Baby has a tummy ache after birth: What really helps

If your baby has a tummy ache in the postpartum period, it can be very unsettling. They pull their legs up, strain, turn red, kick, cry, are difficult to soothe, or seem unhappy after breastfeeding or a bottle. Perhaps you're wondering: Does my baby have gas? Are they intolerant to the milk? Do they need to burp? Do they need to pee or poop? Am I doing something wrong?

Especially in the first few weeks, your baby's digestion is still new. Your baby drinks, swallows, digests, excretes, and in doing so, gets to know a body that was previously nourished in a completely different way. This can be unsettling. For your baby. And for you.

The most important guideline is: abdominal pressure and digestive upset are common in babies. Nevertheless, you should always take severe pain, unusual crying, or signs of illness seriously.

In this article, you will find calm, practical, and undogmatic guidance: why babies can have tummy aches in the postpartum period, what can help with gas and abdominal pressure, the role of breastfeeding, bottles, changing diapers, elimination communication, clothing, carrying, and rest — and when you should seek professional help.

Why Babies Can Have Tummy Aches in the Postpartum Period

Your baby's digestion needs to establish itself after birth. In the womb, your baby was nourished via the placenta. After birth, they drink milk, swallow air, process food, have bowel movements, pee, strain, and learn how all of this feels.

What seems natural for adults is new for a newborn: hunger, satiety, sucking, burping, gas in the stomach, bowel movements, peeing, abdominal pressure, and relaxation.

Possible reasons for tummy ache or abdominal pressure are:

• Air in the stomach
• Immature digestion
• Very fast drinking
• A lot of air swallowed during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
• Abdominal pressure before a bowel movement
• Restlessness before peeing or a bowel movement
• Overstimulation
• A lot of crying, which again leads to swallowing air
• Too tight clothing or a pressing diaper
• Rarely, illness or medical causes

kindergesundheit-info.de describes that digestion can cause problems in the first three months and usually there is no cause for concern. You can find more information at kindergesundheit-info.de: Digestion in infants.

Tummy Ache or Normal Strain?

Many newborns strain, kick, turn red, and make noises when they have a bowel movement or pass gas. This sometimes looks dramatic. It doesn't always mean severe pain.

Babies first need to learn to coordinate their abdomen, pelvic floor, and elimination. They may strain heavily even if the stool is soft. They appear to be exerting themselves, even if there is no underlying pathology.

Normal digestive work can look like this:

• Grunting
• Straining
• Red face
• Pulling up legs
• Brief restlessness
• Passing gas
• Brief crying before a bowel movement
• Relaxation after elimination

If your baby is relaxed afterward, drinks well, has wet diapers, and generally appears alert and strong, this is usually more reassuring than a baby who cries shrilly for extended periods, appears very sluggish, or shows other symptoms.

First Check: What Does Your Baby Need Right Now?

If your baby is restless and you suspect a tummy ache, a simple check can help. Not because babies function according to a checklist. But because it provides a calm sequence when you're feeling tense.

First check:

• Is your baby hungry?
• Does it want to suck, breastfeed, or be fed?
• Does it need to burp?
• Is the diaper, insert, or elimination communication diaper wet or full?
• Does your baby perhaps need to pee or poop?
• Is clothing pressing on the abdomen?
• Is your baby too warm or too cold?
• Were there many visitors, bright lights, or a lot of hustle and bustle just now?
• Does your baby seem sick, sluggish, or different than usual?

Often it's not just one reason. Hunger, fatigue, abdominal pressure, and the need for closeness can come together.

If you'd like to get a handle on the first few days at home, you'll find a suitable addition here: The first days at home with baby.

Air in the Stomach: Burping Can Help

Some babies swallow air while drinking. Especially if they are very hungry, drink quickly, latch on and off restlessly, cry a lot, or drink from a bottle, air can end up in their stomach.

Burping can then help. Not every baby burps after every meal. But if your baby is restless after drinking, wriggling, or difficult to put down, it might be worth a try.

You can try:

• Hold the baby upright on your shoulder
• Hold calmly, instead of patting hard
• Gently stroke their back
• Hold the baby slightly upright in your arm
• Take a short break while drinking
• Don't force it if nothing comes up

Sometimes the burp comes immediately. Sometimes not at all. That's also normal.

Breastfeeding and Tummy Ache

During breastfeeding, abdominal pressure and restlessness can have various causes. Your baby might drink very quickly, latch on and off, swallow air, be tired, overstimulated, or need to eliminate during or after breastfeeding.

Especially with cluster feeding, milk let-down, or a very strong milk flow, your baby may appear restless. This doesn't automatically mean your milk is "wrong."

When breastfeeding, you can check:

• Is your baby latched well?
• Do you hear or see effective swallowing?
• Is your baby swallowing a lot of air?
• Is the milk flow very strong?
• Is your baby very tired or overstimulated?
• Does it need to burp in between?
• Does it become calmer after an elimination communication offer?

If breastfeeding hurts, your baby drinks poorly, is very restless, or you are unsure, seek support from a midwife or lactation consultant.

You can find more about frequent breastfeeding here: Cluster feeding in the postpartum period: When your baby constantly wants to drink.

If you have questions about milk let-down or pain during breastfeeding, read on here: Milk let-down after birth and Sore nipples in the postpartum period.

Bottle-Feeding and Tummy Ache

Air swallowing can also play a role with bottle feeding. The position, nipple size, drinking speed, and breaks can influence how calmly your baby drinks.

Important: your baby should not be forced to finish the bottle. Even with a bottle, they are allowed to take breaks and show signs of satiety.

Helpful tips for bottle feeding:

• Hold baby close and slightly upright
• Feed calmly
• Allow breaks
• Pay attention to signs of fullness
• Don't force them to finish the bottle
• Check nipple size if your baby drinks very hastily or chokes
• Allow time for burping after feeding

If your baby frequently spits up a lot, vomits, isn't gaining weight well, appears very restless, or you have questions about formula, quantity, or preparation, please ask a midwife, pediatrician, or doctor.

You can find more information here: Bottle feeding in the postpartum period.

Spitting Up, Burping and Abdominal Pressure

Many babies spit up some milk after drinking or take a while for air to come out. Sometimes this seems like a tummy ache: the baby becomes restless, wriggles, is difficult to put down, or wants to be held again.

A little spitting up can happen in everyday baby life. However, if your baby is vomiting heavily, seems to be in pain, drinks poorly, isn't gaining weight well, or you have an uneasy feeling, you should seek professional advice.

After drinking, this can help:

• Hold the baby upright for a while
• Don't change or lay them down hectically
• Offer a burp, but don't force it
• Avoid tight clothing around the belly
• Change diaper or practice elimination communication if needed
• Create a calm environment

You can find more information here: Baby spitting up after drinking: What really helps in the postpartum period.

Tummy Ache and Overstimulation

Not every cry with legs pulled up is purely a tummy ache. Many babies react to overstimulation with physical restlessness. They become stiff, pull up their legs, latch on and off, cry, pass gas, are difficult to soothe, and cannot fall asleep.

The stomach may be involved then, but not necessarily the only cause.

Overstimulation can arise from:

• Visitors
• Many voices
• Frequent passing around
• Bright light
• Long awake phases
• Too many position changes
• Constant trying of new soothing methods

Then often helps:

• Dim the lights
• Reduce voices
• Hold baby close to your body
• End visits
• Don't switch methods every five minutes
• Calm repetition

You can find more about crying babies here: Baby crying in the postpartum period: What really helps.

Gentle Positions for Abdominal Pressure

Some babies relax when their tummy is gently held or when they are in a position where gas can escape more easily. Important: everything gentle, without pressure and without forcing your baby into a position.

You can try:

• Holding baby upright on your shoulder
• Carrying baby on their tummy on your forearm when they are awake and supervised
• Holding baby on their side in your arm
• Gently pulling and releasing their legs
• Calm carrying
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Body warmth through closeness

Always make sure that the airways are clear and your baby is held securely. For sleep, the following still applies: safe sleep space, back sleeping, and no tummy sleeping for unsupervised sleep.

Warmth Through Closeness

Many babies relax through body heat. Your body is warm, familiar, and alive. Unlike a hot water bottle, your body can react: you feel your baby, adjust your posture, and stay in contact.

Especially in the postpartum period, skin-to-skin contact is often a very simple help.

Warmth can be generated by:

• Baby on your chest while you are awake
• Carrying close to the body
• Soft clothing
• Wool blanket for you, not loosely over the sleeping baby
• Calm, warm environment

Please use hot water bottles, cherry pit pillows, or other heat sources with your baby only very carefully and after professional recommendation. Babies cannot regulate overheating or excessive warmth well.

Belly Massage: Gentle and Only If It Feels Good

Many parents think of belly massage when their baby has a tummy ache. Some babies like it. Others don't. Newborns, especially, are sensitive, and not every touch is helpful in every situation.

If you try a belly massage:

• Wait for a quiet moment
• Do not massage directly with pressure
• Warm your hands
• Stay gentle
• Pay attention to your baby's reaction
• Stop if your baby becomes restless
• Ask your midwife if you are unsure

A massage should soothe, not create more stimuli.

Clothing, Diaper, and Abdominal Pressure

Sometimes it's not just digestion that's the problem, but external pressure. A tight waistband, a twisted bodysuit, a too-tight diaper, or a bulky diaper can be uncomfortable on the belly.

Check:

• Is the bodysuit smooth?
• Are the pants pressing on the belly?
• Is the diaper or elimination communication diaper too tight?
• Has the insert slipped?
• Does your baby have enough freedom of movement?
• Is clothing too warm or too thick?

Soft, well-fitting clothing can make everyday life much easier. Cuts that allow for diaper changes and elimination communication without completely undressing your baby are particularly practical.

You can find more information about first clothes here: What clothing does a newborn really need?.

You can find more information about material selection here: Natural baby clothing: wool, wool/Tencel, and cotton compared.

Diapering with Tummy Ache

If your baby has a tummy ache, changing their diaper can be helpful — or an additional stress. It depends on how calm and prepared the process is.

A well-prepared changing station helps so you don't have to search for cloths, inserts, backups, or clothes with a crying baby.

Helpful when changing diapers:

• Lay everything out beforehand
• Keep baby warm
• Speak gently
• Do not move hectically
• Check clothing around the belly
• Fasten the diaper or elimination communication diaper comfortably
• Offer elimination communication if appropriate

You can find more about setting up a changing station here: Setting up a changing station: What you really need.

For small diaper changes or elimination communication moments on the sofa, bed, or on the go, a compact changing pad can also help: Portable changing pad.

Elimination Communication for Abdominal Pressure: Why It Can Help

Diaper-free or elimination communication can be a very interesting component for abdominal pressure. Not because it solves every tummy ache. But because some babies become restless when they need to pee or poop.

In a diaper or lying down, elimination can seem more difficult for some babies. In a good elimination communication position, they can sometimes relax more easily.

An elimination communication offer can be appropriate:

• After waking up
• During a diaper change
• After breastfeeding or a bottle
• When your baby is straining
• When they pull up their legs
• When they kick restlessly
• If they continue to seem unhappy after a wet insert

If nothing comes, nothing is wrong. If your baby resists, you stop. Elimination communication is an offer, not a program.

For an easy start, these help:

• Elimination communication diaper as a backup
• Absorbent inserts
• Changing pad
• Easy-to-open clothing
• A quiet place
• No pressure for perfection

You can find suitable products here: Elimination Communication Diapers, Diaper Inserts, Elimination Communication Pants, and the Portable Changing Pad.

If you'd like to learn more about elimination communication, you can start here: What does "diaper-free from birth" actually mean?.

If you want to know what you really need to get started, read on here: Elimination Communication Starter Kit: What you really need.

Newborn Stool: What's Normal?

Stool changes in the first few days and weeks. Immediately after birth, meconium, the first very dark, sticky stool, comes first. After that, the stool changes with nutrition.

Breastfed babies and formula-fed babies can have bowel movements at different frequencies. The consistency also differs. The key is not just the frequency, but the overall picture: Is your baby drinking well? Do they have wet diapers? Are they gaining weight? Do they appear alert and strong?

You should seek professional advice if:

• You see blood in the stool
• The stool is noticeably white or very light
• Your baby has a fever
• Your baby is vomiting
• Diarrhea occurs
• Your baby is not drinking well
• They appear very sluggish
• you have a bad feeling

With newborns, it is always better to clarify uncertainties too early rather than too late.

Constipation or rare bowel movements?

Parents often worry if a baby doesn't have a bowel movement every day. Depending on age, diet, and individual digestion, frequency can vary. What matters is whether your baby is uncomfortable, what the stool looks like, and how your baby is doing overall.

Please do not give your baby laxatives, teas, oils, or home remedies on your own. Especially in the postpartum period and with newborns, digestion should not be influenced without professional guidance.

Seek advice if:

• your baby seems to be in pain
• the belly appears very distended or hard
• your baby is not drinking well
• vomiting occurs
• fever occurs
• bowel movements are absent and you are unsure
• your baby is not gaining weight well

Your midwife or pediatrician can assess what is normal for your situation.

If your baby cries a lot: Not everything is tummy ache

Many crying phases are quickly interpreted as tummy aches. Sometimes that's true. Sometimes the baby is tired, overstimulated, hungry, needs closeness, is unhappy with their position, or has difficulty falling asleep.

The phrase "It must be gas" can be reassuring — but it can also prevent you from looking more closely.

Therefore, also ask:

• Does my baby get enough rest?
• Was it a busy day?
• Has it drunk enough?
• Does it need sleep?
• Is it difficult to put down?
• Does it simply need physical contact?
• Do we need relief ourselves?

If your baby cries a lot and you are reaching your limit, get support. Crying clinics, midwives, pediatric practices, and early help services can be important points of contact.

Carrying for tummy aches

Many babies relax in a baby wrap or carrier. The upright posture, body warmth, movement, and closeness can help with restlessness and abdominal pressure.

It is important that your baby is carried safely and that their airways are clear. After a C-section or birth injuries, it may be advisable for the partner to carry more.

Helpful when carrying:

• Position the baby correctly
• Check for clear airways
• Don't dress too warmly
• Start with short carrying times if you are unsure
• Involve your partner
• Use a babywearing consultation if necessary

You can find more information here: Dressing your baby in a carrier: What does your baby really need?.

Baby only sleeps in arms and seems to have a tummy ache

Some babies with abdominal pressure sleep especially poorly alone. They tend to relax more in arms or close to the body. This can be helpful — as long as you yourself are awake and safe.

If you get tired, your baby should be put down safely. Please do not fall asleep with your baby in your arms on the sofa or armchair.

You can find more information here: Baby only sleeps in arms: What really helps in the postpartum period.

The partner with tummy aches

If your baby has a tummy ache or cries a lot, it should not automatically be the mother's task. The partner can provide very specific relief.

The partner can:

• Hold the baby upright
• Help with burping
• Carry the baby
• Change diapers
• Offer elimination communication
• Bring water and food
• Cancel visitors
• Contact the midwife or pediatrician
• Relieve the mother before she reaches her limit

A good postpartum period does not mean the mother bears every cry alone. It means the family is supported.

You can find more information here: Partner in the postpartum period: What really helps after birth.

Organize help when days get strenuous

Tummy ache days can be long. If your baby wants to be carried a lot, cries frequently, or is difficult to soothe, you need practical relief — not just good advice.

Helpful is:

• Having food delivered
• Having groceries dropped off
• Having a sibling cared for
• Leaving housework or delegating it
• Consciously relieving your partner
• Contacting the midwife or pediatrician early

You can find more information here: Organizing help in the postpartum period: What really relieves you after birth.

Reduce visitors when the tummy is unsettled

If your baby is restless, cries a lot, or has abdominal pressure, visitors can quickly become too much. Many voices and arms rarely help when a newborn actually needs peace and quiet.

Then, the following should apply:

no evening visitors

short visits

baby is not passed around

visitors bring food

no unsolicited tummy ache tips

visitors leave when the baby or mother needs rest

A possible sentence:

"Our baby is having unsettled digestive days right now. We need peace and quiet and will let you know when a visit is suitable."

You can find more information here: Visitors in the postpartum period: How much closeness from outside is really good?.

After a C-section: Baby's tummy ache can be particularly difficult for the mother

If your baby has a tummy ache and wants to be carried a lot, it is particularly strenuous after a C-section. Your own abdomen is healing. You may not be able to stand up, carry, or move quickly.

Then it is important:

• Have the baby handed to you
• Partner carries more often
• Delegate changing diapers and elimination communication
• Prepare a well-equipped feeding area
• Strictly limit visitors
• Take your pain seriously
• Don't try to do everything alone

You can find more information here: Postpartum after C-section: What really helps you.

With a sibling: When the baby has a tummy ache

If there's an older child, tummy aches, crying, and carrying can become particularly challenging. The baby needs a lot of closeness, and the sibling also needs attention.

Helpful are:

• Partner takes care of the older child
• Visitors take the sibling out
• Feeding box for the older child
• Brief explanation: "The baby has stomach pressure and needs help"
• Don't make the older child responsible for soothing the baby
• Lower your own expectations

You can find more information here: Postpartum with a sibling: What really helps you.

What you should not do for baby tummy aches

When your baby cries, the desire for quick help is strong. Nevertheless, caution is important with newborns.

Please do not without professional recommendation:

• Give medication
• Offer teas or home remedies
• Use laxatives
• Constantly change food
• Prepare your own mixtures
• Press hard on the belly
• Let the baby cry even though it needs support
• Shake or move roughly

If you feel like you can no longer bear the crying, put your baby down safely and get help immediately. Never shake your baby.

When you should seek medical help

Digestive upset can be normal. But certain signs should always be taken seriously.

Please seek professional advice if:

• your baby cries persistently or seems inconsolable
• the abdomen appears severely distended, hard, or sunken
• your baby appears very pale
• it hardly moves or seems very listless
• fever occurs
• vomiting occurs
• diarrhea occurs
• you see blood in the stool
• your baby is not drinking well
• your baby has few wet diapers
• your gut feeling says: Something is not right

kindergesundheit-info.de recommends seeking medical advice for acute severe abdominal pain, persistent crying, severely distended or sunken abdomen, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody stool. You can find more information at kindergesundheit-info.de: Abdominal pain in children and kindergesundheit-info.de: When medical help is absolutely necessary.

Especially with newborns: It's better to ask too early than too late.

A simple tummy ache checklist for the postpartum period

First Check

• Hungry?
• Burping?
• Wet diaper or insert?
• Pee or bowel movement possible?
• Clothing too tight?
• Too warm or too cold?
• Overstimulated?
• Sick or different than usual?

What you can gently try

• Hold upright
• Offer a burp
• Carry calmly
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Gentle movement
• Reduce stimuli
• Change diaper
• Offer elimination communication
• Loosen clothing

For diaper changes and elimination communication

• Elimination communication diaper as backup
• Inserts within reach
• Changing mat ready
• Offer during diaper changes
• Offer after waking up
• Offer after breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, if appropriate
• No pressure if nothing comes

When to get help

• Persistent, inconsolable crying
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Blood in stool
• Severely distended or hard abdomen
• Poor drinking
• Few wet diapers
• Baby seems sluggish or unusual
• You can no longer cope yourself

Frequently Asked Questions: Baby has tummy ache in the postpartum period

Is tummy ache normal in newborns?

Digestive discomfort, straining, passing gas, and abdominal pressure are common in the first few weeks. Nevertheless, you should always have severe pain, persistent crying, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or an unusually listless baby checked by a professional.

How do I know if my baby has a tummy ache?

Possible signs include pulled-up legs, straining, kicking, crying, restlessness after feeding, a distended belly, or relaxation after passing gas or stool. These signs are not always clear.

What helps with gas in babies?

Gentle burping, upright position, skin-to-skin contact, calm carrying, reduced stimulation, comfortable clothing, and offering elimination communication can help. Please do not give any medication or home remedies without professional recommendation.

Can elimination communication help with tummy aches?

Sometimes yes. Some babies become restless when they need to pee or poop. Offering elimination communication during diaper changes, after waking up, or after feeding can be relieving. If nothing comes, that's not a problem.

Should I massage my baby's belly for tummy aches?

Gentle touch can be good for some babies. Pay close attention to your baby's reaction and do not apply pressure. If your baby becomes more restless or you are unsure, ask your midwife.

Can I give my baby tea for tummy aches?

Please do not give your newborn teas, medications, or home remedies without professional recommendation. For tummy aches, gas, or digestive concerns, speak to your midwife or pediatrician.

When do I need to see a doctor for tummy aches?

If your baby cries persistently, appears very pale or listless, has a fever, is vomiting, has diarrhea, has blood in the stool, is not drinking well, has few wet diapers, or if the abdomen appears severely distended, hard, or sunken, you should seek professional advice.

Can tummy ache come from bottle feeding?

Some babies swallow air when bottle-feeding or drink very quickly. A calm position, breaks, appropriate nipple size, and burping can help. If you are unsure about food, quantity, or feeding behavior, please ask a professional.

Is tummy ache always the reason if my baby pulls up its legs?

Not necessarily. Pulling up legs can be related to digestion, air, elimination, tiredness, overstimulation, or general restlessness. Observe the overall picture and seek professional advice if you are unsure.

A calm thought to conclude

If your baby has a tummy ache in the postpartum period, it's hard to bear. This little being pushes, cries, kicks, and you immediately want to know what helps.

Sometimes it's gas. Sometimes it's a bowel movement. Sometimes it's pee. Sometimes it's hunger, tiredness, overstimulation, or a need for closeness. Sometimes you don't know exactly.

You don't have to interpret every signal perfectly. You are welcome to check: drink, burp, loosen clothing, change diaper, offer elimination communication, carry, provide closeness, reduce stimuli.

And you are allowed to get help if it seems severe, lasts a long time, or your gut feeling says: This is not normal.

Tummy aches in the postpartum period don't require panic. But attention. Not a thousand tips. But calm companionship. Not perfection. But closeness, security, and people who support you.

Sometimes the most important thing is not to find the one solution immediately.

But to show your baby:

I am here. I see that it's difficult. And we will get help if we need it.

This also aligns with Mata Origin's philosophy: Starting the baby year naturally doesn't mean understanding every signal perfectly right away. It means responding to your baby with closeness, natural materials, practical cuts, and undogmatic routines – without forgetting yourself.

If you want to accompany your baby with soft materials, practical cuts, and a relaxed view on diapering, elimination communication, and closeness, you will find well-designed companions for this first time at Mata Origin.

Discover suitable products for the postpartum period, diapering, and elimination communication: elimination communication diapers, diaper inserts, elimination communication pants and the changing mat for on the go.

Note: This article is not a substitute for medical, midwifery, or nutritional advice. It is intended to provide guidance. In case of persistent or shrill crying, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, severely distended, hard, or sunken abdomen, poor drinking, unusual sleepiness, few wet diapers, poor general condition, or if you have a bad feeling, please contact your midwife, pediatrician, or emergency medical service. Do not give your baby any medication, teas, or home remedies without professional recommendation. In case of acute severe symptoms, seek immediate medical help.