Stomach pain in toddlers home remedies can be a lifesaver for parents who are worried about seeing their tiny tots cry due to tummy aches. Since toddlers can’t always explain their pain or discomfort in their stomach, parents must recognise and treat its root cause using effective home remedies. (Also, they are GENTLE on the little lads!)
Certain possible causes of stomach pain in toddlers are mild infections (due to their wavering hands touching almost every surface and putting those hands in their mouths), gas, indigestion, constipation, etc.
Treating toddlers with home remedies for stomach ache is better as not every ache needs to be taken care of using a medicine. Natural solutions can not only ease the pain but also ensure that a child’s delicate system isn’t exposed to unnecessary pills. Adoption of the below-mentioned home remedies can bring quick relief to both the little one and the parents.
Being a parent to a 9 year-old and a 3 year old toddler, these home hacks are the holy grail to treat my kids for their belly aches. Having said this, even after trying these home remedies doesn’t relieve your child of the stomach ache, visit a pediatrician soon.
13 Magical Stomach Pain in Toddlers Home Remedies
Ginger
As a parent myself, I know that all the parents want the best for their child and want to see them hail and hearty. When my toddler got sick and complained about ache and nausea, I knew one herbal remedy that can provide relief to my child was, GINGER. (And, honestly, it worked like magic!)
As per a well researched study on children with Acute Gastroenteritis, ginger proved to be an antiemetic remedy (reducing nausea and vomiting). Additionally, giving ginger orally is a safe and effective way to reduce vomiting in children suffering from acute gastroenteritis (AGE).
But for some parents like me, administering ginger to their toddler in a raw form can be a challenge. I make a ginger decoction by boiling the root in water and reducing it to half and then letting my baby take sips of the elixir through a spoon. If this doesn’t work, you can roast the raw ginger a little bit directly on the gas that cuts the extremely strong spicy flavour and makes it easy for them to consume it. Adding ginger juliennes to their porridge can be an excellent addition.
After a day or two, the anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and digestive-calming properties proves to be one of the ideal stomach pain in toddlers home remedies.
Hing Paste (Asafoetida)
Your child might be complaining of stomach ache due to gas and indigestion. Hing is a common kitchen ingredient in all our Indian households and a holy grail home remedy to ease the pain of the trapped gas. Hence, applying hing paste in and around the belly button after laying the child in the bed and massaging it for some time will give effective results.
Lay an extra towel or sheet under the child, as this process can get a bit messy. (Just a suggestion from personal experience!)
Fennel Seeds
The research on benefits of fennel seeds is still undergoing but fennel seeds are quite effective. The easiest way to give fennel to a toddler is by preparing fennel water. (Put a tablespoon of fennel into a full glass of water and let it reduce to half by boiling) Let the child take small sips throughout the day. Also, you can crush the saunf and mix it with a little honey to make it more palatable for them.
Basil
This potent herb is a storehouse of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can soothe a toddler’s upset stomach. Honestly, I personally keep this home remedy as a last resort but if you have fresh basil in the house, use it in case your toddler has an ache in their belly.
Curd Rice & Khichdi
When in doubt, resort to “Nani Maa ke Nuske” (grandmother’s remedies). Curd rice is probiotic and khichdi is the easiest-to-digest meal for a toddler. Curd supports gut health and soothes the heat in the stomach. Also, the lightness of khichdi ensures that their stomach isn’t heavy or overworking to digest heavy foods. I add a pinch of roasted cumin powder when my little one refuses to eat. (Also, good for digestion)
Small Sips of Water
Dehydration can sometimes cause your tiny tot to cry due to stomach ache. Not only encourage them to take small sips of lukewarm water but also ensure that they have 2 to 4 cups of water per day. This much is enough for toddlers because they have two to three bottles of milk too.
Heating Pad
As soon as your toddler comes running to you with a stomach ache, a warm compress or heating pad on the tummy can provide instant relief till you prepare for other home remedies. Especially, if your little one has cramps or gas, a warm towel will take care of the pain and will be gentle on their soft skin.
Cumin Concoction
If you are wondering if cumin is one of the safest stomach pain in toddlers home remedies? The answer is Yes but in little quantity. Put a teaspoon of cumin seeds in a full cup of water and boil it to make a concoction. I recommend parents to not overdo it or use cumin oil, as it can cause gastric issues.
If your toddler is almost 2 years old, you can serve Khichdi or curd rice with whole or grounded seeds on the top to your child. Also, cumin has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties that can fight off mild infections.
Kadha (Herbal Decoction)
If given in moderation (not more than 10ml), a mild kadha made with ginger, tulsi, and ajwain can work like magic for stomach pain. To make the kadha palatable, you can add a little bit of honey. Ajwain or carom seeds have carminative properties that help in releasing of trapped gas and ease the cramps from indigestion.
Avoid Junk Food
Everything in a toddler from their skin to stomach is gentle and not prepared to digest spicy, greasy, processed, and frozen foods. Preventing stomach pain in toddlers is better than treating it using home remedies or medication in extreme cases. Hence, parents should stick to simple, home-cooked meals that are simpler to digest.
Apply Castor Oil
Massaging warm castor oil on your lad’s tummy and belly button that relieves constipation and related discomfort.
Chamomile Tea
Serve your child a few teaspoons of mild chamomile tea that will help relax their stomach muscles and relieve the cramps. As you know Chamomile has calming and digestive properties it can be quite helpful. A helpful tip is to make the tea using loose chamomile flowers. That way you can adjust its intensity.
Yogurt with Fenugreek Paste
Yogurt is the best probiotic and is used in the management of acute diarrhoea in children. Mix yogurt and fenugreek paste to give a small spoonful to your child that aids in digestion. Add a little bit of honey or finely chopped dates to make the mixture a little bit sweet. This home remedy never fails with my boys.
Happy Tummy, Happy Toddlers!
As a parent myself, parenting is not easy and comes with its own share of challenges and treating stomach pain in toddlers home remedies is one of them. Having tried and tested these remedies with my own kids, I can vouch for their effectiveness.
A little care, a few handy home remedies, and showering a lot of love will help your toddler feel better and comfortable.
Also Read: vrindavanchikitsalayam.com/blog/ayurveda-treatment-for-eyes to know about ayurveda treatment for eyes at Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam, which is just 50 minutes away from Chandigarh and offers classical Panchakarma treatments based on Ashtavaidyan texts.
