Bloating and abdominal distension are common occurrences in newborns, causing significant concern for parents, especially young mothers and fathers. Moreover, the constant crying of babies, who cannot communicate, further confuses many families. In this article, the reasons behind babies experiencing bloating and vomiting will be explained, along with some suggested ways to manage these issues.
1. Overview of Bloating in Young Children / Newborns
The younger the age, the more frequent bloating and abdominal distension occur, particularly in newborns. When a baby experiences bloating, they become very uncomfortable, which leads to continuous crying and refusal to eat or drink milk. If this poor appetite persists, the baby faces a significant risk of malnutrition.
2. What Are the Signs That Your Baby Has Bloating?
Even though a baby cannot communicate with words, they still express discomfort through certain body signs, including:
- The baby’s stomach appears bloated and round, usually 1 to 2 hours after the last feeding.
- When lightly tapping the baby’s stomach, it produces a sound similar to drumming.
- Burping and sour burps after feedings are common when a baby has bloating.
- The baby cries constantly after feeding and shows signs of loss of appetite or reluctance to breastfeed.
- The baby’s stool may be very constipated or very loose, and the baby does not pass gas.
If one or more of these signs occur, it indicates that the baby is experiencing bloating. Some babies with bloating may also have vomiting and fever, particularly if the digestive issue is related to an underlying health condition, or simply because the baby has been crying excessively, causing their body temperature to rise.
3. What Causes Bloating in Young Children?
3.1. Colic Syndrome May Cause Bloating in Babies
Many studies have shown a close relationship between bloating and abdominal distension in young children and Colic syndrome. This syndrome occurs in 20% of newborns, typically beginning in the first 3 weeks of life, lasting about 3 hours per day and 3 days a week. It peaks at week 6, which is the most uncomfortable period for babies, and gradually decreases, ending by week 16.
Scientists explain this link by stating that the pressure in the baby’s stomach increases when bloating occurs, causing gastric juices and air to seek a way out. Meanwhile, the baby’s lower esophageal sphincter is not fully developed to open and close properly, which increases the pressure, leading to poor absorption and more bloating, along with vomiting and fever.
3.2. Nutritional Absorption Issues from Milk
This condition often occurs in babies who are formula-fed or consume milk that is problematic due to the mother’s diet containing too many indigestion-causing and bloating foods. Additionally, babies may also have lactose intolerance, either from breast milk or formula. This is because the baby’s body does not produce enough digestive enzymes to break down lactose, resulting in bloating, vomiting, and fever.
3.3. Medication Effects
Medications, especially antibiotics, can have many negative effects on young children. The gut microbiota of infants is still unstable, and when antibiotics are used, beneficial bacteria in the gut may be killed, disrupting the overall microbiome balance and weakening gut health.
3.4. Early Introduction of Solid Foods
Introducing solid foods too early, before the digestive system is fully developed, forces the baby’s gut to interact with different types of food. If the baby is not ready to adapt and digest, the food may remain in the stomach, ferment, and create gas, leading to bloating.
Additionally, when starting solid foods, if meals are scheduled too close together or if the baby is forced to eat too much each time, it can overwhelm the digestive system.
4. What to Do When Your Baby Has Bloating and Vomiting with a Fever?
When you identify that your baby is experiencing bloating through the signs, you can try some solutions to alleviate the symptoms.
4.1. Gently Massage the Baby’s Belly After Feeding
After the feeding session, place your fingers on the center of the baby’s belly and gently massage in a clockwise direction. This motion can help your baby gradually digest and feel more comfortable.
4.2. Assist the Baby with Bicycle Leg Movements
First, lay the baby on their back, then gently move each leg, one at a time, in a bicycle-pedaling motion. This action helps to gradually release excess gas from the baby’s stomach.
4.3. Be Patient and Help the Baby Burp After Feeding
After the baby finishes breastfeeding, hold them and gently pat their back to help them burp. This helps to release gas from the stomach, relieving the bloating discomfort.
4.4. Give the Baby Probiotics
Yogurt and some mild probiotic products can help improve bloating and vomiting symptoms in newborns.
5. When Should You Take Your Baby to the Doctor for Bloating?
In most cases, bloating and vomiting in babies do not require medical intervention and can be managed with gentle methods to relieve the gas. However, if your baby exhibits the following signs, you should consult a pediatrician as soon as possible for further support:
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation without an apparent cause.
- Continuous refusal to feed and constant crying, along with difficulty sleeping.
- Blood or unusual color in the baby’s stool.
In the care of newborns and infants, bloating is a common occurrence. Therefore, it’s essential to know the methods to relieve the baby’s discomfort. Additionally, if the baby’s bloating and vomiting persist for several days or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a doctor for better treatment options.
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