Why does my baby have tummy pain?

Tummy pain (infant colic) is one of the most common complaints in newborns and young babies. Parents usually first notice it as crying – often a cry that sounds different from hunger. Still, even if your little one cries a lot, it’s not always down to tummy pain.

It helps to get familiar with these common symptoms even before birth. That way you can spot problems quickly and know what to look out for. It also makes it easier to describe things precisely to your GP or health visitor – you’ll notice the small details you’re actively checking for.

What symptoms should we watch for?

Abdominal cramps can be very painful for babies – they show it with a piercing, intense cry.
If your baby wakes 30–60 minutes after a feed crying like this, pulls their legs up, clenches fists and tenses up, there’s a good chance it’s tummy pain. If they’re still hard to settle in your arms and keep fidgeting, that supports the hunch. Feel the tummy – does it seem tight and bloated?

There may be quieter spells, but the overall restlessness remains. A typical pattern is at least a week of crying that happens three times a week or more, lasting three hours or longer on those days.

In infancy, this very common tummy pain is functional, not due to a structural problem. Symptoms usually run from about 2 weeks to 4 months, are worse in late afternoon/evening, and fade gradually.

What causes crampy tummy pain? 

There are several possible contributors – but there’s no single proven cause.

Imbalance in the gut flora 

After birth, the gut needs time to be colonised by bacteria. Sensitive babies may react with tummy pain. Vaginal birth, early latching, and breastfeeding all support a healthy microbiome.

Temporary lactose intolerance 

Up to around 3 months, there may be a shortfall of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar. Telltales: bloated tummy, loose, frothy or greenish stools. It usually resolves on its own as enzyme activity balances out. As with adults, lactase drops can sometimes help for babies, too.

Cow’s-milk protein allergy 

This can occur not only with formula but also in breastfed babies. In this case, skin rashes or eczema often accompany tummy pain.

Increased intestinal motility 

An immature gut can move food along too quickly (faster peristalsis), causing discomfort. This typically settles within a few months.

Breastfeeding challenges 

If baby doesn’t latch correctly or feeds greedily, they may swallow lots of air – even more so with bottle feeding. A strong let-down can flood the mouth with milk. If you switch sides very frequently, try staying on one breast longer. The foremilk is thinner and higher in milk sugar; taking too much of it can make lactose breakdown harder.

Mum’s diet 

Compounds from what mum eats can enter breast milk. With a tummy-ache-prone baby, many mums first cut out “gassy” foods – legumes, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli – and dairy. Sometimes they do see improvement.

How can we help baby? 

If you’re struggling with latch or positioning, consider seeing a lactation consultant – they can visit at home, help align mum and baby, and resolve feeding issues.

As a first step, try removing gas-forming and common allergen foods from your own diet. You can also trial cutting dairy, then reassess after 8–10 days.

It’s natural to consult your GP/health visitor about tummy pain. You can try recommended over-the-counter remedies if advised. Some medicines aren’t absorbed into the body. Probiotics may be worth a go. For strong cramps, your GP may suggest a smooth-muscle antispasmodic. Fennel tea is often among the first calming options.

Baby massage and gentle exercises specifically for colic help release trapped wind – many babies enjoy them.

Warmth is soothing for sore tummies. A warm bath as part of a familiar routine both relaxes and eases cramps. You can also use a warm water bottle, placed under baby’s tummy while they’re on their front.

A calm environment and restful sleep help them relax. Unfortunately, during this phase sleep is often poor, with frequent wakings and crying.

LiaaBébé baby sleeping bags and rompers are exceptionally comfy. Their super-soft fabric and temperature-regulating qualities help keep sleep undisturbed. Dressing a crying, colicky baby is no fun – but LiaaBébé’s extra stretch makes changes much easier.

Babywearing can be wonderfully calming – try carrying your little one close to your body in a sling.

It’s a tough time for parents, too

Families truly feel the strain during a colic phase. It’s hard when there’s no obvious fix and you can’t seem to help. Day after day of seeing your baby in distress is exhausting.

The weeks and nights can be draining for everyone. Accept all offers of help, and swap shifts so someone can rest.

Is every tummy pain harmless? 

A few rare situations need urgent medical assessment. Knowing the red flags means you can act quickly:

• Sudden onset of symptoms

• Severe pain

• Very hard, board-like tummy

• Marked bloating

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Cold, clammy skin

• Rapid, easily compressible pulse

If your child shows more serious signs, seek immediate medical help. Do not give antispasmodics or painkillers beforehand – they can mask symptoms and complicate diagnosis.

What’s the difference between a tummy that feels firm while crying and a persistently hard tummy?
When babies cry, their tummy can feel temporarily hard, but as the cry eases, the abdominal wall relaxes. A pathologically tense tummy stays hard on palpation.

In practice, parents usually trial different options to ease symptoms – sometimes with success, sometimes not. Often time is the healer: beyond breaking up gas, there’s not always a lasting solution to prevent recurrent bloating. As your baby matures, colic fades away without a trace.

Sources:

NHS – Colic in babies: symptoms, what helps, and when to get medical help.

NHS – Soothing a crying baby: calming techniques and red-flag symptoms.