Flatulence is a condition in which gas builds up in the stomach and intestines, causing the stomach to feel full and in some cases appearing swollen. Flatulence does not only occur in adults, but babies can also experience it. Then how to deal with bloated baby stomach?
Causes of bloated baby stomach
Flatulence is usually caused by swallowing air or decomposition of food through digestion. There are several things that can cause flatulence in babies, including:
- Food consumed by the mother. Babies who still drink breast milk can produce excessive gas when your baby's mother eats gas-forming vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, onions, or beans.
- Incorrect position while breastfeeding. If the position of the breast or milk bottle is wrongly positioned, the baby may swallow too much air.
- Excessive lactose. This happens usually when the baby gets too much foremilk (initial milk every time your baby starts breastfeeding) which is rich in lactose but low in fat. Then not all lactose is digested because there is not enough fat to slow down this process. As a result, there is a buildup of excess gas in the baby's stomach.
- Immature digestive system. Babies have not yet learned to process food, gas, and feces perfectly. The intestine also has not produced normal microflora (good bacterial balance). In fact, all these things are needed for the work of the digestive system and the immune system.
- Crying excessively. Excessive crying can cause too much air to swallow, resulting in excessive gas.
- Food consumed by babies. If the baby has started eating, you need to pay attention to the food. Reduce the portion of excess gas-containing vegetables.
What can be done if the baby's stomach is bloated?
1. Breastfeeding position
When you are breastfeeding, try to position the baby's head higher than his stomach (the head is slightly raised like you want to sit). This breastfeeding position will help the milk get into the bottom of the stomach and the air rises upwards, making it easier to belch.
This position also applies if you give baby milk with a bottle. This is done to prevent the accumulation of air and air bubbles in the pacifier of the milk bottle. Choose a milk bottle pacifier that is soft and in accordance with the baby's mouth. It can also help prevent air from entering the body along with milk. Milk must flow slowly and evenly, so that your child can swallow it easily, without excessive gulping.
2. Help the baby to belch
After finishing breastfeeding, help your child belch. It is important for the baby to push the excess air out of his body. A researcher recommends burping in a sitting position with a gentle rocking motion. Carrying your baby upright or above the shoulder can also help your child belch.
If the baby is not belching right after breastfeeding, lay your baby down for five to ten minutes and try the position above again. When you lift your baby back, allowing the air to move to the upper part of the stomach, it will be easier to belch.
3. Tummy time
Tummy time is all activities or activities that your child spends while on his stomach. In addition to helping the development of the little motor skills, tummy time also serves to overcome flatulence in infants. Tummy time will help eliminate excess gas quickly.
4. Massage slowly
Gently massage the baby's stomach in a clockwise motion can help overcome flatulence in infants. You can also rub your back by placing the baby in your lap with the baby on his stomach.
Another baby massage movement that can be done for flatulence in infants is by doing movements such as swinging a bicycle. Swing your little feet like riding a bicycle.