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Gastroenteritis

Tummy troubles are common in little ones
Baby HealthBabies

Tummy troubles are common in little ones

by Panado
written by Panado
Tummy troubles are common in little ones, especially during their first year.1a Your baby may not be able to tell you their tummy hurts, but they can show signs of discomfort that are hard to miss. You might notice they’re extra fussy, squirmy, or their eating, sleeping, or nappy habits seem a bit off.1b

There are plenty of reasons why your baby’s tummy might be giving them a hard time. Let’s look at some common culprits and how you can help your baby’s tummy feel better. 

Common Causes of Tummy Problems in Babies

Colic: Colic involves crying or fussiness lasting more than three hours a day and occurring more than three times a week.2a It typically starts a few weeks after birth and resolves by four months.2b To soothe colic, you can try things like probiotics2c, swaddling,2d or gentle rocking.2e

Gas: Babies often get air in their tummies because they can swallow it while breastfeeding, bottle feeding, crying, yawning, or even sucking on a pacifier.3a This trapped air can make them uncomfortable and give the sensation of being full, even when they’re still hungry.3b To reduce gas, try anti-colic bottles3c and gently pat or rub your baby’s back to encourage them to bring up wind.3d A gentle tummy massage (in a circular, clockwise motion) can also help.3e

Milk Protein Allergy: Milk protein allergy occurs when a baby reacts to proteins in cow’s milk.4a Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and coughing.4b If your breastfed baby has a milk allergy, it’s a good idea to chat with an allergist about any changes you might need to make to your diet. For formula-fed babies, your paediatrician may recommend switching to an extensively hydrolysed formula or an amino acid-based formula.4c

Constipation: Constipation in babies involves firm, dry pellet-like stools.5a To help ease constipation, try a warm bath to relax your baby’s bowels,5b or move their legs in a “bicycle” motion.5c If you’re formula feeding, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use the correct number of scoops of formula to water to avoid constipation.5d

Reflux: Reflux (posseting) is common in babies under six months.6a It happens because the muscle between the food pipe and stomach isn’t fully developed, allowing milk to travel back up.6b Most babies outgrow it by 12 months as their digestive system matures and they spend more time sitting upright6c. Until then, try a responsive/paced feeding approach6d and try keeping your baby’s head higher than their bottom during feeds.6e

Gastrointestinal Infections: Stomach infections can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and belly pain.7a While you can’t completely shield your baby from the germs that cause gastroenteritis, encouraging proper handwashing for the whole family is the most effective way to reduce its spread.7b

Other Things That Can Affect Your Baby’s Tummy

Breastfed babies naturally unlatch when they’ve had enough, but with a bottle, it can be trickier to know when to stop. Watch for signs of fullness, like turning their head away, slowing down their sucking, or relaxing their fingers, arms and legs.8 When your baby starts solids around six months, start with a teaspoon of food and slowly increase the amount based on your baby’s hunger and fullness cues.9

Panado® Has The Power To Fight Their Pain

Panado®’s infant-friendly formula is formulated to relieve fevers, ease mild to moderate pain, and provide relief during teething, tummy aches, or after vaccinations. Panado® helps soothe pain and fever from as early as 0 months. Available in alcohol and sugar-free syrups and drops, Panado® is fast-acting10.

Panado® also makes medicine time a breeze with its taste-bud friendly flavours – peppermint flavoured syrup11, because it’s “mint to be”, strawberry flavoured syrup12, which is as “berry nice” as it sounds, and peppermint flavoured infant drops13 with a dosage dropper.

Always administer using a medicine measure or a syringe. Do not exceed the recommended dose.  Dosage details can be found at https://panado.co.za/dosage-calculator/ and are calculated according to your child’s age and weight. 

Panado® is trusted14 by parents to bring relief when your little one needs it most so your baby can get back to what they do best: filling your world with joy.

Panado® products are available at Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers, including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Independent Pharmacies. For more information and references, visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook.

References:

  1. Healthychildren.org. Abdominal Pain in Infants: 8 Possible Reasons Your Baby’s Tummy Hurts. Available from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Abdominal-Pains-in-Infants.aspx. Last accessed February 2025.
  2. Kheir AE. Infantile colic, facts and fiction. Ital J Pediatr. 2012 Jul 23;38:34. doi: 10.1186/1824-7288-38-34. Retraction in: Ital J Pediatr. 2014 Mar 11;40(1):9. doi: 10.1186/1824-7288-40-9. PMID: 22823993; PMCID: PMC3411470. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3411470/#. Last accessed February 2025
  3. Tomee Tippee. Bottle Feeding. Available from: https://www.tommeetippee.com/en-gb/parent-library/newborn-baby/feeding/bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding-and-burping. Last accessed February 2025.
  4. NEMOURS KidsHealth. Milk Allergy in Infants. Available from: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/milk-allergy.html. Last accessed February 2025.
  5. HSE. Constipation in babies (0 to 6 months). Available from: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/constipation-children/constipation-in-babies-0-to-6-months/. Last accessed February 2025.
  6. NCT. What is baby reflux? Symptoms and support. Available from: https://www.nct.org.uk/information/baby-toddler/baby-and-toddler-health/what-baby-reflux-symptoms-and-support. Last accessed Febraury 2025.
  7. Cincinnati Children’s. What is Gastroenteritis? Available from: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/g/gastroenteritis. Last accessed February 2025.
  8. STRONG4LIFE. 6 Signs Your Baby Is Full. Available from: https://www.strong4life.com/en/feeding-and-nutrition/hunger-and-fullness-cues/6-signs-your-baby-is-full. Last accessed February 2025.
  9. Littleones. SOLIDS! The when, what, how of solid food. Available from: https://www.littleones.co/blogs/our-blog/solids-the-when-what-how-of-solid-food?srsltid=AfmBOopFZludYxRbS51K9kYc5AhRQ1iOVRRvVE7_9FxEkA1vuqpwpZxE. Last accessed Febraury 2025.
  10. Wilcock A, Twycross R. Therapeutic reviews: Acetaminophen (Paracetamol). Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 2013;46(5):747-755.
  11. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free approved professional information, May 2022. 
  12. Panado® Paediatric Strawberry Syrup approved professional information, March 2002.
  13. Panado® Infant Drops approved professional information, August 1990.
  14. Circana, MT, Dec 2024 MAT.

07.03.2025.1000001485. March 2025.

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Understanding Gastroenteritis (Gastro) in Children
Children's HealthBabiesBaby HealthExpertsPre-schoolersToddler HealthToddlers

Expert Understanding Gastroenteritis (Gastro) in Children

by Dr Lana Marcus, general practitioner
written by Dr Lana Marcus, general practitioner

If your child has ever had sudden vomiting or diarrhoea, you’ve likely heard the term—what’s all the fuss about gastroenteritis (gastro)? It might sound dramatic, but gastro is more than just a tummy bug. For little ones especially, it can escalate quickly and leave parents feeling anxious and helpless. Here’s what you really need to know to manage it safely and confidently. Written by Dr Lana Marcus, general practitioner.

As I write this, we have just survived both boys having had gastroenteritis in close succession. Sleep deprivation – something I thought had disappeared with their infant days – was a stark reality and washing machines running at midnight became the new norm.

Telling my five-year-old that he had to sleep in a nappy to catch any accidents even though “mommy knows you’re not a baby” was a little heart-breaking. But barring a few days of discomfort, a house that smelt most unwelcoming and several days of missed school, we came off pretty lightly.

Unfortunately, gastroenteritis does not always have favourable outcomes. According to the CDC, worldwide diarrhoeal diseases are a leading cause of paediatric morbidity and mortality, with 1.5 billion episodes and 1.5 to 2.5 million deaths estimated to occur annually among children under five years.

A measurable decrease has been observed with the development of the rotavirus vaccine, which is currently part of our vaccination schedule.

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis (gastro) is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, i.e. the stomach and intestines. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain/cramping. Fever, lack of energy and dehydration may also occur.

Statistically, it is most usually viral, although patients who have recently been travelling or are immunocompromised may be more likely to have picked up bacteria, parasites or fungal infections. Eating improperly prepared food, drinking contaminated water or close contact with a person who is infected can spread the disease.

“The single most effective way to prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis is frequent, thorough hand-washing with soap and water.”

How diarrhoea is diagnosed

Patients often announce at the beginning of the consult: “I don’t know if I ate something funny or if I picked up an infection somewhere…” Truth be told, it’s really not important. The symptoms are identical and the treatment plan would be the same, too.

In instances of mass outbreaks with contaminated foodstuffs, stool testing would be warranted. Similarly, in a patient who has recently travelled or is presenting with bloody stools, testing is indicated.

Should you run to the doctor at the first sign of diarrhoea or vomiting in your little one?

The answer is generally no. Gastroenteritis is usually an acute and self-limiting disease that does not require medication. There are certain products we can use to attenuate symptoms such as antiemetics (drugs to reduce nausea and vomiting), antispasmodics (for cramping) and mucosal protective agents. Specific products and their doses depend on the age and size of the child, so it is best to ask a healthcare professional.

Two good items to have in your “gastroenteritis kit” are rehydration solution and probiotics. The most important treatment for your child with gastroenteritis is replacing fluid. They must drink small amounts at frequent intervals.

When should I take my child to the doctor?

The biggest risk with gastroenteritis is dehydration, and moderate to severe dehydration certainly warrants a trip to your doctor or emergency room. A degree of mild dehydration is to be expected and can be carefully watched.

Signs of mild dehydration include:

Thirst, child is alert, moist mucous membranes (look inside mouth), cries tears, normal breathing and heart rate, decreased urine output (but still passing urine).

Signs of severe dehydration include:

If your child is lethargic, has dry mucous membranes, decreased tears, a thready fast pulse, sunken eyes and fontanelles (soft spot), or reduced skin turgor you must get medical attention. Parents should also be far more cautious with small babies, since their reserves are much lower and they tend to deteriorate far quicker.

If your child is experiencing large fluid volume losses through diarrhoea and/or vomiting and you are unable to replace those losses with oral fluids, a drip may be necessary in order to replace those fluids bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.

Can gastro be prevented?

The single most effective way to prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis is frequent, thorough hand-washing with soap and water. Always wash your hands after using the toilet and changing diapers and before eating, preparing, or handling food.

Alcohol-based hand sanitisers can be used in addition to hand-washing, but not as a substitute. Good hygiene for contaminated surfaces and bedding/clothing is also important.

When is it safe to take a child back to school?

Your child needs to not have had a single episode of diarrhoea, vomiting or fever for at least 24 hours. Some guidelines recommend waiting even 48 hours. They also need to be back to their old selves when it comes to energy, and eating and drinking happily and comfortably.

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BabyYumYum FAQs: Understanding Gastroenteritis (Gastro) in Children

What causes gastro in children?

It is usually caused by viruses (such as rotavirus or norovirus), but can also be due to bacteria or, less commonly, parasites. It spreads easily through contact with contaminated food, water, or surfaces.

What are the symptoms of gastro in children?

Common symptoms include watery diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Symptoms usually begin suddenly and can last a few days.

Is gastroenteritis dangerous for children?

Most cases are mild and clear up within a few days, but gastro can lead to dehydration, especially in young children. Severe or prolonged cases may require medical attention.

How is gastro treated?

There is no specific cure for viral gastro. Treatment focuses on rest and keeping your child hydrated with small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solution. Avoid giving sugary drinks or undiluted juice.

Should I give my child food while they have gastro?

Yes, once vomiting settles, offer bland, easy-to-digest foods like toast, banana, rice, or plain crackers. Don’t force food—let your child eat when they’re ready.

How can I prevent the spread of gastro?

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after nappy changes or using the toilet. Keep your child home from school or crèche for at least 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.

Can gastro be prevented with vaccines?

Yes, the rotavirus vaccine helps protect against one of the most common causes of viral gastro in young children. It is part of the routine immunisation schedule in many countries.

How long does gastro usually last in children?

Symptoms typically last between 1 to 3 days, but mild diarrhoea may continue for a few more days. Recovery times vary depending on the cause and severity.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult your GP or paediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s health, especially if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

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