Top 10 Effective Home Remedies to Improve Digestion in Babies and Toddlers

Motherhood comes with its own challenges and worries, and one of the most challenging things for a mother to deal with is her baby’s health. Hey there, parents! Have you noticed your little one having tummy troubles lately? Digestive issues in babies and toddlers can be a real challenge, leaving you and your child unsettled. If you’re worried about indigestion in your baby or toddler, this article is fruitful as we will discuss some effective natural remedies that help improve digestion in babies and toddlers. So, please grab a cup of tea and explore the top 10 home remedies that will make your little munchkin feel happy and comfortable again in no time!

Home Remedies to Treat Indigestion in Babies and Toddlers

Young babies and toddlers do not have a fully developed digestive system, which makes them susceptible to digestive issues. If your baby is throwing up, has diarrhoea, constipation or other such tummy troubles, there are chances your baby may be suffering from indigestion issues (8). Here are some fantastic natural remedies for indigestion in babies that are effective and easy to try. 

1. Warm Compression

Warm compression is an excellent way of getting rid of gas or bloating in babies and toddlers, and it also helps soothe and calm your little one. All you have to do is take a soft washcloth or towel and a bowl of warm water. Soak the towel in the warm water and wring to squeeze extra water. Gently place the warm towel over your baby’s belly for two to three minutes. Do this a couple of times a day to help relieve the symptoms.

2. Burping Correctly

Your baby ingests a lot of air during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. The trapped air may lead to tummy aches, gas and bloating, making your baby uncomfortable and uneasy. The best way to overcome this problem is to burp your baby often, especially after feeds. You can hold your baby upright, with one hand supporting your baby’s back and the other supporting the neck. Alternatively, you can make your baby lie on his tummy on your lap as you stroke his back.

3. Breast Milk

As discussed above, your baby has an immature digestive system, and therefore, until six months of age, breast milk is ideal for your baby. Most doctors suggest that newbie mommies exclusively breastfeed their babies until they cross the six-month threshold. When your baby feeds on breast milk, he is not only getting all the required nutrition but also adding immense benefits to your baby’s digestion (7).

4. Breastfeeding Position

Sometimes, minor changes like feeding position may help the baby deal with acid reflux. If your baby suffers from constant or regular bouts of throwing up, chances are he may be suffering from acid reflux. You should hold your baby in an upright position while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This may prevent the stomach’s content from returning to the oesophagus. Also, holding your baby upright for at least half an hour is helpful to keep the acid reflux bouts at bay.

5. Yogurt

Yogurt contains good bacteria and probiotics (2), which benefit your little one’s digestive health. Giving yogurt may be helpful if your baby is suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation (5). Please take a few spoons of yogurt and dilute it by adding a few spoons of water. Feed this to your baby a few times a day or until he feels better. However, it is not recommended to give yogurt to a baby who is less than six months of age. We suggest that you ask your doctor before giving yogurt to your baby.

6. Massage

Massaging is an excellent way of strengthening your little one’s bones and muscles; however, it is also a great way of easing any digestion-related discomfort your baby may face (9). You can take any good baby massage oil and massage around your baby’s belly button area. Keep your strokes gentle and move your hands in a clockwise direction. It is also a great way to release trapped gas in your baby’s tummy. You can also massage your baby’s legs by pressing them gently against his belly (10).

7. Bananas

Bananas are one of the best foods you can give your munchkin to improve his digestion. Instead, bananas are one of the first solid foods your baby may begin eating because they are super easy on your baby’s digestive tract. Being rich in fibre, bananas work well in treating constipation in babies, and if your baby is suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea, then eating a banana may benefit your baby’s gut health. However, do not give a baby a banana if he is under six months old (6).

8. Homemade Gripe Water

You can also make gripe water home with ginger, chamomile and fennel seeds. Most doctors may not recommend giving store-bought gripe water to your baby, but homemade gripe water is undoubtedly a safer bet. This works both for younger and older babies.

9. Broccoli

Broccoli is great for your little one, too. This green vegetable contains fibre, folate, calcium, and antioxidants. Broccoli helps in reducing any inflammation in your baby’s gastrointestinal tract (1). The ample amount of fibre in it is significant for battling constipation. It also helps improve gut health, nutrient absorption, and your baby’s immunity. However, do not give large amounts of broccoli to your munchkin, as it may lead to bloating, gas and other such issues in babies.

10. Fennel Oil

Fennel oil is one of the most effective essential oils in battling digestion-related issues (3). You can take a few drops of this oil and mix it in your baby’s regular massage oil or other carrier oils like coconut oil and gently rub it around your baby’s belly area. It helps in soothing the pain and discomfort related to digestive issues (4).

FAQs

1. What common signs indicate your baby or toddler may have digestion issues?

Common signs of digestion issues in babies/toddlers include frequent spitting up, excessive gas, abdominal pain, diarrhoea/constipation, irritability during/after feeding, and bloody stools.

2. Are there any specific foods you should avoid giving your baby or toddler to prevent digestive problems?

Foods to avoid for babies/toddlers include:

• Honey (under one year).
• Cow’s milk (primary drink before one year).
• Highly allergenic foods (introduced with caution).
• Excessively sugary/processed foods.
• Spicy/heavily seasoned foods.

These are some age-old home remedies that help battle indigestion issues in babies and toddlers and may work for your little one, too. However, if any of these do not work or your baby’s condition deteriorates further, seek medical help.

References/Resources:

1. Hubbard. T. D, Murray. I. A, Nichols. R. G et al.; Dietary broccoli impacts microbial community structure and attenuates chemically induced colitis in mice in an Ah receptor dependent manner; Journal of Functional Foods; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464617305029?via%3Dihub; October 2017

2. Ashraf. R, Shah. N. P; Immune system stimulation by probiotic microorganisms; PubMed Central; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24499072/

3. De. A. K, De. M; Functional and therapeutic applications of some general and rare spices; Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Metabolic and Non-Communicable Diseases; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128198155000446

4. Limketkai. B. N; Functional Food in Relation to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10458865/; August 2023

5. Mathew. A, Wanshnong. L, Longtrai. S, Ghosh. D; Bananas and neonatal gastric perforation; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3326835/

6. Bae. S. H; Diets for Constipation; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291444/; December 2014

7. Ho. J. M. D, How. C. H; Chronic constipation in infants and children; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7052003/; February 2020

8. Liu. Z, Gang. L, Yunwei. M, Ling. L; Clinical Efficacy of Infantile Massage in the Treatment of Infant Functional Constipation: A Meta-Analysis; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8232057/; June 2021

9. Ideran. P; The Benefits of Baby Massage; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/the-benefits-of-baby-massage.aspx

 Also Read:

Home Remedies for Loose Motion in Babies
Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux in Infants
Effective Natural Remedies for Constipation in Babies