Excessive gas can be a very uncomfortable problem for just about anyone, but more so for little children, who have no idea of what they are experiencing and why. Gas in toddlers is a very common problem, which could cause any child to suffer from an intense amount of pain as well as a few other distressing symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, cramps, belching, and so on. Children have been known to cry a lot, especially during the latter part of the day when they suffer from an excessive amount of toddler gas; at times they may also refuse to eat or drink anything, because they are feeling uneasy. Severe toddler gas pain at night has caused many toddlers and infants to lose sleep for nights together, along with their families. Most parents find it very difficult to see their child suffer, from toddler gas and the pain it causes. This is probably why most of them seek immediate treatment, in the form of medication or home remedies for gas relief. Many doctors suggest certain over the counter medicines for short term toddler gas relief. However, in such cases, the pain is only abated for a short period of time; it could return within a couple of hours, or after a day or so. Moreover, in most instances, this problem is a result of dietary habits and therefore, it is quite easy to get toddler gas pain relief, just by making simple changes. Therefore, when parents are looking for long term baby gas relief, it is important for them to understand what the factors are, that could be causing excessive and painful toddler flatulence.
Causes for toddler gas
The causes of excessive gas in toddlers and adults are almost the same in most instances. One of the main reasons that babies and toddlers suffer from toddler gas and constipation is the consumption of foods that are low in fiber, such as milk. Children who mainly drink high amounts of cow's milk usually suffer from constipation, which could lead to gas. Dietary changes, like the transition from milk to solid food could also lead to digestive problems, like constipation, toddler gas or diarrhea.
Many children suffer from toddler gas and constipation mainly because they do not consume an adequate amount of water. Children who do not get enough physical activity during the day are also quite prone to gas and constipation. Acid reflux in toddlers could also cause them to face a gas problem.
Baby gas relief - Natural remedies
Most people tend to avoid giving their children any medication, unless it is absolutely necessary, primarily due to the side effects that are associated with tradition medicines. While it is acceptable to give the child drops or other medicines once in a while, to relieve toddler gas pain, these medicines should be avoided on a long term basis. In order to prevent the problem from recurring, it is important to incorporate the right remedies for gas relief, which address the underlying cause of the problem. Given below are some of the most widely recommended home remedies for gas relief and pain in toddlers and infants:
- Water: Increasing the consumption of water and other healthy fluids is one of the most effective ways of relieving infant gas or toddler gas. Apple juice is also very effective when it comes to relieving gas in babies and toddlers. Other liquids which are also good at relieving infant gas pain include milk (preferably breast milk), fresh fruit juice and broth.
- Fiber: It is essential for all parents to ensure that their children consume fiber-rich foods on a regular basis, as it improves the efficiency of the digestive process, moving the food faster, through the intestines. This is turn reduces the changes of gas formation in the stomach. Some of the best fiber-rich foods that should be included in any diet include beans, sweet potatoes, spinach, peas, peaches and nectarines.
- Reducing the intake of constipating food: There are many foods which take very long to digest and could lead to the formation of excess gas. Hence, foods like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and celery should be avoided, as they are known to cause gas. Foods that are high in fat and sugar are also unhealthy and could lead to gas.
- Gripe water: This is one of the most highly recommended newborn gas remedies. It is important to ensure that the child gets no more than the daily recommended dose, after checking with a doctor, or reading the labels carefully.
- Massage therapy: Strange as this may sound, there are several parents who have seen a major improvement in their children's gas problem, after trying a baby gas relief massage. However, it is important to ensure that the massage is administered by a well-qualified and experienced professional.
- Aniseed: This is an effective home remedy for reducing excess gas in newborn babies and infants who are being breastfed. A teaspoon and a half of aniseed should be boiled in a liter of water, for about 10 minutes or so. This decoction needs to be left aside for a while so that it cools. Breastfeeding moms should consume this water, instead of regular water, in order to reduce gas in their babies.
- Caraway and cumin seeds: This home remedy is more suitable for children who are a bit older. A teaspoon each of caraway and cumin seeds can be boiled in a cup of water, till the liquid reduces in half. A pinch of sugar could be added to it, before it is given to the child.
The home remedies for gas relief in infants, babies and kids mentioned above are quite safe, as long as they are used correctly. However, it is best to consult a doctor, before using any baby gas relief home remedy, in order to avoid any side effects. This is all the more important in case of those children who are prone to allergies, food intolerances or any other health problems. In case the home remedies mentioned above, do not bring about the desired results, it may be best to consult a doctor and seek medical treatment.
answered by A S