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I’ll never forget the call to our pediatrician when I discovered when my son got a stomachache because he swallowed a marble. It’s always reassuring when the doctor giggles, “That’s nice and round. It’ll come out and he’ll have learned his lesson.”
Stomachaches are not fun for kids — and even less fun for moms. It can feel as if there isn’t much that can soothe them. While hugs and cuddles are often the first and last resort, there are many other ways to help your child’s tummy feel better faster.
(Note: If your child is experiencing sudden, extreme pain, you should contact a doctor immediately, as it could indicate something more serious — such as a bowel obstruction or appendicitis.)
Diagnose the stomachache
Figuring out what is wrong with your child’s tummy starts by asking questions and reviewing what he ate last. Review what your child had for breakfast or lunch that might have caused an upset tummy. Perhaps he ate a bunch of candy for a snack — the infamous theme-park tummy ache that happens when we fill with cotton candy and caramel corn.
“Abdominal pain is something we see very often and there are a whole bunch of reasons why kids can have abdominal pain,” Dr. Cindy Gellner said on the University of Utah’s Health website. “They can have abdominal pain because they're overeating; we see that a lot usually around holidays, like Halloween — they eat too much candy. Christmas, they eat too much of the good yummy stuff that we see around.
“They can also have gas pains if they're drinking too much soda. They can have indigestion from spicy foods. For example, I see a lot of kids that eat hot Cheetos and then they come in and tell me that their stomach hurts. The hot Cheetos are the cause of that stomachache.”
If the tummy ache can’t be attributed to something like overeating or having too much junk food, you may need to call in the pediatrician. However, in most cases, you’ll be able to soothe a stomach ache easily at home.
Ways to alleviate the ache
While most tummy aches just need time to feel better, you can accelerate relief with a variety of home remedies. Some methods revolve around what your child eats while dealing with an upset tummy, while other methods are physical, such as having a bowel movement.
There are two ways to treat the stomach ache with food: avoid digestion-aggravating foods and consume soothing foods instead. Avoid caffeine, greasy or spicy foods, and carbonated drinks that can cause further stomach distress. Give your child bland foods that include gelatin, applesauce, saltine crackers, and dry toast. Be sure to hydrate your child with clear fluids, including water, broth, or diluted fruit juice.
Foods that soothe a stomachache
Certain foods are known to help alleviate nausea and discomfort. The foods you can add to the stomachache-soothing list include:
- Ginger: This root is known to help with digestion. Ginger ale can soothe a stomach ache by reducing nausea.
- Yogurt: Probiotics found in yogurt fight bad bacteria and help promote digestion.
- Peppermint: Consumed either as tea or as a candy, peppermint calms stomachs.
- Chamomile tea: The anti-inflammatory and sedative properties of chamomile are thought to reduce symptoms of minor tummy unrest by relaxing the upper digestive tract muscles.
Physical remedies to soothe a child’s stomachache
If your child has not had a bowel movement according to their natural schedule, encourage one. Hydration, walking, and a light clockwise massage of the belly can help stimulate the intestines. Take a look at the stool to make sure there is no blood in it. Do note that if your child is constipated, there may be some bright red blood that happens externally from the strain of pushing the stool out.
“A warm bath or warm compress is a great method for soothing pain and relaxing muscles, including tummy aches. No side effects and it can provide immediate relief,” mom Jaclyn Moriarty told Mom.com. Remember to check the temperature to make sure it is safe. The heat increases blood flow to the stomach, encouraging digestion, movement, and healing.
Emotional remedies
It’s possible your child has a stomachache because he is upset about something. Ask your child if anything is bothering him and talk it out. There may have been a fight with his friends, being overwhelmed at school, or something going on at home that is bothering him.
Remember, it isn’t uncommon that when parents aren’t agreeing, kids may often absorb the energy of the house — and that can manifest as a stomachache. Consider everything going on in the home and at school. Make sure they have the mental health support they need.
When to call a doctor
While most stomachaches will work themselves out with time, you may have to visit your pediatrician if symptoms persist or worsen. Making sure your child isn’t sick, hasn't eaten something poisonous, or is having another health emergency is paramount.
Here are the signs that a tummy ache might need medical attention:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Pain on the right side, suggesting appendicitis
- Tenderness on belly when touched or pressed on
- Location-specific pain
- Persistent and worsening pain over 24 hours
- Painful or swollen testicle or groin
If your child has any of these symptoms, consult with your pediatrician or go to an emergency room immediately. These symptoms suggest your child could have food poisoning, an obstruction, appendicitis, hernia, or other serious infection.
A mother’s touch
You already know that your touch is the most soothing thing in the world to your child. Laying on the sofa, cuddling while watching a movie, is great medicine. In the case of most stomachaches, time and love are often the best remedy. You got this, mama!
