Flatulence is a normal condition that occurs in children, especially toddlers. Although normal, flatulence in toddlers can make him feel uncomfortable and tend to be fussy. Flatulence can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from food, digestive problems, and the amount of gas you swallow. Check out the various causes and ways to deal with flatulence in toddlers.
Flatulence is a feeling of fullness in the stomach because it is filled with gas. If your little one often burps, passes gas, and his stomach feels hard and full, chances are he has flatulence. To prevent flatulence in toddlers, you can avoid giving certain foods and habits that can trigger gas in your little one.
Causes of Bloated Stomach in Children
The following are simple things that can cause flatulence in children, namely:
- Swallow a lot of air
Crying, sucking your thumb, and drinking milk from a bottle can make your little one swallow a lot of air. In addition, the child moves around while eating, causing more gas to be trapped in his stomach. Children who are fed while playing, for example, tend to chew faster so that mealtimes don't hinder them from playing. This is what makes your little one swallow more air and makes his stomach bloated.
- Sensitive to certain foods
Some children are sensitive to certain substances, such as fat, lactose in milk, and gluten. In addition, some vegetables are known to cause excess gas in the stomach, including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and beans.
- Difficulty digesting sucrose and fructose
Many parents give juice because their children are reluctant to eat fruit. However, if you have too much, your child may have trouble digesting the sucrose and fructose in the juice, causing his stomach to bloat.
- Not drinking enough waterDrinking water does not directly overcome flatulence. However, if flatulence in toddlers is caused by constipation, drinking lots of water can make stools softer and easier to pass.
Overcoming bloating and choosing the right formula
Know when your child is bloated so you can identify the cause. How to deal with flatulence in children depends on the cause of flatulence. If flatulence occurs after your child drinks milk, you can try switching to another type of milk. Selection of the right pacifier when drinking milk also affects the amount of air swallowed.
Several types of formula have been specially formulated to prevent flatulence in toddlers, namely:
- Formula milk comfort
This type of formula contains cow's milk protein which is specially processed to make it easier for children to digest.
- Lactose free formulaThis type of formula milk is the right choice for children who suffer from lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance means the inability to absorb lactose, the natural sugar found in milk.
- Hypoallergenic formula milkHypoallergenic milk is specially formulated for children who are allergic to cow's milk or soy. The protein in this type of milk is broken down into smaller proteins. This makes hypoallergenic milk does not cause allergic reactions, because the child's immune system will not attack the milk proteins.
Milk is an important nutritional intake to meet the nutritional needs of the little one. Currently, fiber-fortified milk is also available so that your little one's digestion is comfortable.
Fiber is known to improve digestion, especially if you are constipated. Fiber is divided into two types, namely soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber will form a gel when dissolved in water. While insoluble fiber can improve digestion because it helps push food waste in the intestines.
Flatulence in children is a normal condition. The presence of gas in the stomach of children and adults is part of the process of digestion of food. However, there are several conditions of flatulence that need to be watched out for, for example if it is accompanied by not being able to defecate (defecate), bloody stools, vomiting, very fussy, and fever.
Immediately consult a doctor if your child experiences the above symptoms. You can also consult further with your pediatrician about the right formula milk to prevent and treat flatulence in children.
