5 Ways To Support Your Baby’s Digestive System
Does your baby seem to be fussy lately? Do you suspect it’s digestive discomfort? Every new parent might have seen their baby fuss, cry, and spit-up a number of times. Though it’s pretty normal, you could do some things to make your baby more comfortable and less fussy. Plus, it will also help keep your sanity. Here are 5 ways you can support your little one’s digestive system:
In This Article
1. Take Frequent Breaks In Between Each Feeding
Take breaks between feedings to burp your baby. It may help him/her to get rid of the gas that’s trapped inside. This gas can cause your baby to feel full or experience discomfort. Burping can help free up the room in your baby’s tummy. You can do it halfway through the feeding, or when you are switching between breasts. However, if your baby is not burping after an attempt or two, you can continue to feed again. Remember, there is no one way that you can burp your baby. Find a position that works best for you and the little one.
2. Go For Frequent Small Feedings Instead Of Big Ones
Feed your baby every 2-3 hours (1). If your baby seems hungry, you can feed more. If they are crying or sucking on fists, it might be a sign of hunger. It’s also equally important to know when your baby has had enough. If they are biting or taking away from the nipple, it might be a cue that they are full. Also, if your baby has fallen asleep while feeding, it’s probably better to not wake them up to feed. After all, they need their sleep.
3. Adjust Your Position While Feeding
If your baby spits up more than usual, you could try changing the feeding position. Try a position that will keep your precious one’s milk down by utilizing gravity. So, if you hold your baby horizontally, try to shift to a sort of an upright position. Trying this position soon after a feed might also help. Hold your baby in an upright position for about 30 minutes after each feed (2).
4. Breastfeed For Your Baby’s Healthy Gut
A healthy gut is a foundation for a good immune system. Breastmilk has good gut bacterias that are crucial for the baby during their life, especially early on (3). Breastfeeding itself can help your baby achieve good gut health. However, if your baby is on formula milk, there are infant formulas that contain prebiotics for good gut health of your little one. So, choose good quality formulas that provide the best nutrition for your baby.
5. Try Giving A Baby Massage
You can give your little one a baby massage to relieve the pent-up gas. Here’s how to do one:
- Lay your baby on the back.
- Now gently move their legs up and down, imitating the leg movements while riding a bicycle. This helps the gas move.
- You can also lay them on their abdomen. The pressure on the abdomen will help to get the gas out.
- To be safe, make sure the baby is awake and by your side when on their stomach.
It’s best to consult with your pediatrician before you go ahead with the baby massage.
Your baby can also have a reaction to something in your diet if you are breastfeeding. In such cases, your doctor may suggest eliminating certain foods from your diet. We hope our tips will help your little one have a happy feed and sound sleep. Are there any tips and tricks up your sleeve that might help fellow mommies? Feel free to share in the comment section below.
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