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. And if you’re worried about indigestion in your baby or toddler, well, this article may prove to be fruitful as we shall be discussing some effective home remedies that help in improving digestion in babies and toddlers.

Home Remedies to Treat Indigestion in Babies and Toddlers

Young babies and toddlers do not have a fully developed digestion system, which makes them susceptible to digestion 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. However, if you make use of any of the following home remedial measures, it may help in treating indigestion issues.

1. Warm Compression

Warm compression is a great way of getting rid of gas or bloating in babies and toddlers and it also helps in soothing and calming your little one. All you have to do it 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. You may 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, which can make your baby extremely uncomfortable and uneasy. The best way to overcome this problem is to burp your baby often, especially after feeds. You can hold your baby in an upright position with your one hand supporting your baby’s back and the other supporting the neck. Alternatively, you can make your baby lie down 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 would suggest the newbie mommies to exclusively feed breastfeed their babies until they cross the six months threshold. When your baby feeds on breast milk, he is not only getting all the required nutrition but it is also adding immense benefits to your baby’s digestion.

4. Breastfeeding Position

Sometimes just making minor changes like feeding position may help your 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 is an upright position while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This may prevent the stomach’s content to get thrown back to the oesophagus. Also, holding your baby in an upright position for at least half an hour may prove to be helpful to keep the acid reflux bouts at bay.

5. Yoghurt

Yoghurt contains good bacteria and probiotics which are beneficial for your little one’s digestive health. If your baby is suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation, giving yoghurt may prove to be helpful. Take a few spoons of yoghurt 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 yoghurt to a baby who is less than six months of age. We recommend that you ask your doctor before giving yoghurt to your baby.

6. Massage

Massaging is a great 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 be facing. 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 of releasing any trapped gas in your baby’s tummy. You can also massage your baby’s legs by pressing them gently against his belly.

7. Bananas

Bananas are one of the best foods that you can give your munchkin to improve his digestion. Rather, banana is one of the first solid foods that your baby may begin eating because it is 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 prove to be beneficial for your baby’s gut health. However, do not give a banana to a baby if he is less than six months old.

8. Homemade Gripe Water

You can also make gripe water at 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 certainly a safer bet. This works both for younger as well as older babies.

9. Broccoli

Broccoli is great for your little one too. This green vegetable is loaded with fibre, folate, calcium, and anti-oxidants. Broccoli helps in reducing any kind of inflammation in your baby’s gastrointestinal tract. The ample amount of fibre in it is great for battling constipation. It also helps in improving 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

One of the most effective essential oils in battling digestion-related issues is fennel oil. 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.

These are some age-old home remedies that help in battling 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.

Also Read:

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