How to Calm a Baby's Upset Stomach From Solid Food

Watching your baby suffer after a meal is a painful experience for a parent, but you are not powerless to help. There are many factors to consider when your baby starts solids; deciphering the origin of the discomfort is the first step in calming your baby's upset stomach. If this is a common occurrence, check with your pediatrician before offering another meal to your baby. Although most infants are ready and eating solid foods between 4 and 6 months, your baby may not be ready for it.

A woman is feeding her baby. (Image: Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Step 1

Pay attention to your baby's symptoms -- you know her the best. Record and remember which symptoms occurred after a specific food. If the baby is vomiting or has diarrhea, the stomach upset may actually represent a food allergy. Talk to your pediatrician before offering that specific food again.

Step 2

Place your baby on your shoulder and try to burp her, just as you would while she is drinking breast milk or formula. A gas bubble trapped under her food may be causing undue stomach discomfort that you can alleviate with a few pats on the back.

Step 3

Lie the baby on his back on a firm surface or the floor. Gently hold each of his feet in your hands and cycle them, as if he is riding a tiny bicycle. This does not have to be a vigorous motion -- keep it gentle. The leg movement may ease any gas bubbles stuck in the abdomen, and you will know if it is working as you hear the "toots" from baby's bottom.

Step 4

Rub your baby's tummy in tiny soothing circles with the palm of your hand. The passage of time might be the only cure for baby's distress. Be there for her and soothe her in the way only you can by rocking or swaddling her in light blankets.

Step 5

Put the baby in his car seat and go for a drive. Sometimes the soothing vibrations and movement of the automobile can lull an achy baby to sleep.

Tip

Let your baby's behavior guide you while feeding. Overfeeding a baby who is new to solid foods is sure to cause stomach pain.

Warning

Contact you pediatrician for persistent colicky symptoms after feeding. Like adults, babies can suffer reflux disease, which is easily treatable but can make them miserable.