How to treat a child's flatulence? The complete parent's guide

9/02/2025
8 minutes

Bloating in children is one of the common problems that many parents face. This complication can cause discomfort, restlessness and even pain in the child. Various factors such as nutrition, how to swallow air while feeding or digestive sensitivities can play a role in the occurrence of bloating. In most cases, this problem is temporary and can be alleviated by following simple tips. Knowing the causes of flatulence and ways to relieve it can help parents to calm their child and prevent further discomfort.

What is flatulence in children?

Abdominal bloating in children is a condition in which a large amount of gas accumulates in the stomach or intestines and causes a feeling of fullness, stiffness and discomfort in the abdomen. This condition can be accompanied by symptoms such as restlessness, abdominal pain, constant crying (especially in babies), abdominal bloating and frequent passing of gas.

Bloating is usually caused by various factors, such as swallowing air while eating, consuming certain flatulent foods, constipation, lack of development of the digestive system, or food allergies. In many cases, this problem is temporary and can be solved by changing the eating pattern, massaging the abdomen and following some simple tips. However, if the child's bloating is persistent and accompanied by severe symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, or anorexia, investigations by best pediatrician It has.

Causes of flatulence in children

Abdominal bloating in children can occur for various reasons, some of which are related to diet and others to the functioning of the digestive system. In the following, we mention the most important causes of abdominal bloating in children:

1. Swallowing air while eating

Children, especially infants, may swallow a lot of air when feeding or drinking liquids, which can cause gas to build up in the stomach and cause bloating. Using an inappropriate feeding bottle, sucking a pacifier for a long time or crying a lot are also factors that cause air to enter the baby's stomach.

2. Improper nutrition and consumption of certain foods

Some foods such as legumes, dairy products, cabbage, cauliflower, carbonated drinks and foods rich in fiber can increase the production of gas in the stomach and intestines. Excessive consumption of these substances can cause bloating and abdominal discomfort in young children. Also, some babies may be sensitive to lactose in milk, which leads to gas and bloating.

3. Lack of full development of the digestive system

In babies and young children, the digestive system is not yet fully developed. This issue can cause incomplete digestion of some foods and as a result gas accumulation in the stomach and intestines. The gradual development of the digestive system usually reduces bloating in children over time.

4. Constipation and digestive disorders

Children who are constipated are more prone to flatulence. Accumulation of food in the intestine and reduction of intestinal movements causes gas and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. Not consuming enough water and fiber is one of the common causes of constipation and bloating in children.

5. Allergies and food sensitivities

Some children may be allergic to some foods such as cow's milk, gluten or some fruits. This sensitivity can cause digestive problems such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation. Identifying and removing allergens from the child's diet can help reduce these symptoms.

6. Growth and hormonal changes

During certain stages of development, such as infancy or early childhood, hormonal changes may affect the functioning of the digestive system. These changes can increase gas production and abdominal bloating in some children.

7. Gastrointestinal infections

The presence of viral or bacterial infections in the child's digestive system can cause digestive disorders and increased gas in the intestines. In this situation, in addition to bloating, the child may also experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.

8. Taking some drugs

Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of beneficial gut bacteria and cause digestive problems such as bloating. In such cases, the use of probiotics under the supervision of a doctor can help improve the child's digestive condition.

By identifying the possible causes of bloating in children and following nutritional and care tips, you can help reduce this problem and improve their digestive health.

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Time to see a doctor

Abdominal bloating in children is often normal and mostly happens due to food digestion or digestive gases. But sometimes it may be a sign of a more serious problem that needs medical attention. If your child has the following symptoms, it is better to see a doctor:

Severe or continuous abdominal pain that causes crying and severe discomfort.
Fever with bloating.
Vomiting or throwing up frequently after eating.
Weight loss or loss of appetite.
Severe constipation or persistent diarrhea.
severe abdominal swelling that is very visible.

If you don't have any of these symptoms and the bloating is normal, it's usually nothing to worry about. However, always consult your doctor if you are concerned.

Methods to treat flatulence in children

Methods to treat flatulence in children are:

Abdominal massage

Massaging the child's abdomen gently can help reduce trapped gas and reduce bloating. To do this, place your palm on the baby's stomach and massage in clockwise circular motions. This helps move gas in the intestines and reduce abdominal pressure. Doing this method before sleeping or after feeding can be effective.

Furthermore, gently bending the baby's legs towards the stomach (especially in infants) helps to release gases. Do this exercise several times until the child feels more comfortable. Also, make sure baby's clothes aren't too tight, as too much pressure on the belly can make bloat worse.

Change in diet

In children who are breastfed, some foods that the mother consumes may cause the baby to be bloated. Foods such as dairy, cabbage, legumes, and carbonated drinks can cause gas. In these cases, the mother can check its effect by removing or reducing these substances from her diet.

If the baby uses formula, some types of formula may cause bloating. Changing to an anti-flatulent formula or consulting a doctor to choose the right option can help. In older children, consumption of puffy foods such as fast foods, carbonated drinks and fatty foods should be limited. Also, chewing food slowly and consuming enough fiber helps in better digestion.

Using gentle heat

Heat can help relax the abdominal muscles and reduce cramping caused by bloating. For this, you can use a warm cloth or hot water bag covered with a towel on the baby's stomach. This work increases blood flow in the abdominal area and reduces pain.

Of course, you should be careful not to overheat to avoid skin burns. Using this method before going to sleep can help the child sleep more comfortably.

Use of antiflatulent drugs

In some cases, the doctor may recommend anti-bloating medications such as simethicone. This medicine helps to break up the gas bubbles in the stomach and reduces bloating. This medicine is usually safe and can be used according to the doctor's prescription.

However, drugs should be used as a last resort and natural methods such as dietary changes and abdominal massage should be tried first. Also, excessive use of anti-flatulent drugs may cause the digestive system to become dependent on them, so they should be used with caution.

Making sure that breastfeeding is correct

In babies who are breastfed, breastfeeding status is very important. If the baby is not properly attached to the mother's breast, he may swallow a lot of air along with the milk, leading to bloat. Ensuring the correct placement of the baby's mouth on the chest and preventing air from entering can prevent this problem.

Also, in babies who use feeding bottles, anti-bloat bottles or bottles that have a good flow should be used. After every meal of milk, burping the baby also helps to release excess air from the stomach and prevent bloating.

Conclusion

Treatment of flatulence in children requires a combination of methods such as changes in diet, drug therapy, massage, etc. By following the correct nutrition and breastfeeding tips, you can prevent this problem and provide more peace for the child.