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Abdominal gas is completely normal in both adults and children with the average person passing gas through burping and flatulence at least 12 to 14 times a day. It’s when there is an excess of gas produced or when the gas cannot be passed that abdominal pain develops. Gas problems in kids are caused by a host of different reasons such as swallowing excess air, eating certain foods, eating too fast, and conditions such as food intolerances or allergies that could interfere with the normal digestion process.

Symptoms of gas pain in toddlers include abdominal pain and cramps, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Gas pain could lead to uncontrollable crying, loss of appetite and sleeplessness in younger kids and infants. If symptoms do not resolve over time or if they are accompanied by a fever, vomiting, loss of weight, blood in the stools or an abdomen that is hard to touch, contact your doctor immediately.

Apart from medication, there are a number of natural home remedies to treat gas pain in children. These include:

• The first thing you should do is to try and identify if there is any particular food or food group that is causing the gas. Certain foods such as milk and milk products, whole grains, carbonated drinks and specific vegetables and fruits can cause an excess of gas. For example foods that may lead to gas include beans, cabbage, onions, apples, potatoes, cauliflower, pears, peaches, and prunes. Fatty and spicy foods and foods that contain preservatives and additives can also aggravate the condition. Keep a food diary to identify which foods do not agree with your child and eliminate them from his daily diet. In case your child has a particular allergy or intolerance such as lactose intolerance or an egg allergy, speak to your doctor about alternative sources of nutrition and recommended meal plans.
• Some habits such as chewing gum or eating candy may cause gas as well. Simply stop your kid from having these treats until his digestive system settles down.
• Instill good eating habits that include sitting down for a meal and not eating hurriedly. Gulping food down in big bites lead to an excess of swallowed air and indigestion.
• Older children may benefit from calming cups of herbal tea if they are prone to gas and bloating. Chamomile or peppermint tea works very well and helps ease upset stomachs. Younger children should avoid peppermint tea though as the menthol can be too strong for their delicate systems.
• Try a gentle tummy massage on your child to reduce stomach pain and cramps. Rub his belly in a slow clockwise motion to help with the natural passing of excess gas.
• A hot water bottle or warm compress placed on the stomach can also help relax abdominal muscles and provide pain relief.
• Increase the intake of probiotics such as yoghurt and soy products in your child’s diet. These contain healthy bacteria that help maintain the proper functioning of the digestive system.
• Foods that contain high fructose corn syrup can lead to bloating and gas in children. Try and avoid ready to eat meals and processed foods and choose home cooked meals instead.
• Give your child a handful of fennel seeds to chew on after a meal. These help relax the muscles of the stomach and intestines and allow trapped gas to pass through easily.
• Ginger is another excellent natural remedy for stomach problems. However most children do not like the strong taste of ginger. To make it more palatable, give them ginger in the form of candied ginger or ginger ale.
• There are certain yoga poses that help alleviate symptoms of gas and bloating. Speak to a certified yoga instructor about what poses are suitable for children.

References:

1. http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/gas-flatulence