Little Bellies, Big Relief: Massage for Tummy Troubles in Tiny Humans
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If you’re parenting a little one between 6 months and 2 years, you know that digestion can be a bit of a rollercoaster. One day they’re happily munching mashed sweet potatoes, the next they’re fussy, gassy, and haven’t pooped in what feels like forever.
We get it. And more importantly—we can help.
Massage therapy is a safe, gentle, and effective way to support your baby or toddler’s digestion, especially when constipation, bloating, or tummy discomfort becomes a regular part of your routine.
Why Do Digestion Issues Happen in This Age Group?
Between 6 months and 2 years, your little one is going through big changes:
Starting solids
Teething
Exploring movement and new routines
Experiencing growth spurts (and sometimes illnesses)
All of these can affect the delicate balance of the digestive system, and it doesn’t take much to throw things off. Constipation is incredibly common—and while it’s normal, it doesn’t have to be your new normal.
Some signs your child may be experiencing digestive discomfort:
Straining or difficulty during bowel movements
Hard or infrequent stools
Bloated or firm belly
Fussiness or irritability after meals
Arching their back or clenching during diaper changes
The Massage Therapy Difference
Massage isn’t just about relaxing—it’s about restoring balance. When it comes to digestion, certain massage techniques can stimulate natural movement in the digestive tract, ease gas, and reduce discomfort.
Here’s how it helps:
💫 Encourages Natural Movement
Gentle abdominal massage helps activate peristalsis—the wave-like motion that moves food and waste through the digestive system. This can make it easier and more comfortable for your little one to go.
💫 Releases Trapped Gas
Little tummies can get full of air, especially when babies are learning to eat and move. Massage can help release that gas and relieve bloating (hello, less fussing and better sleep).
💫 Supports the Nervous System
Massage helps calm the nervous system and activate the “rest and digest” response. A calmer body = better digestion.
💫 Creates Connection
We’ll teach you simple techniques to use at home so you feel confident helping your child feel better, right from your own cozy couch.
What Happens During a Pediatric Massage?
At Same Stars Wellness, we specialize in pediatric care, and our approach is always child-led, gentle, and playful.
During a massage for digestive support, your therapist may:
Use soft, circular abdominal strokes
Work with specific pressure points to support digestion
Include lower back and hip work to relieve tension
Guide you through techniques you can do between visits
Adjust the pace based on your child’s mood and needs that day
Whether your baby wants to lie still or your toddler is on the move, that’s okay—we follow their lead. There’s no pressure to sit still, and we create a space that feels safe, warm, and familiar.
You Don’t Have to Wait It Out
We hear this all the time: “I thought it was just a phase,” or “We were told to just wait and see.” But when your little one is uncomfortable, it affects everything—eating, sleeping, playing, and your peace of mind.
Massage therapy can be a supportive, natural option that helps ease symptoms and improve your child’s digestion—without medication or guesswork.
If you’re ready to try something gentle, effective, and rooted in nurturing care, we’d love to help.
