Why Does My Child's Tummy Ache?

If you’re a parent, chances are your child has come to you complaining of a stomach ache more than once. While stomach aches can by concerning in the moment, most aren’t serious and get better with simple care at home.

Stomach aches are one of the most common complaints in childhood. Stomach aches can develop for many different reasons, so it’s important to be aware of a child’s symptoms.

  • Constipation: This is the leading cause of abdominal pain in children, especially for kids with irregular bowel habits or low fiber intake.
  • Viral illnesses: Certain viruses, like the flu and norovirus, can cause stomach aches and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or decreased appetite.
  • Eating habits: Some kids experience stomach pain after eating too quickly, overeating or eating certain foods (ex. spicy or greasy foods).
  • Food poisoning: This is caused by eating food that contains bacteria, toxins or germs. Along with stomach pain, food poisoning can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever or headache. Symptoms typically show within two to six hours after eating contaminated food and can last 12 to 48 hours.
  • Emotional factors: Stress and anxiety, particularly during school, social situations or changes in routine or family dynamics, can lead to stomach aches.
  • Medical conditions: Reoccurring or frequent stomach aches could be a sign of a medical condition, including reflux, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, food intolerance or food allergies.
  • Appendicitis: A sudden, sharp pain in the lower right side of a child’s abdomen that may be accompanied by fever and vomiting could be a sign of appendicitis. Seek immediate medical attention.

Girl with stomachache laying on the couch

What helps a tummy ache?

The type of care will depend on a child’s symptoms and the underlying cause of the stomach ache. 

  • Virus or food poisoning: Most of the time, symptoms will go away on their own. Make sure your child rests and rehydrates as vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. See hydration tips below.
  • Stress or anxiety: If your child’s stomach ache is stress-related, create a safe space for your child to talk, be an active listener and teach them healthy coping strategies.
  • Medical condition: If you suspect your child may have an underlying medical issue (ex. food allergies, reflux, IBD), seek care from your child’s pediatrician. They may refer your child to a specialist, like a pediatric allergist or gastroenterologist.
  • Appendicitis: Seek immediate medical attention.

Tips for keeping your child hydrated while sick with a stomach bug:

Hydration tips for babies and toddlers who are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea:

  • Breast milk: If your baby is breastfed, do smaller, more frequent feedings. If feeding makes diarrhea or vomiting worse, call your child’s pediatrician.
  • Milk or formula: If your baby or toddler drinks formula or milk, give smaller amounts more often.
  • Solids: If your baby or toddler eats solids and is only experiencing diarrhea (no vomiting), continue eating as normal. If they are vomiting, do not give solids. Instead, give small amounts of liquid, often.
  • Water: Do not give just water to babies younger than 12 months old unless your pediatrician tells you it is ok.

To help replace salt and sugar in the right amounts:

  • For toddlers older than 12 months old, give Pedialyte, Liquilyte, Enfalyte or a less costly store brand. These solutions are NOT recommended for babies younger than 12 months unless advised by your child’s doctor.

Hydration tips for kids and teens who are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea:

  • Give extra fluids. Avoid giving only clear liquids for more than four to six hours.
    • Do not give diet drinks or sugary drinks like fruit juices, frozen slushy drinks or sodas. Low-sugar popsicles or gelatin are okay.
    • Do not give drinks with caffeine, like sodas or teas.
    • Avoid red-colored drinks that may look like blood in the stool or vomit.
  • Avoid solid foods if vomiting. Instead, give small amounts of liquid, often. If experiencing diarrhea only (no vomiting), give food in smaller and more frequent amounts.
    • Avoid fatty, fried or spicy foods, such as ice cream, French fries and pizza.
    • Avoid high-sugar foods and drinks, such as candy and Kool-Aid.
    • Add other foods as the vomiting and/or diarrhea gets better.
  • Give a probiotic if recommended by your child’s doctor.

To help replace salt and sugar in the right amounts, give Pedialyte, Liquilyte, Enfalyte or a less costly store brand. 

When should I take my child to the doctor?

While many stomach aches improve on their own, contact your child’s doctor if your child is experiencing:

  • Pain that lasts for several days, worsens over time, or interferes with eating, sleeping, playing or school.
  • Fever, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation that does not improve.
  • Pain focused in one area of the abdomen. Seek immediate medical care if you suspect appendicitis.
  • Signs of dehydration, including:
    • No urine in six hours for babies 12 months and younger.
    • No urine in more than eight hours in children older than 12 months.
    • No tears when crying.
    • Sunken eyes.
    • Dry lips and mouth.
    • Fatigue or feeling unusually tired or weak.

Your child’s doctor can help determine whether your child’s stomach ache is related to a virus, digestion, diet or another underlying cause. Be prepared to answer questions about your child’s bowel habits, appetite, recent illness and any changes in routine or stress levels.

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While not all stomach aches can be prevented, here are some helpful tips to follow:

  • Practice good hand and food hygiene: Perform good hand hygiene to help stop the spread of viruses. To help prevent foodborne illnesses, make sure to wash fresh fruits and vegetables before eating.
  • Encourage healthy eating habits: To help with digestion, urge your child to:
    • Eat foods high in fiber like whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
    • Drink plenty of water.
    • Chew food slowly.
    • Avoid eating late at night.
    • Limit or avoid foods that may be linked to their abdominal pain.
  • Get moving. Make sure your child is physically active. Regular movement can help digestion.
  • Rest and relaxation. Healthy sleep habits are key to building overall health and wellness while coping strategies can help your child manage stress and anxiety.

Karen Dewling, MD, is a board-certified Pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She provides pediatric primary care services at Children’s Johns Creek Pediatrics and Children’s Forsyth-Cumming Pediatrics. Dr. Dewling earned her medical degree and completed her internship and residency training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

This content is general information and is not specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the health of a child. In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away. Some physicians and affiliated healthcare professionals on the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta team are independent providers and are not our employees.

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