As a parent, you may notice changes in your child’s bowel habits or wonder why they seem uncomfortable after feeding. Gassiness, hard stools and crying can be concerning, especially when it is difficult to tell what is causing them.
Every child is different, and digestive symptoms can have several causes. Knowing what to observe and when to seek advice can help you discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional.
What digestive concerns might parents notice?
Some digestive concerns parents may notice include:
- Gassiness, such as frequent burping or passing wind.
- Hard stools, which may be difficult to pass.
- Watery stools or changes in stool consistency.
- Crying or fussiness, sometimes without an obvious cause.
Bowel habits can vary as children grow. If you notice a change, it may be helpful to observe how often it happens, how long it lasts and whether it affects your child’s feeding or usual activities.
What can affect digestive comfort?
A child’s digestive comfort may be influenced by several factors, including feeding patterns, changes in diet and individual health.
Because symptoms can have different causes, a healthcare professional may ask about your child’s feeding history, bowel habits, growth and other symptoms before recommending next steps.
What can parents learn from a symptom survey?
In a 2025 survey across four countries, parents described symptoms at the time of the survey and recalled what they had noticed before a feeding change. Their reports help researchers understand families’ experiences. Because the earlier symptoms were recalled after the change, the survey cannot establish what caused a difference or predict how a toddler will respond to a particular milk. 1
When should you seek advice?
Speak to a healthcare professional if your child’s symptoms persist, affect feeding or growth, or cause you concern. They can help assess the symptoms and provide advice suited to your child’s needs.
If you suspect a milk allergy, seek advice before changing your child’s formula. Standard goat milk-based formula is not recommended as a substitute for a child with cow’s-milk protein allergy. 2
References:
1. Knipping K, Böhme J, Goossens D, van Lee L, van der Zee L. Goat milk-based infant formula and the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in infants: a real-world-evidence study from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and the Netherlands. Health Science Reports. 2025;8:e70448. https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70448
2. North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Infant Formula Substitution Guide. Read the guide.