Top 3 tummy troubles
Because babies are born with immature digestive systems, they may experience episodes of colic, constipation, or spit-up during their first months. Here’s what to watch out for and what you can do to help.
Due to their immature digestive systems, babies may experience tummy troubles during the first few months. Here is some advice on what you can do to help.
Sources
Health Canada, Canadian Paediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada, Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (2012) Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from birth to six months.Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from Birth to Six Months - Canada.ca Accessed May 2021.
Benninga MA, Nurko S, Faure C et al. Childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders: Neonate/toddler. Gatroenterology 2016; 150:1443-55.
Biggs WS, Dery WH. Evaluation and treatment of constipation in infants and children. Am Fam Physician 2006; 73(3):469-77.
Camilleri M, Park, SY, Scarpato E et al. Exploring hypotheses and rationale for causes of infantile colic. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2017; 29(2): doi: 10.1111/nmo.12943.
Chau K, Lau E, Greenberg S, et al. Probiotics for infantile colic: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938. J Pediatr 2015; 166(1):74–8.
Cohen Engler A, Hadash A, Shehadeh N et al. Breastfeeding may improve nocturnal sleep and reduce infantile colic: Potential role of breast milk melatonin. Eur J Pediatr 2012; 171(4):729–32.
Garofoli F, Civardi E, Indrio F et al. The early administration of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 controls regurgitation episodes in full-term breastfed infants. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2014; 65(5):646-8.
Hyman PE, Milla PJ, Benninga MA et al. Childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders: neonate/toddler. Gastroenterology 2006; 130:1519-26.
Indrio F, Di Mauro A, Riezzo G et al. Prophylactic use of a probiotic in the prevention of colic, regurgitation, and functional constipation. A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatr 2014; 168(3):228-33.
Johnson JD, Cocker K, Chang E. Infantile Colic: Recognition and treatment. Am Fam Physician 2015; 92(7):577-82.
Savino F, Ceratto S, Poggi E et al. Preventive effects of oral probiotic on infantile colic: a prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled trial using Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938. Benef Microbes 2014; 6(3):245-51.
Szajewska H, Gyrczuk E, Horvath A. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for the management of infantile colic in breastfed infants: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. J Pediatr 2013; 162(2):257–62.
Vandenplas Y, Huysentruyt K. Early nutrition and its effect on the development of functional GI disorders.
Early Nutrition and Long-Term Health 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100168-4.00014-8
Vandenplas Y, Abkari A, Bellaiche M et al. Prevalence and health outcomes of functional gastrointestinal symptoms in infants from birth to 12 months of age. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2015; 61(5):531-7.
Vandenplas Y, Gutierrez-Castrellon P, Velasco-Benitez C et al. Practical algorithms for managing common gastrointestinal symptoms in infants. Nutrition 2013; 29(1):184-94.
Van Tilburg MA, Hyman PE, Walker L et al. Prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants and toddlers. J Pediatr 2015; 166(3):684-9.
Zeevenhooven J, Koppen IJ and Benninga MA. The new rome IV criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants and toddlers. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2017; 20(1):1-13.
Related articles
How to Soothe a Baby with Colic
Got a fussy baby? Infantile colic is characterized by intense, uncontrolled crying or fussing in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby. About 20% of babies suffer from colic.
4 mins to read
3 tips for your baby’s happy, healthy tummy
By Dr. Ted Jablonski, family physician
3 mins to read
Baby Poop Guide
This baby poop guide will help you understand the differences between different baby stool colours and consistencies as well as the stools of babies on different diets.
7 mins to read
Why babies cry
Did you know? Up to 20% of healthy babies may cry inconsolably during their first weeks of life. This is often called ‘colic’.
2 mins to read
Why do babies cry?
When you’re a new parent your baby’s cries can be overwhelming. Remember it’s a new world outside the womb and your little one is adjusting to his new surroundings.
2 mins to read
How to Soothe a Baby with an Upset Stomach
Watching your baby suffer from the symptoms of tummy troubles can be distressing.
3 mins to read
Playtime ideas for your 0-4 month old
Make the most of your time at home with these five tummy-time moves to get your little one active and help you bond with each other.
3 mins to read
Need some space? Here’s how to handle visitors after giving birth
If you’re an overwhelmed mom or dad with too many baby visitors, don’t panic. Here’s our top five tips on how to handle visitors after giving birth, giving you time to bond with your baby.
3 mins to read
Are they hungry? How to read your baby’s hunger cues
When it comes to feeding your baby, how will you know when to start and when to stop? Simple—they’ll tell you.
3 mins to read
Overcoming breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally but with a bit of practice, perseverance, and a few pointers, it can get easier. Try these steps to help tackle breastfeeding problems.
2 mins to read
Protein: the right amount for baby?
Meeting your baby’s protein needs in the crucial first 1000 days is important. Fortunately, breast milk has the right amount of protein for your baby.
2 mins to read
How to prepare and store baby formula
Formula. It’s full of nutrition—but how you prep and store it can serve up some questions, too.
5 mins to read
Healthy Diet for Nursing Mothers
Just as it was important to eat right while you were pregnant, it's also vital that you continue to do so while breastfeeding.
6 mins to read
How to help baby reflux
Baby reflux. It’s one of the most common symptoms in babies in their first year. Here are some baby reflux remedies to help prevent and ease the symptoms.
2 mins to read
When will my baby sleep through the night?
When your baby first comes home from the hospital, their irregular sleep patterns can be both challenging and exhausting.
4 mins to read
Benefits of probiotics for babies
This article includes contributions from Dr. Dina Kulik, pediatrician, and Charlotte Geroudet, GD.
5 mins to read
Did you know?
Breast milk is the best start for babies.
1 min to read
Breastfeeding for beginners: 4 steps for a successful start
Everything you need to know about breastfeeding in four steps.
1 min to read
Benefits of breastfeeding
Experts agree breast milk is best for babies.
4 mins to read
