My poor Spencer. I don't think there is a 'typically gassy' food that doesn't give him terrible gas. Corn, broccoli, beans of any kind . . . three of his all-time favorite foods, and even a tiny bit of them has him waking up sobbing in the middle of the night, clutching his abdomen. Last night we hesitantly gave him two teaspoons of baked beans; he slept restlessly, moaning and saying, "Mama, mama," while squeezing my arm. I feel so bad for him. I hate keeping his favorite foods from him, especially when they're such nutritious foods, but I don't know what else to do. Gary and I try not to eat too many of them in front of him---he's too young to understand that eating them will make his stomach hurt, and it seems a little cruel to enjoy them when he can't---but corn, broccoli and beans are about the only vegetables Gary likes, which means he isn't getting his veggies, and to an extent, neither am I. I'm wondering if it's OK to use Beano with a toddler, or if it would even help.

Comments

[Melissa]

Have you tried Mylicon drops?

[Amy]

We used those when he was a baby and they never had any effect on him. I remember reading somewhere (maybe in that book "The Happiest Baby on the Block"?) that in some studies Mylicon drops had the same effect as drops of water (i.e. nothing). Dunno where that study came from or if it's true for everyone, but it seemed to be true for us.

[Sherry]

Poor Spencer!

We've always used the Mylicon drops and have had much success with it. Strange now, after reading about the study.

[Stephanie]

Mylicon never worked for us, either. At the breastfeeding store, they recommended Baby's Bliss Gripe Water, and I think you can still use it for toddlers. Maybe that would help?

[Amy]

It's funny you mentioned that, Stephanie, we actually had some when he was a baby and we thought he might be colicky. It didn't seem to do anything and we tossed it after awhile (it smelled like pickles!). I'm thinking that with anything like Mylicon or gripe water, you have to give it to the kid after they've shown signs of the gassiness (i.e. it doesn't prevent gas), which is almost too late. I know with the Beano you use it with the food to keep from getting gas in the first place. Their website says for kids 12 and younger to ask your doctor, so maybe I'll give our ped. a call.

[Stephanie]

You'll have to let me know if the Beano works - and if you can give it to toddlers. Sydney comes from a fairly gassy family, so she might need it someday! :)

[poopy]

*farts*

[kathleen]

After he has the gas, try a warm hot water bottle on the tummy. It seems to help move the gas. You also might try it with the drops for gas. The combination seems to work better. After awhile lay him on his tummy with the warm hot water bottle under him. Another trick is to lay him on his back and pump his legs like he is biking, it helps also. Advice from a granny

[julie]

Also, gentle massage and certain movements can help relieve the gas. He's a big kid, but if you can do a little "The wheels on the bus" kind of action, you might be able to help his little belly move the gas along quicker. If you go the massage route, try putting the heels of your hands above his hipbones on his backside and gently rocking his hips downward. It can't hurt.