Gastrointestinal problems in babies: what helps now

Does your baby have gastrointestinal problems?

With your baby, not every form of vomiting means that he is unwell. There are also situations where it is normal for infants to vomit. For example, throwing up small amounts of food half an hour to an hour after a meal can be quite normal. If your baby otherwise seems healthy, you don’t need to see a doctor for the time being. However, if the vomit is spat out with high pressure and in large quantities, vomiting can become a problem for the whole body. Water, salts and acids are lost in this way. Then you should see a doctor. But even if your child is younger than six months, a doctor’s visit is essential.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal problems in babies

• Diarrhea
• Vomit
• Sometimes fever.

Causes of gastrointestinal problems in babies

If your child has a soft or watery stool, it is often due to an infectious gastrointestinal disease. Rota and noroviruses or the bacteria from contaminated food can be triggers. These occupy the intestinal mucosa and thus prevent the natural course of events. The intestines can no longer absorb enough water and minerals, but simply excrete them. Diarrhea is an emergency response by the body to get rid of the offending bacteria.

The way your child vomits and the consistency of the vomit can provide clues as to possible causes. Therefore, you must pay attention to the appearance and smell of the vomit.

• Greenish-brownish bile can indicate, for example, narrowing of the small intestine.
• If there is mucus in the vomit, your child may have bronchitis or an inflammation of the stomach.

Measures against gastrointestinal complaints in babies

• Your baby should drink plenty of fluids, ideally teas that have a calming effect on the stomach, such as chamomile, peppermint, and cinquefoil.
• If you are breastfeeding your child, you should continue to breastfeed despite your baby’s gastrointestinal problems, as breast milk contains active ingredients against diarrhea.
• Overall, make sure that baby food is prepared hygienically and, for example, boil spoons and water before eating and drinking.
• You should change your baby’s diapers more often. In addition, ointment containing zinc oxide soothes babies’ sore buttocks.
• In the first few days, we recommend light food for your child, for example pretzel sticks, white bread or rusks.