Why does my toddler have a distended belly?


Sharing is Caring


Excess gas usually is not caused by a serious health problem. Gas and bloating usually are caused by something your child eats or drinks, including some natural health products and medicines. Gas and bloating are usually harmless and go away without treatment. But changing your child’s diet can help end the problem.

How do I know if my toddler’s stomach is distended?

  1. Bloating.
  2. Belching or flatulence.
  3. A bubbly or gurgling tummy.
  4. Abdominal pain or discomfort.
  5. A distended belly from excess air.

How can I help my bloated toddler?

  1. Food enzymes, such as Beano, can be added to gas-producing foods to prevent gas.
  2. Antacids, such as Maalox Anti-Gas and Mylanta Gas, can relieve bloating by making your child burp.
  3. Activated charcoal tablets, such as CharcoCaps, may decrease odor from gas your child passes.

What does stomach distention indicate?

Abdominal swelling, or distention, is more often caused by overeating than by a serious illness. This problem also can be caused by: Air swallowing (a nervous habit) Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (this can be a sign of a serious medical problem)

Is it normal for a toddler to have a potbelly?

Answer: It is generally normal for toddlers to have potbellies. By the time children reach school age, the potbelly will most often disappear and their bodies seem more proportionate. The belly should feel soft and NOT tender.

Is my toddler overeating?

Signs your child may be overeating on a regular basis include them constantly asking for food, eating extra and then vomiting, growing too quickly or wearing clothes an age or two above their actual age or if their weight is much greater than their height on their growth chart.

What is the difference between abdominal distention and bloating?

Bloating refers to the sensation of abdominal (tummy) swelling, sometimes described as the feeling of an inflated balloon in the belly. By contrast, abdominal distention refers to an actual increase in measured abdominal size.

How do you fix a distended stomach?

  1. Identify food sensitivities and change your diet accordingly.
  2. Eat smaller amounts more slowly. Wait longer between meals.
  3. Drink more water and eat more fiber to prevent the accumulation of waste.
  4. Try digestive enzymes and probiotics before meals.

Why does my baby’s tummy look bloated?

Babies swallow air while crying, sucking a pacifier, and eating. Furthermore, babies’ digestive systems are still developing, which can sometimes lead to gas and a bloated belly. A gassy baby may belch, burp, pass gas, and have a hard distended tummy.

When does the toddler belly go away?

“It’s normal for a child to slim down between ages 2 and 5,” says pediatrician Roy Kim, MD.

How big is a 2 year old stomach?

Toddlers have small stomachs, about the size of their fist. They cannot eat very much at one time. This is why it is important that you give them three meals and 2-3 snacks each day. The snacks you give your child should be nutritious.

How can I improve my 2 year olds digestive system?

  1. More fibre, please! Fibre-rich foods like grains, fruits and vegetables can do wonders for one’s digestive tract.
  2. Exercise.
  3. Keep Hydrating.
  4. More Meals, Smaller Portions.
  5. Do Not Overeat.
  6. Load Up on Enzymes.
  7. Food to Avoid.
  8. Lead By Example.

What are the 5 F’s of abdominal distension?

The traditionally taught five causes of generalised abdominal distension (the ‘five Fs’) are: flatus, fluid, faeces, fetus and fat.

What conditions can cause abdominal distension?

The list of organic disorders that can cause bloating and distension also includes celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, prior gastroesophageal surgery (such as fundoplication or bariatric procedures), gastric outlet obstruction, gastroparesis, ascites, gastrointestinal or gynecologic malignancy, hypothyroidism, …

Is my baby’s stomach distended?

Abdominal distension Most babies’ bellies normally stick out, especially after a large feeding. Between feedings, however, they should feel soft. If your child’s abdomen feels swollen and hard, and if she has not had a bowel movement for more than one or two days or is vomiting, call your pediatrician.

When should I worry about my toddler’s weight?

Recommended Reading. If he falls between the 5th and 85th percentiles, then he’s at a healthy weight. If he falls at or above the 85th percentile he’s overweight, and if he’s at the 95th percentile or above he has obesity. But keep in mind that your toddler’s BMI isn’t the only factor to consider.

Why does my daughter have a big belly?

In girls, the body prepares for the important job of menstruation by laying down body fat in the area of the tummy. You may notice your daughter has a big belly, or is gaining weight in the belly area. It’s considered a normal transformation for girls to gain weight, particularly in the stomach area.

How big is a 3 year old stomach?

A toddler’s tummy is on average approximately the same size as his or her clenched fist! Although your toddler’s tummy size is small they still have unique nutritional requirements necessary to support this rapid phase of growth and development.

Should I let my toddler eat as much as he wants?

Unlike adults, children don’t stay full for long, and they really do need to eat every few hours. In addition, your child is probably having growth spurts, which will require his body to take in more calories. So don’t worry too much about your little bottomless pit.

What are the signs of overfeeding a baby?

  • Gassiness or burping.
  • Frequent spit up.
  • Vomiting after eating.
  • Fussiness, irritability or crying after meals.
  • Gagging or choking.

Do autistic children overeat?

Causes of overeating in autistic children and teenagers include habit, obsessions, unpredictable mealtimes and sensory sensitivities. It can help to keep snack foods out of reach or sight, replace snacks with other activities and aim for predictable meals.

When should I be concerned about abdominal distension?

As long as your symptoms eventually go away, they probably aren’t serious. But if your bloated stomach doesn’t go away or gets worse, or if you have other symptoms of serious illness, such as fever or vomiting, you should seek medical attention to rule out other medical causes. These may include: Ascites.

What causes distended stomach after eating?

Possible reasons for bloating and distension include: Too much gas in the intestine. Abnormal levels of bacteria in the small intestine (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth โ€“ SIBO) Imbalance of microorganisms that usually live in the bowel (dysbacteriosis); sometimes the result of taking antibiotics. Food intolerance.

Will a distended stomach go away?

Most stomach bloating will resolve on its own. However, you should see a doctor if it does not go away or if you notice any of the following symptoms: Blood in your stool. Intense or persistent abdominal pain.

Does drinking water help with bloating?

“While it may seem counterintuitive, drinking water may help to reduce bloat by ridding the body of excess sodium,” Fullenweider says. Another tip: Be sure to drink plenty of water before your meal too. This step offers the same bloat-minimizing effect and can also prevent overeating, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Craving More Content?

Eating Disorder Resources