What to do if your 2-year-old baby has stomach pain

It is quite common for babies to experience abdominal pain. Generally speaking, improper eating habits, constipation, bacteria or viruses in the abdomen, and changes in diet can all cause abdominal pain in babies. When the baby has symptoms of abdominal pain, parents must pay close attention to the baby's changes and provide good care in daily life. Next, I will introduce to you some relevant knowledge about baby’s abdominal pain!

1. Causes of abdominal pain in babies

Usually, abdominal pain in babies does not last long or cause other serious symptoms. If your baby eats too fast, eats too much, or produces gas, abdominal pain may occur. The abdominal pain may go away after digestion and rest.

Constipation is also a common cause of abdominal pain in babies. Constipation is not just about the frequency of his bowel movements, but also about the consistency of the baby's stool. So even if the baby has a bowel movement twice a day, but the stool is dry and hard, he is still constipated. On the contrary, if the baby has a bowel movement once every few days but the stool is relatively soft, he is not constipated. If your baby has learned to go to the toilet by himself, you may not have the opportunity to observe, but if your baby often complains of stomachache, it may be constipation.

Bacteria or viruses in the abdomen can also cause abdominal pain. Gastroenteritis or food poisoning can also cause vomiting and abdominal pain. Ear or throat inflammation may also cause abdominal pain in your baby.

Changes in diet, such as drinking too much juice, milk, etc., can also cause abdominal pain. There are also some surgeries that are difficult to prevent, such as appendicitis.

2. What do parents need to pay attention to?

See a doctor right away if your baby:

The baby looks very uncomfortable and in bad condition;

The baby will not drink any liquids. Your child can quickly become dehydrated, especially if he's vomiting or has diarrhea;

The baby suddenly has severe pain in the abdomen, so painful that he has to hold his stomach and bend over;

If your baby's stool turns black or contains blood, and there is redness and swelling near the abdomen;

The child is dehydrated and can't have his diaper changed more than three times a day or he cries without tears;

The pain is on the right side of the baby's lower abdomen, and urination is difficult;

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting that lasts for more than 12 hours

3. What should parents do at home?

After sending the baby to the hospital, the doctor will conduct some examinations on the baby to determine the cause of the disease, and then teach the parents how to take care of the baby. Only in very rare cases, such as when your baby needs surgery or is seriously ill, will your baby need to stay in the hospital.

When caring for your baby at home, taking the following measures can help relieve your baby's pain: Let your baby get enough rest, as sleep usually relieves pain. Give your baby plenty of water, as he may not be able to eat solid food for a few days, but he must not be dehydrated. If your baby is vomiting, you should give him plenty of water regularly. Some oral rehydration solutions, such as glucose water or oral electrolyte solutions sold in pharmacies, are also very effective in relieving abdominal pain.

In addition, your baby must take the medicine prescribed by the doctor on time. If your baby has taken some over-the-counter medicine, be sure to tell the doctor because it may affect the efficacy of the medicine he prescribed. If your baby still has a fever, check his temperature every four hours to monitor his condition.