{"id":102142,"date":"2026-09-28T10:47:07","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T08:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/?p=102142"},"modified":"2026-09-28T13:12:28","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T11:12:28","slug":"hasfajos-baba-otthoni-segitseg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/en\/hasfajos-baba-otthoni-segitseg\/","title":{"rendered":"A baby with tummy ache: home remedies using gentle heat, massage and a soothing routine"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>a baby with a tummy ache<\/strong> Her evenings often start in exactly the same way: her legs tucked up, her little face flushed, and a cry that nothing can soothe. At times like this, every parent is looking for the same thing \u2013 something that really helps, right here and now, at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Baby colic is one of the most common difficulties during the first few months. The good news is that in most cases it is temporary, and with a few tried-and-tested old-fashioned remedies, you can go a long way towards easing your baby\u2019s restless hours when they have colic. In this article, we\u2019ll look at what might be causing the tummy ache, how gentle heat can help, which massages and positions might be beneficial \u2013 and when you should see a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Important: the tips below are supplementary home remedies. They are not a substitute for advice from your paediatrician or health visitor.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why does a baby get a tummy ache?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A newborn\u2019s digestive system is still immature: the rhythm of bowel movements, the gut flora and the technique of swallowing are all still developing. Air can enter the tummy whilst feeding, and the gas can cause a feeling of tightness and cramping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stomach ache typically begins around 2\u20133 weeks of age, is at its worst around 6 weeks of age, and subsides by 3\u20134 months of age in most babies. This is an average \u2013 for some, it goes away sooner, and for others, it lasts longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Signs that may indicate stomach ache:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>he pulls his leg up and tenses his stomach<\/li>\n\n\n<li>his face turns red, and he clenches his fist<\/li>\n\n\n<li>he usually cries in the late afternoon or in the evening<\/li>\n\n\n<li>it settles down once the gas has been passed or after a burp<\/li>\n\n\n<li>is restless whilst feeding, letting go of the breast or the bottle from time to time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A dry, warm compress on the tummy \u2013 the old-fashioned way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A warm compress on the tummy has been a tried-and-tested remedy for soothing baby colic for generations. Dry heat can help to relax the abdominal muscles, and many babies simply find comfort in the pleasant, steady warmth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/product-category\/immunerositesre-betegeskedos-idoszakokra\/soroka\/\">Salt Fox<\/a> Its inner filling is made with Parajd salt and herbs. Once warmed, it releases heat slowly and evenly \u2013 it does not become hot suddenly, like a hot water bottle, nor does it become soggy, like a wet compress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to use S\u00f3R\u00f3ka for stomach ache<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only heat the inner, removable insert, in accordance with the instructions for use.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Give it a shake so that the salt is evenly distributed throughout.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Try it on the inside of your wrist: it should feel pleasantly warm, not hot.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Put it back in the cover and place a thin layer of fabric (such as a bodysuit or muslin nappy) between the S\u00f3R\u00f3ka and the baby\u2019s tummy.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Hold the baby for a few minutes, staying by their side the whole time and watching how they react.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Details of how to heat it (in the oven, on a radiator) can be found in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/melegitett-soroka-soparna-hasznalata\/\">Heated S\u00f3R\u00f3ka: how to use the salt pillow and the natural power of dry heat<\/a> You\u2019ll find it in our article entitled .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Safety:<\/strong> Always use the hot S\u00f3R\u00f3ka under supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/product\/boroka-soroka-rose-normal-meret\/\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1086\" height=\"1448\" src=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hasfajos-baba-soroka-pocakon.jpg\" alt=\"Hasf\u00e1j\u00f3s baba alszik, pocakj\u00e1hoz simul a rose sz\u00edn\u0171 S\u00f3R\u00f3ka s\u00f3p\u00e1rna\" class=\"wp-image-102150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hasfajos-baba-soroka-pocakon.jpg 1086w, https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hasfajos-baba-soroka-pocakon-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hasfajos-baba-soroka-pocakon-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hasfajos-baba-soroka-pocakon-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hasfajos-baba-soroka-pocakon-75x100.jpg 75w, https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hasfajos-baba-soroka-pocakon-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hasfajos-baba-soroka-pocakon-64x85.jpg 64w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1086px) 100vw, 1086px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step-by-step guide to tummy massage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A gentle tummy massage can help get the wind moving, whilst also forming part of a shared, peaceful moment together. Do this between feeds, not straight after a feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Warm hands:<\/strong> Rub your palms together before you touch their tummy.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Circles in a clockwise direction:<\/strong> With the palm of your hand, around the navel, applying slow, gentle pressure \u2013 this follows the direction of the bowel.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Cycling:<\/strong> Hold the baby\u2019s leg and gently \u201erotate\u201d it, then bend their knee towards their tummy for a few seconds.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep an eye out for his signals:<\/strong> If it gets stuck or jammed, stop and try again later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the massage, many parents also apply the lukewarm S\u00f3R\u00f3ka for a few minutes \u2013 the two complement each other well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Burping and body positions that may help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make sure they burp during feeding as well, not just at the end.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Feed them in a semi-upright position so that they swallow less air.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Try the \u201etiger in a tree\u201d hold: the baby lies face down on your forearm, with their head resting in the crook of your elbow. The gentle pressure on their tummy is soothing for many babies.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Have them lie on their stomach for a short while whilst awake and under supervision \u2013 this strengthens the muscles and can help pass wind.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>When using a feeding bottle, make sure you choose a teat with a flow rate suitable for your baby\u2019s age.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A calming evening routine for those tearful times<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stomach ache often gets worse in the evening, when the baby is already tired and overstimulated. A predictable, quiet routine gives you something to hold on to as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>subdued light, soft sounds or white noise<\/li>\n\n\n<li>a lukewarm bath, followed by a tummy massage<\/li>\n\n\n<li>rocking, carrying close to the body<\/li>\n\n\n<li>It\u2019s the same routine every evening<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A familiar smell and feel can make a big difference to a restless baby. Read more about this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/illatmemoria-ereje-gyogynovenyes-alvotarsak\/\">in our article on the power of olfactory memory<\/a> you can read it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And don\u2019t forget to take a breather yourself. If you feel your patience running out, put the baby down for a few minutes in a safe place, such as the cot, and ask your partner or family for help. This isn\u2019t a failure \u2013 it\u2019s looking after yourself, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A more peaceful evening with a baby suffering from colic \u2013 a sample routine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No two babies are the same, but many families have found that an evening like this, with a slow, relaxed pace, works well for them. Adapt it to suit your own day:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Late afternoon:<\/strong> When the baby is still in a good mood, you can give them a quick tummy time session and a little tummy massage.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Before feeding:<\/strong> a quieter room, subdued lighting, fewer distractions.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Whilst feeding:<\/strong> a semi-seated position, with a burp or two along the way.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>20\u201330 minutes after feeding:<\/strong> Place a lukewarm hot water bottle on their tummy, through a thin cloth, for a few minutes \u2013 whilst you hold them in your lap or stay by their side.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Bath time and pyjamas:<\/strong> lukewarm water, a soft towel \u2013 the same routine every evening.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Before going to sleep:<\/strong> A gentle cuddle, a bit of humming or a bedtime story \u2013 ending in the same way every night.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the first few days, things won\u2019t run like clockwork just yet \u2013 and that\u2019s perfectly fine. Over time, having a routine will give both you and your baby a sense of security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should you avoid doing if you have stomach ache?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do not place a hot hot water bottle or any heated object directly on your baby\u2019s skin \u2013 babies\u2019 skin is much more sensitive than ours.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Do not give your baby tea, herbal extracts, drops or medicine without your paediatrician\u2019s approval.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Do not leave the baby unattended whilst the warm S\u00f3R\u00f3ka is on them.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t shake the baby, no matter how tired you are \u2013 instead, put them down in a safe place and ask for help.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t blame yourself: stomach ache isn\u2019t your fault, and it doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doing something wrong.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When your baby has a tummy ache, your most important tools are patience and calm \u2013 the S\u00f3R\u00f3ka, massage and a routine can all be your allies in this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should you see a doctor?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stomach ache is harmless in itself, but some symptoms may be a sign of something else. Contact your paediatrician or health visitor if your baby:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>feverish (above 38 \u00b0C in children under 3 months of age \u2013 seek immediate medical attention)<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Is the vomit, particularly when it comes out in a stream, greenish?<\/li>\n\n\n<li>their stools are bloody or very watery<\/li>\n\n\n<li>He isn\u2019t eating properly, isn\u2019t putting on weight, and there are fewer wet nappies<\/li>\n\n\n<li>unusually drowsy, difficult to wake up<\/li>\n\n\n<li>their crying suddenly changes in nature, or nothing can soothe them for hours on end<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In such cases, don\u2019t try home remedies \u2013 a medical examination comes first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions about babies with tummy ache<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From how many weeks of age can the S\u00f3R\u00f3ka be used?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At room temperature, it can be used next to a baby from birth, under supervision. When it is warm, always use it with a thin layer of fabric and under supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should I put something warm or cold on his tummy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For stomach ache, lukewarm, dry heat is the tried-and-tested method. Parents tend to use the chilled S\u00f3R\u00f3ka in other situations \u2013 more on this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/hogyan-hasznald-a-sorokat\/\">In our article on the everyday use of S\u00f3R\u00f3ka<\/a> we write.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long can I keep the warm S\u00f3R\u00f3ka on my baby?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Usually for 10\u201315 minutes, until the water is pleasantly lukewarm and as long as the baby is comfortable. Keep an eye on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Help for those tougher evenings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S\u00f3R\u00f3ka is a Hungarian-made sleep companion filled with salt from Parajd and medicinal herbs, which comes in handy not only on evenings when you have a tummy ache but also on days when you\u2019re feeling under the weather. Take a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/product-category\/immunerositesre-betegeskedos-idoszakokra\/soroka\/\">classic S\u00f3R\u00f3k\u00e1k<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/product-category\/immunerositesre-betegeskedos-idoszakokra\/pocoka_soroka\/\">Poc\u00f3ka\u2019s Salt Foxes<\/a>, and choose your baby\u2019s favourite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/product-category\/immunerositesre-betegeskedos-idoszakokra\/soroka\/\">I\u2019ll have a look at the S\u00f3R\u00f3k\u00e1k \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/product\/boroka-soroka-oceankek-normal-meret\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_5937-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\u00d3ce\u00e1nk\u00e9k S\u00f3R\u00f3ka s\u00f3p\u00e1rna kisfi\u00fas szob\u00e1ban\" class=\"wp-image-98397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_5937-1.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_5937-1-600x800.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Baby with a tummy ache? A warm, dry compress on the tummy, tummy massage, burping and a calm evening routine \u2013 tried-and-tested home remedies, and when to see a doctor.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":102150,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1527],"tags":[1532,1529,1528],"class_list":["post-102142","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-termeszetes-gyogymodok","tag-soparna","tag-soroka","tag-termeszetes-gyogymodok-gyerekeknek"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/102142","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=102142"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/102142\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":102154,"href":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/102142\/revisions\/102154"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/102150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=102142"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=102142"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borokaroka.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=102142"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}