6 Common Gastric Issues In Babies You Need To Know About

If you’re a parent to a baby, then you know the never-ending cycle of feeding, burping, diaper changing, and trying to get your little one to sleep. It’s beautiful, chaotic, and often messy. But the worst part is when your baby won’t stop crying. That could be due to one of the common gastric issues in babies….. Colic!

A colic baby is a parent’s nightmare. As cute as those little baby burps can be, they can also be a sign that something isn’t quite right. Whether it’s reflux, colic, or constipation, it can be tough to watch your little one go through any discomfort.

Want to know how to care for your disturbed baby?

As a parent, there’s nothing more important than your baby’s health and well-being. And when it comes to their little tummies, it can be tricky to know what’s going on. Is it just a case of gas or something more serious?

As you navigate this new world of parenthood, educating yourself on the common gastric issues in babies is essential. From spit-up to diaper blowouts, babies have a lot going on in their digestive systems. But with some knowledge and handy tricks, you can help your baby feel better and get back to those adorable gurgles and coos in no time.

So let’s dive in and explore the world of common gastric issues in babies!

Common Gastric Issues In Babies

1. Colic

Colic is a term used to describe excessive crying in otherwise healthy babies, and it is one of the most common digestive issues in babies. According to the American Academy of Pediatric (AAP), colic affects up to 25% of infants, making it one of the most common gastric issues in babies. It typically starts around two weeks of age and peaks at six weeks before gradually subsiding by three to four months of age.

Colic is often associated with gastrointestinal discomfort. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, some researchers suggest that colic may be related to the immaturity of a baby’s digestive system or sensitivity to certain foods. However, there still needs to be a clear consensus on the exact cause of colic.

While colic can be distressing for both parents and babies, several strategies may help ease symptoms. These can include

Offering frequent feedings
Keeping babies upright after feeding
Using gentle rocking or swaying motions
Providing a soothing environment with white noise or gentle music

It’s important to note that colic is a temporary condition and does not cause long-term harm to babies. However, if you are concerned about your baby’s excessive crying or digestive issues, it’s always a good idea to consult with your paediatrician. They can help rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide guidance on how to manage colic symptoms.

2. Feeding Intolerance

Feeding intolerance is another one of the common gastric issues in babies, leading to discomfort, vomiting, and other digestive symptoms. As per the American Academy of Pediatrics feeding intolerance occurs when a baby’s digestive system is unable to digest and absorb nutrients from formula or breast milk properly. This can be due to a variety of factors, including food intolerances, allergies, or a medical condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

According to research, feeding intolerance may be related to an allergy or intolerance to a specific ingredient in formula or breast milk. For example, some babies may be allergic to cow’s milk protein, which can cause digestive issues. In these cases, switching to a hypoallergenic formula or eliminating certain foods from the mother’s diet if breastfeeding may help alleviate symptoms.

Some of the signs of feeding intolerance in babies include

Excessive crying
Fussiness during feedings
Arching of the back
Spitting up
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation

If you suspect that your baby may have feeding intolerance, it’s important to consult with your paediatrician, who can help determine the underlying cause and provide guidance on how to manage symptoms.

3. Spitting Up Or Reflux

Spitting up or reflux is a common digestive issue in babies, which occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back into the oesophagus. This can cause discomfort, and babies may exhibit symptoms such as spitting up, arching of the back, or fussiness after feedings. While, according to research spitting up is common in babies, in some cases, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more severe form of reflux.

Spitting up by babies is generally not a cause for concern and can be managed by making small changes to feeding and positioning. For example, feeding your baby smaller, more frequent meals and holding them upright for 20 to 30 minutes after feedings can help reduce reflux symptoms. In some cases, your paediatrician may recommend medications to help manage symptoms.

4. Vomiting and Projectile Vomiting

Vomiting occurs when the stomach contents are forcefully expelled through the mouth. Although vomiting is one of the common gastric issues in babies, projectile vomiting, in particular, can be alarming for parents, as it often occurs with force and can travel several feet away from the baby. Vomiting can be caused by a variety of factors, including feeding issues, infections, and underlying medical conditions.

According to the AAP, there are some simple ways to prevent vomiting in babies, including:

Feed your baby in an upright position and keep them upright for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding.
Burping your baby frequently during and after feedings.
Avoiding overfeeding your baby and feeding them smaller, more frequent meals.
Ensure that your baby’s diaper is not too tight, as this can put pressure on their stomach and cause vomiting.

If your baby experiences vomiting, it’s important to monitor their symptoms. Consult with your paediatrician if vomiting is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or lethargy.

5. Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is one of the most common gastric issues in babies and young children. A variety of factors can cause it, such as

Infections, such as viral or bacterial gastroenteritis, commonly cause diarrhoea in babies.
Food allergies or intolerances can also lead to diarrhoea in babies.
Changes in diet are another common cause of diarrhoea in children. These changes often include introducing new foods or a sudden increase in fibre.

If your baby has diarrhoea, monitoring their symptoms closely and ensuring they stay hydrated is important. Frequent, watery bowel movements can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous in young children. Babies should be offered fluids frequently, such as breast milk or formula, to prevent dehydration. In some cases, an oral rehydration solution may be necessary to replace fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhoea.

6. Constipation

Constipation in babies occurs when a baby has difficulty passing stools. According to research, this can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in diet, dehydration, and certain medical conditions.

If your baby has constipation, it might show symptoms like straining during bowel movements, hard or pellet-like stools, and infrequent bowel movements. In some cases, constipation can cause discomfort or pain for the baby.

If you want to prevent and manage constipation in your baby, it’s important to ensure they get enough fluids and fibre in their diet. Breastfed babies may benefit from additional feedings, while formula-fed babies may benefit from switching to a different type of formula.

In some cases, medications or suppositories may be necessary to help relieve constipation. However, it’s important to consult with a paediatrician before giving any medications to a baby.

In Conclusion

Now that you know the common gastric issues in babies, you can better understand what your baby is going through. You can diagnose their condition and take the suggested measure accordingly. One such important measure is to give your baby Bonnisan Syrup. Bonnisan is a herbal concoction that promises to provide gastric relief to your baby. It promises happy babies and happier parents.