A baby cannot yet express what they want or what is bothering them. Therefore, it is important to observe your baby closely so that you can recognize when something is wrong. Babies primarily communicate with us by crying. It is not uncommon for your baby to cry a lot. However, does your baby seem inconsolable? Then it might be that the baby is suffering from abdominal cramps. This is not unusual at all, as intestinal cramps are common in babies. Of course, the cramps are unpleasant, so it is helpful for a child if you can do something about them. That's why, in this article, I will explain in detail how abdominal cramps arise, how to recognize them, and what you can do about them.
How do abdominal cramps occur in babies?
Typically, a baby experiences abdominal cramps because their intestines are not yet fully developed. The baby receives (mother's) milk, which means the intestines have to start working for the first time. They now have to digest real food, and this can be a challenge. As a result, a baby can get abdominal cramps after feeding. This is also the most common cause. Additionally, a baby can drink milk greedily, leading to air entering the intestines. This can also cause cramps, as can irritants and allergies.
How do you recognize abdominal cramps in a baby?
A baby often experiences intestinal cramps after feeding. If a baby has abdominal cramps, they will cry and are often inconsolable. Sometimes a baby also becomes very restless, clenches their fists, and stretches their body. The baby may also kick their feet or pull them up cramp-like and suffer from flatulence.
How long does a baby suffer from intestinal cramps?
Does your baby suffer from abdominal cramps? This does not mean they will have them for their entire life. The cramps typically peak when the baby is between six and eight weeks old. After that, they often decrease. After about three to four months, the intestines are sufficiently developed, and most cramps will disappear naturally. Until then, fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help your baby suffer as little as possible from the cramps.
What can you do for abdominal cramps in a baby?
If a baby's cramps are not caused by an allergy, irritants, or air in the intestines, there is unfortunately little you can do to prevent them. However, there are some things you can do to relieve the pain and help your baby through the cramps.
Massage your baby
Gently massage the belly by making circular motions with warm hands over the baby's tummy. This can also be a lovely moment for you and your baby, strengthening your bond.
Let your baby 'cycle' in the air
'Cycle' with the baby's legs in the air. This can break the tension in their abdominal muscles and reduce the discomfort. The circular movements help relax the abdomen.
Provide distraction
You can try to distract your baby with sound or movement. Sing a song for your baby, rock them back and forth, or take a car ride. The movements and your voice can calm the baby.
Cuddle your baby close
In a skin-to-skin top, you can comfortably cuddle your baby close. This can help your baby calm down, and for example, go for a walk. Your body heat, heartbeat, and rocking can calm the baby. In my webshop, various skin-to-skin tops are available.
Find a comfortable position for your baby
You can also look for a position in which your baby feels comfortable. Many babies suffering from intestinal cramps find it comfortable to lie on their stomach on your forearm, with you supporting their lower abdomen. A curled position, like the fetal position, can also be pleasant.
Use a Warmth Moon
Place a heated Warmth Moon on the baby's tummy. The warmth of this heat cushion can help your baby relax and relieve discomfort. A Warmth Moon is designed to fit precisely on a baby's tummy. In my webshop, you will find Warmth Moons in various fabrics, colors, and designs.
What exactly is a skin-to-skin top?
A skin-to-skin top is designed so that you can easily cuddle your baby close to you. Cuddling a baby is different from carrying a baby. When carrying a baby in, for example, a baby carrier, there is no skin-to-skin contact, but with cuddling a baby, there is. Many babies find skin-to-skin contact very pleasant, which often calms them down.
What exactly is a Warmth Moon?
A Warmth Moon is a handmade, uniquely designed heat cushion that provides a lot of comfort and relief for you and/or your child. The heat cushion is shaped like a moon, so the filling does not sink to one side but remains evenly distributed over the baby's tummy. As a result, the heat cushion does not put too much pressure on the tummy but does provide relief during intestinal cramps. The heat cushion is filled with organic cherry pits, making it washable. Moreover, you can easily heat a Warmth Moon in the oven or microwave.
Take a look in the webshop!
Does your child suffer from abdominal cramps, and do tips like massaging, letting your child 'cycle' in the air, and distracting your child not help? Then it's a good idea to try a skin-to-skin top and/or Warmth Moon. Besides both products being able to help your baby through the cramps, they both have many more benefits. So be sure to take a look in my webshop to discover all the benefits and see which Warmth Moons and skin-to-skin tops are available.