the feeding method is correct. Some mothers, because they lack experience, always wait until the baby is so hungry that he cries very hard before feeding the baby. Because the baby is too hungry, he will eat very quickly and hard, so it is easy for him to inhale air. At this time, the baby may suffer from abdominal distension due to burping, and abdominal distension will further cause him physical discomfort, which will make the baby cry even more.

Some mothers who feed their babies artificially do not choose a pacifier with an appropriate hole size according to the baby's age. If the hole of the nipple is too large, the baby can easily inhale air and milk together, causing bloating. If the hole of the nipple is too small, the baby will suck hard because he cannot get the milk, and in the process he can easily inhale air, causing bloating.

How to prevent baby’s bloating?

1. Breastfeeding mothers should try to avoid eating foods that easily cause bloating

For breastfed babies, if the child's symptoms are still intermittent during the period when the mother is on a diet, it means that breast milk is not the cause of the child's bloating. However, if the child's bloating is alleviated after the mother's diet is restrained, then the mother should stay away from foods that cause bloating for a while.

2. Babies who are fed with milk powder can try changing the milk powder

If your baby is formula fed, you can try switching to a different brand of formula. If your child cannot absorb lactose, then when choosing milk powder, you should pay special attention to the nutritional formula of the milk powder on the outer packaging, and try to choose formula milk powder that does not contain lactose, soy or is hypoallergenic. Of course, changing milk powder may not produce immediate results. You still have to wait about two weeks to see the effects.

3. Feed on schedule

Don't wait until your baby is so hungry that he cries loudly before feeding him. If the child cries loudly, parents should first comfort the child.

4. Feeding posture should be correct

When feeding, the baby's face should be facing the breast to ensure that his mouth covers the entire nipple and areola. When feeding with a bottle, if you hear a bubbling sound or see milk flowing out from the corners of your baby's mouth, it means that your baby may not be holding the nipple tightly. You can place the baby's head at 45 degrees and keep the bottle tilted accordingly so that the nipple is always full of milk. In addition, the size of the nipple hole should also be appropriate to the baby's age.

5. Burp your baby after feeding

After feeding, do not let the baby lie down immediately. Instead, hold the baby upright with his head resting on your shoulder, then gently pat the baby's back with your hands until the baby burps before letting him lie down.