Two pediatric doctors, Dr. William Sears and Dr. Martha Sears, confirm stomach pain in infants is often not serious and won’t require medical attention. Quite often, sour stomach will get better by itself. You should seek medical attention, however, if your infant's pain is on the lower right side of the abdomen or if it accompanied by a dark green bile.
How Gastroesophagael Reflux Causes Sour Stomach in Infants
This condition may require medical assistance if it begins interfering with your baby's ability to breathe, gain weight or if it interrupts his heart rate. Keep your infant in elevated positions during feeding to help the food stay down.
During his awake time, ensure he is upright in a swing or car seat. When he sleeps you should lie him on his side at a 30 degree angle. Your doctor may suggest thickening his formula, burping him more often and feeding smaller amounts during the day.
Stomach Pain in Baby May be Caused by Formula or Breast Milk Intolerance
Babies can have intolerance to certain types of formulas. There are many options available on the market for formulas and your pediatrician can help you out in deciding which formula will work best. Some of the options out there are: soy formulas, lactose-free formulas and formulas that are hypoallergenic.
If you are breastfeeding, you need to watch what you eat. Foods and drinks pass from your system into your breast milk. Gassy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, green peppers and onions may lead to sour stomach for your baby.
Infants and Babies With Colic Have Sour Stomachs
Although the reasons behind colic are not yet fully understood it is certain that babies with colic have stomach pain and they don’t feel good. They will cry more often, be inconsolable and the episodes are long lasting. Generally, if your baby has inconsolable bouts of crying that continues for at least three hours of the day that occur at least three times a week for over three weeks, it’s likely she has colic.
Intestinal Illness is Another Cause of Stomach Pain for Infants
The stomach flu is another reason many babies and infants get sour stomachs. The stomach flu will be noticeable if your child has vomiting, fever and diarrhea and it will have to get better on its own. A warm bath and compress may help relieve the pain of the stomach muscle.
If your child seems to have the stomach flu but his skin begins turning yellow, it may be Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A does require medical attention and you should contact your doctor immediately.
Sour Stomach in Infants and Babies From Food Allergies
If your baby or infant is allergic to any foods he will have sour stomachs after ingesting them. Common foods that cause intolerance are dairy products, eggs, berries, fish, wheat and nuts. Some foods are harder to digest. These include greasy or acidic foods and they may cause sour stomach as well.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
AskDrSears.com. "Abdominal Pain" (accessed October 4, 2010).
Children’s Hospital of Michigan."Gastroesophagael Reflux Factsheet" (accessed October 4, 2010).
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
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