Many parents know this scene all too well:
The baby pulls up their legs, turns red in the face, tenses their stomach, pushes repeatedly, and seems unhappy or cries.
Then the worry quickly sets in:
Does my baby have a tummy ache? Why are they pushing so much? And what really helps now?
First, the good news:
This behavior is very common in the first few months of life. Not every push indicates a serious problem. Many babies gradually learn how excretion and relaxation work together.
Why Babies Push
For adults, excretion seems natural. For babies, it's a learning process.
Especially in the first few months, many children first need to coordinate:
- tensing abdominal muscles
- relaxing the pelvic floor
- perceiving pressure
- being able to let go
This doesn't always happen immediately.
That's why many babies push even though they are still tense at the same time. This can seem strenuous – and is often a normal developmental step.
Typical Signs of Tummy Ache and Pushing
Many babies show:
- pulling legs up
- red face
- straining
- restlessness
- crying or fussing
- hard or tense belly
- frequent passing of gas
- briefly falling asleep and waking up again
- restlessness after breastfeeding or feeding
What Really Helps?
1. Calm and Closeness
Many babies regulate themselves through physical contact.
Carrying, cuddling, skin-to-skin contact, or calm holding often help more than frantically trying many methods.
2. Movement
Gentle movement can help:
- carrying
- gentle rocking
- holding upright
- gently moving legs
3. Warmth
Many babies find a warm cherry pit pillow (not hot) or warm hands on their tummy pleasant.
4. Time After Drinking
Some babies need a little time after breastfeeding or feeding for air or digestion to settle.
5. Elimination Communication (EC) Can Provide Relief
Many parents find that babies pass gas, have bowel movements, or visibly relax more easily in the EC position.
Why this can help:
- legs are bent
- pressure can be released more easily
- posture supports excretion
- the baby feels held and secure
More on this here: Baby Tummy Ache & 3-Month Colic: Can EC Help?
If Your Baby Is Constantly Pushing But Nothing Is Coming
This is also common.
Often, the body just needs time. Some babies push several times before air or stool comes.
Helpful then are:
- patience
- relaxed posture
- no pressure
- calm support
What Doesn't Really Help
- frantically switching between many methods
- constantly trying things under stress
- pressure on the tummy
- transferring frustration to the baby
- immediately thinking something is wrong
When You Should Consult a Doctor
Please seek medical advice if:
- your baby is crying very intensely
- drinks very little
- seems listless
- has a fever
- there is blood in the stool
- vomiting occurs
- the stomach is very hard or bloated
- you have a bad feeling
Practical Support in Everyday Life
If your baby often pushes restlessly, simple routines and clothing that makes quick EC easy help many families.
Many use practical EC diapers or easily opened clothing for this.
Conclusion
If your baby has a tummy ache and is pushing, it is often part of normal development.
Many babies first need to learn how pushing and letting go work together.
Calmness, closeness, movement, and sometimes EC can noticeably help.
You don't have to solve everything perfectly.
Often, loving support is enough.
Is EC new to you?
Here's a simple introduction:
What is Elimination Communication – simply explained
Read more
👉 Can Elimination Communication help with tummy aches & 3-month colic?
👉 Baby isn't passing gas – what to do?
👉 Elimination Communication for babies – recognizing signals by age
