Aarushi Bhadury

Reasons Your Kid May Be Bloated And How To Help

Children Bloating (Credit-Canva)

Bloating is common for adults to experience bloating after eating salty meals or during specific times of the month. However, bloating can also affect young children. If you notice your child's tummy is round, swollen, or puffy, and feels hard to the touch, you might be wondering if they're experiencing bloating. While children might not use the term "bloating," they may complain of a tummy ache or <span>stomach pain</span>. 

It's normal for young children to have potbellies. This is especially common after a large meal or feeding. As they grow older, their bellies will become more proportional to the rest of their bodies. However, sometimes a bloated belly can be a sign of a digestive issue. If your child's belly feels hard, they haven't had a bowel movement in a couple of days, they're vomiting, or they're passing gas more frequently than usual, it might be causing them discomfort. 

<h2>Why is your child might be bloating</h2>

While it is quite common for children to experience bloating, it can cause a lot of discomfort to them. Here are some reasons why they are bloated, 

<strong><span rel="noindex">Swallowing Air</span> (Aerophagia)</strong>

Aerophagia, or swallowing excess air, is a common cause of bloating in children. This can happen when they cry excessively, eat too quickly, or have nervous habits. Symptoms of aerophagia include excessive burping, passing gas, a gurgly tummy, and belly pain. 

<ul><li>Give your child over-the-counter simethicone, which can help dissolve gas bubbles.</li><li>Teach older children deep breathing techniques to help regulate their breathing and reduce the amount of air they swallow.</li><li>Avoid foods and drinks that can cause your child to swallow more air, such as carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and hard candies.</li></ul>

Constipation is another common cause of bloating in children. When stools become hard and difficult to pass, they can build up in the intestines, leading to a bloated belly. Constipation can be caused by dehydration, a lack of fiber, or withholding bowel movements. 

<ul><li>Ensure your child is drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.</li><li>Increase their intake of fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.</li><li>Encourage your child to be physically active, as exercise can help stimulate bowel movements.</li><li>Establish a regular routine for bathroom breaks to help prevent constipation.</li><li>If your child has chronic constipation, consult with a pediatrician or gastrointestinal specialist. </li></ul>

Food intolerances or sensitivities can be a significant cause of bloating in children. When a child consumes a food they are intolerant or sensitive to, it can cause digestive issues, including bloating and gas. Common culprits include lactose, gluten, and casein. 

<ul><li>Keep a food journal to track your child's diet and identify potential triggers.</li><li>Consult with a pediatrician to discuss possible food intolerances or sensitivities.</li><li>Consider eliminating suspected foods from your child's diet and gradually reintroducing them to see if symptoms improve.</li><li>If your child is suspected of having a lactose intolerance, a hydrogen breath test can be used to confirm the diagnosis. </li></ul>

Some foods can be difficult to digest and contribute to bloating. Fructose, fatty foods, beans, and cruciferous vegetables are common culprits. These foods can produce excessive gas and cause discomfort. 

<ul><li>Introduce new foods to your child's diet slowly and monitor their reaction.</li><li>Encourage your child to chew their food thoroughly to aid in digestion.</li><li>Offer your child water instead of juice, as juice can contain high levels of fructose and contribute to bloating.</li><li>Avoid foods and drinks that are known to cause gas, such as carbonated beverages and candies.</li></ul>

<h3>Irritable Bowel Syndrome (<span rel="noindex">IBS</span>)</h3>

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that can cause bloating and other digestive symptoms in children. While it is often considered an adult condition, IBS can also affect children. 

<ul><li>Consult with your child's pediatrician for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.</li><li>Work with a registered dietitian to identify trigger foods and develop a personalized diet plan.</li><li>Consider incorporating foods low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) to help reduce IBS symptoms.</li><li>Encourage your child to manage stress, as stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms.</li></ul>

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Bloating is common for adults to experience bloating after eating salty meals or during specific times of the month. However, bloating can also affect young children. If you notice your child's tummy is round, swollen, or puffy, and feels hard to the touch, you might be wondering if they're experiencing bloating. While children might not use the term "bloating," they may complain of a tummy ache or stomach pain. It's normal for young children to have potbellies. This is especially common after a large meal or feeding. As they grow older, their bellies will become more proportional to the rest of their bodies. However, sometimes a bloated belly can be a sign of a digestive issue. If your child's belly feels hard, they haven't had a bowel movement in a couple of days, they're vomiting, or they're passing gas more frequently than usual, it might be causing them discomfort. Why is your child might be bloatingWhile it is quite common for children to experience bloating, it can cause a lot of discomfort to them. Here are some reasons why they are bloated, Swallowing Air (Aerophagia)Aerophagia, or swallowing excess air, is a common cause of bloating in children. This can happen when they cry excessively, eat too quickly, or have nervous habits. Symptoms of aerophagia include excessive burping, passing gas, a gurgly tummy, and belly pain. How to help:Give your child over-the-counter simethicone, which can help dissolve gas bubbles.Teach older children deep breathing techniques to help regulate their breathing and reduce the amount of air they swallow.Avoid foods and drinks that can cause your child to swallow more air, such as carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and hard candies.ConstipationConstipation is another common cause of bloating in children. When stools become hard and difficult to pass, they can build up in the intestines, leading to a bloated belly. Constipation can be caused by dehydration, a lack of fiber, or withholding bowel movements. How to help:Ensure your child is drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.Increase their intake of fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.Encourage your child to be physically active, as exercise can help stimulate bowel movements.Establish a regular routine for bathroom breaks to help prevent constipation.If your child has chronic constipation, consult with a pediatrician or gastrointestinal specialist. Food Intolerance or SensitivityFood intolerances or sensitivities can be a significant cause of bloating in children. When a child consumes a food they are intolerant or sensitive to, it can cause digestive issues, including bloating and gas. Common culprits include lactose, gluten, and casein. How to help:Keep a food journal to track your child's diet and identify potential triggers.Consult with a pediatrician to discuss possible food intolerances or sensitivities.Consider eliminating suspected foods from your child's diet and gradually reintroducing them to see if symptoms improve.If your child is suspected of having a lactose intolerance, a hydrogen breath test can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Trouble Digesting Certain FoodsSome foods can be difficult to digest and contribute to bloating. Fructose, fatty foods, beans, and cruciferous vegetables are common culprits. These foods can produce excessive gas and cause discomfort. How to help:Introduce new foods to your child's diet slowly and monitor their reaction.Encourage your child to chew their food thoroughly to aid in digestion.Offer your child water instead of juice, as juice can contain high levels of fructose and contribute to bloating.Avoid foods and drinks that are known to cause gas, such as carbonated beverages and candies.Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that can cause bloating and other digestive symptoms in children. While it is often considered an adult condition, IBS can also affect children. How to help:Consult with your child's pediatrician for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.Work with a registered dietitian to identify trigger foods and develop a personalized diet plan.Consider incorporating foods low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) to help reduce IBS symptoms.Encourage your child to manage stress, as stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms.

reasons your kid may be bloated and how to help

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World Breastfeeding Week: Texas Woman Who Broke Her Own Guinness World Record By Donating 2,645.58 Litres Of Breastmilk

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In a feat that’s both heartwarming and historic, 36-year-old Alyse Ogletree from Texas has broken her own Guinness World Record by donating an incredible 2,645.58 litres of breastmilk. 

Her milk, donated to the Mothers’ Milk Bank in North Texas, has helped save and nourish countless premature babies, many of whom wouldn’t have survived without it. As breastfeeding awareness takes center stage this week, in the month of August, Ogletree’s story brings a renewed focus on the lifesaving value of breastmilk.

Alyse, a mother of three, first realized her body produced more milk than her baby needed after her first child, Kyle, was born, 14 years ago. Initially discarding the excess milk, she was introduced to the concept of milk donation by a nurse. That small moment led to a life-altering decision.

Since then, she has made it her mission to help other mothers and fragile infants who cannot access breastmilk. “I have a big heart,” she told the Guinness World Records. “I’m not made of money, and I can’t donate money to every cause. But I can donate what I have plenty of, milk.”

According to the Mothers’ Milk Bank, just one litre of breastmilk can help nourish up to 11 premature newborns. By that math, Ogletree’s contribution could have helped nearly 350,000 babies. Her extraordinary effort is not just a number, it’s a massive public health intervention and a testament to how individual generosity can ripple into nationwide impact.

Breastmilk offers crucial immunity, nutrients, and protection against infections, especially for preemies. For these infants, every drop truly counts.

Ogletree isn’t just a record-breaker, she’s also a full-time mom to Kyle, now 14, Kage (12), and Kory (7), and has even donated milk while serving as a surrogate mother. She credits her consistent donation success to a balanced lifestyle: staying hydrated, eating well, and sticking to a strict pumping schedule.

Despite never being diagnosed with any hormonal condition to explain her overproduction, she believes her body simply found its purpose. “It’s one of the best feelings in the world,” she said. “To know that something my body naturally produces can save lives.”

Beyond setting records, Ogletree is determined to educate and inspire others. She wants mothers to know that breastmilk, even in surplus, should never go to waste, and that donating is easier than many realize.

Her story comes at a critical time. Breastfeeding rates remain inconsistent globally, and many mothers stop early due to lack of support, misinformation, or physical difficulty. Ogletree’s message is simple but powerful: every drop matters, and giving—even a little—can be lifesaving.

As the world observes Breastfeeding Week, Ogletree’s record is more than a headline, it’s a call to action.

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In a feat that’s both heartwarming and historic, 36-year-old Alyse Ogletree from Texas has broken her own Guinness World Record by donating an incredible 2,645.58 litres of breastmilk. Her milk, donated to the Mothers’ Milk Bank in North Texas, has helped save and nourish countless premature babies, many of whom wouldn’t have survived without it. As breastfeeding awareness takes center stage this week, in the month of August, Ogletree’s story brings a renewed focus on the lifesaving value of breastmilk.Milk of Human KindnessAlyse, a mother of three, first realized her body produced more milk than her baby needed after her first child, Kyle, was born, 14 years ago. Initially discarding the excess milk, she was introduced to the concept of milk donation by a nurse. That small moment led to a life-altering decision.Since then, she has made it her mission to help other mothers and fragile infants who cannot access breastmilk. “I have a big heart,” she told the Guinness World Records. “I’m not made of money, and I can’t donate money to every cause. But I can donate what I have plenty of, milk.”An Impact Measured in LivesAccording to the Mothers’ Milk Bank, just one litre of breastmilk can help nourish up to 11 premature newborns. By that math, Ogletree’s contribution could have helped nearly 350,000 babies. Her extraordinary effort is not just a number, it’s a massive public health intervention and a testament to how individual generosity can ripple into nationwide impact.Breastmilk offers crucial immunity, nutrients, and protection against infections, especially for preemies. For these infants, every drop truly counts.Balancing Family, Pumping, and PurposeOgletree isn’t just a record-breaker, she’s also a full-time mom to Kyle, now 14, Kage (12), and Kory (7), and has even donated milk while serving as a surrogate mother. She credits her consistent donation success to a balanced lifestyle: staying hydrated, eating well, and sticking to a strict pumping schedule.Despite never being diagnosed with any hormonal condition to explain her overproduction, she believes her body simply found its purpose. “It’s one of the best feelings in the world,” she said. “To know that something my body naturally produces can save lives.”Beyond setting records, Ogletree is determined to educate and inspire others. She wants mothers to know that breastmilk, even in surplus, should never go to waste, and that donating is easier than many realize.Her story comes at a critical time. Breastfeeding rates remain inconsistent globally, and many mothers stop early due to lack of support, misinformation, or physical difficulty. Ogletree’s message is simple but powerful: every drop matters, and giving—even a little—can be lifesaving.As the world observes Breastfeeding Week, Ogletree’s record is more than a headline, it’s a call to action.

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In what’s believed to be a world record, a baby boy born last week in Tennessee developed from an embryo that had been frozen for more than 30 years. The child’s parents, Lindsey and Tim Pierce from Ohio, welcomed their son after years of infertility, thanks to an embryo that had been stored since 1994, for a staggering 11,148 days.

The birth, confirmed by their doctor as the longest known frozen embryo to result in a live birth, is more than just a medical milestone. It is a deeply human story about hope, difficult choices, and the quiet lives of embryos waiting in storage.

The embryo came from Linda Archerd, a 62-year-old woman in Oregon who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) over three decades ago. After giving birth to a daughter in the 1990s and later going through a divorce, she was left with four remaining embryos. For years, she struggled with what to do with them.

“I felt all along that these three little hopes, these little embryos, deserved to live just like my daughter did,” Archerd said.

Unable to discard them and burdened by rising storage fees, she eventually connected with Snowflakes, a division of Nightlight Christian Adoptions that facilitates embryo donations. Snowflakes allowed Archerd to choose the adopting family and maintain some openness in the process, a priority for her.

“I wanted to be a part of this baby’s life,” she said. “And I wanted to know the adopting parents.”

The process wasn’t simple. Archerd had to track down her original IVF clinic in Oregon, retrieve decades-old paper records, and coordinate the shipment of the embryos to Rejoice Fertility, a clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee. Rejoice is known for its willingness to work with older embryos and for its refusal to discard them.

Of the three embryos donated, one didn’t survive the thaw. Two were transferred into Lindsey Pierce’s womb, and one successfully implanted, leading to a healthy pregnancy and birth.

Dr. John David Gordon, the Pierces’ physician, called the birth historic. He also helped oversee a similar case in 2022, when siblings Lydia and Timothy Ridgeway were born from embryos frozen for 10,905 days.

“These stories always capture the imagination,” Gordon said. “But they also raise an important question, why are there still so many embryos sitting in storage?”

The Pierce family is not alone in navigating this path. Experts estimate around 1.5 million frozen embryos are stored across the United States. While only about 2 percent of all U.S. births involve IVF, embryo adoption represents an even smaller share.

The issue is growing more complex, particularly after a 2024 Alabama Supreme Court ruling granted frozen embryos legal status as children. The decision has sparked legal uncertainty and renewed ethical debates about embryo storage, use, and destruction.

For Lindsey and Tim Pierce, though, this moment is about gratitude and new beginnings.

“We didn’t go into this thinking about records,” Lindsey said. “We just wanted to have a baby.”

Archerd is still coming to terms with the experience, equal parts joy, sadness, and hope. She has already received photos from the Pierces and dreams of meeting them and the baby in person.

“I’m hoping they’ll send more pictures,” she said. “And maybe, one day, I’ll get to meet them. That would be a dream come true.”

baby born from 30 year old embryo

oldest embryo baby

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In what’s believed to be a world record, a baby boy born last week in Tennessee developed from an embryo that had been frozen for more than 30 years. The child’s parents, Lindsey and Tim Pierce from Ohio, welcomed their son after years of infertility, thanks to an embryo that had been stored since 1994, for a staggering 11,148 days.The birth, confirmed by their doctor as the longest known frozen embryo to result in a live birth, is more than just a medical milestone. It is a deeply human story about hope, difficult choices, and the quiet lives of embryos waiting in storage.Three Little HopesThe embryo came from Linda Archerd, a 62-year-old woman in Oregon who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) over three decades ago. After giving birth to a daughter in the 1990s and later going through a divorce, she was left with four remaining embryos. For years, she struggled with what to do with them.“I felt all along that these three little hopes, these little embryos, deserved to live just like my daughter did,” Archerd said.Unable to discard them and burdened by rising storage fees, she eventually connected with Snowflakes, a division of Nightlight Christian Adoptions that facilitates embryo donations. Snowflakes allowed Archerd to choose the adopting family and maintain some openness in the process, a priority for her.“I wanted to be a part of this baby’s life,” she said. “And I wanted to know the adopting parents.”A Long Journey, Frozen in TimeThe process wasn’t simple. Archerd had to track down her original IVF clinic in Oregon, retrieve decades-old paper records, and coordinate the shipment of the embryos to Rejoice Fertility, a clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee. Rejoice is known for its willingness to work with older embryos and for its refusal to discard them.Of the three embryos donated, one didn’t survive the thaw. Two were transferred into Lindsey Pierce’s womb, and one successfully implanted, leading to a healthy pregnancy and birth.Dr. John David Gordon, the Pierces’ physician, called the birth historic. He also helped oversee a similar case in 2022, when siblings Lydia and Timothy Ridgeway were born from embryos frozen for 10,905 days.“These stories always capture the imagination,” Gordon said. “But they also raise an important question, why are there still so many embryos sitting in storage?”The Bigger PictureThe Pierce family is not alone in navigating this path. Experts estimate around 1.5 million frozen embryos are stored across the United States. While only about 2 percent of all U.S. births involve IVF, embryo adoption represents an even smaller share.The issue is growing more complex, particularly after a 2024 Alabama Supreme Court ruling granted frozen embryos legal status as children. The decision has sparked legal uncertainty and renewed ethical debates about embryo storage, use, and destruction.For Lindsey and Tim Pierce, though, this moment is about gratitude and new beginnings.“We didn’t go into this thinking about records,” Lindsey said. “We just wanted to have a baby.”A Shared MiracleArcherd is still coming to terms with the experience, equal parts joy, sadness, and hope. She has already received photos from the Pierces and dreams of meeting them and the baby in person.“I’m hoping they’ll send more pictures,” she said. “And maybe, one day, I’ll get to meet them. That would be a dream come true.”

baby born from 30-year-old frozen embryo sets record: here's all that we know about it

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"I miss who I was too," says the <span>Christina Applegate</span>, revealing her emotional conversation with daughter Sadie

She is speaking candidly about how life with multiple sclerosis (<span>MS</span>) has changed not just her, but her relationship with her daughter.

The Dead to Me actress, 53, recently shared an emotional moment from a conversation with her 14-year-old daughter, Sadie, on the <em>Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa</em> podcast. Diagnosed with MS in 2021, Applegate has gradually withdrawn from public life as she navigates the daily physical and emotional toll of the condition.

“I don’t get up in the morning with that,” she said, referring to any sense of personal motivation. “I get up because of her. She’s the reason I’m still here and trying.”

But that strength has been tested in ways that have cut deep—especially as a mother. During their recent conversation, Sadie told her something that Applegate says "was like a knife to the heart."

“She said, ‘I miss who you were before you got sick.’ And I do too,” Applegate said, holding back tears. “I miss that version of me very much.”

Applegate has never shied away from speaking about the realities of living with multiple sclerosis. 

On Conan O’Brien’s podcast earlier this year, she revealed that she rarely leaves the house anymore. The pain and fatigue have become too overwhelming.

“If people saw what my life was like on the daily, they wouldn’t be able to do it. Because I can sometimes not do it. It’s really, really hard,” she admitted.

And that physical struggle directly impacts her ability to parent. Once an active, involved mom, picking up her daughter from school, dancing with her at home, volunteering in the school library, Applegate now says that version of herself is gone, and her daughter has noticed the change.

“She’s had to see the loss of her mom, in the way that I was a mom with her,” Applegate told PEOPLE in an earlier interview. “She doesn’t see those things anymore. This is a loss for her as well.”

There are days, she added, when the pain is so severe that Sadie simply knows not to ask anything of her. “If she sees that I’m laying on my side, she knows she can’t ask me to do anything. And that breaks me,” Applegate said. “I love doing things for her. I just can’t sometimes. But I try. I try.”

As per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, in this case, the protective sheath (myelin) surrounding nerve fibers.

Without intact myelin, nerve signals slow down or get interrupted, leading to a range of symptoms that vary from person to person. These may include muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness, coordination issues, vision changes, and memory problems.

Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occur earlier or later. MS does not have a cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. The severity of symptoms also differs, some people experience mild, manageable relapses, while others gradually face increasing disability.

One of the most difficult aspects of MS is its unpredictability. Symptoms can flare up unexpectedly and may disappear for long stretches. While the disease doesn’t typically shorten life expectancy, it does require a major adjustment in daily life.

In Applegate’s case, it has meant redefining her identity, not just as an actress, but as a mother and a person. Still, despite the pain and fatigue, her love for her daughter keeps her grounded and trying.

“Sadie is the reason I’m still here. She gives me the strength to keep going,” Applegate said.

christina applegate

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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

"I miss who I was too," says the Christina Applegate, revealing her emotional conversation with daughter SadieShe is speaking candidly about how life with multiple sclerosis (MS) has changed not just her, but her relationship with her daughter.The Dead to Me actress, 53, recently shared an emotional moment from a conversation with her 14-year-old daughter, Sadie, on the Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa podcast. Diagnosed with MS in 2021, Applegate has gradually withdrawn from public life as she navigates the daily physical and emotional toll of the condition.“I don’t get up in the morning with that,” she said, referring to any sense of personal motivation. “I get up because of her. She’s the reason I’m still here and trying.”But that strength has been tested in ways that have cut deep—especially as a mother. During their recent conversation, Sadie told her something that Applegate says "was like a knife to the heart."“She said, ‘I miss who you were before you got sick.’ And I do too,” Applegate said, holding back tears. “I miss that version of me very much.”The toll of daily life with MSApplegate has never shied away from speaking about the realities of living with multiple sclerosis. On Conan O’Brien’s podcast earlier this year, she revealed that she rarely leaves the house anymore. The pain and fatigue have become too overwhelming.“If people saw what my life was like on the daily, they wouldn’t be able to do it. Because I can sometimes not do it. It’s really, really hard,” she admitted.And that physical struggle directly impacts her ability to parent. Once an active, involved mom, picking up her daughter from school, dancing with her at home, volunteering in the school library, Applegate now says that version of herself is gone, and her daughter has noticed the change.“She’s had to see the loss of her mom, in the way that I was a mom with her,” Applegate told PEOPLE in an earlier interview. “She doesn’t see those things anymore. This is a loss for her as well.”There are days, she added, when the pain is so severe that Sadie simply knows not to ask anything of her. “If she sees that I’m laying on my side, she knows she can’t ask me to do anything. And that breaks me,” Applegate said. “I love doing things for her. I just can’t sometimes. But I try. I try.”What is multiple sclerosis?As per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, in this case, the protective sheath (myelin) surrounding nerve fibers.Without intact myelin, nerve signals slow down or get interrupted, leading to a range of symptoms that vary from person to person. These may include muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness, coordination issues, vision changes, and memory problems.Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occur earlier or later. MS does not have a cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. The severity of symptoms also differs, some people experience mild, manageable relapses, while others gradually face increasing disability.Life with MS: A new normalOne of the most difficult aspects of MS is its unpredictability. Symptoms can flare up unexpectedly and may disappear for long stretches. While the disease doesn’t typically shorten life expectancy, it does require a major adjustment in daily life.In Applegate’s case, it has meant redefining her identity, not just as an actress, but as a mother and a person. Still, despite the pain and fatigue, her love for her daughter keeps her grounded and trying.“Sadie is the reason I’m still here. She gives me the strength to keep going,” Applegate said.

to be a mother with multiple sclerosis: actor christina applegate gets candid about her diagnosis and how it changed motherhood

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