Baby Digestive System Development–What Parents Need to Know

Key Takeaways on Baby Digestive System Development

• Newborn tummies are still developing. At birth, a baby’s digestive system is immature and continues to mature over the first 6–12 months.
• Gas, spit-up, and irregular poops are normal. These are common signs of a system that’s still getting used to feeding and digesting.
• Breast milk or formula supports healthy growth. These are designed to be gentle on little stomachs and provide key nutrients that aid digestion.
• Solid foods bring new changes. As solids are introduced around 6 months, your baby’s gut continues to develop and adapt.
• Every baby is different. Some babies seem extra sensitive or gassy, and that’s okay. Your pediatrician can help guide you through what’s normal and what’s not.

How Does a Baby’s Digestive System Develop?

A baby’s digestive system begins forming in the womb but continues to develop long after birth. In the early months, it’s common for babies to experience gas, spit-up, or irregular bowel movements. That’s because their digestive system is still maturing.

Here’s a general timeline of how the baby digestive system grows and changes¹:

• In the womb: Around the second trimester, a baby’s digestive organs start to form. By the third trimester, they’re swallowing amniotic fluid to begin practicing digestion.
• At birth: The digestive system is functional but immature. It’s still developing the enzymes and bacteria needed for smooth digestion.
• 0–6 months: Breast milk or infant formula provides the perfect balance of nutrients and is easy to digest, helping the gut mature.
• 6–12 months: As solid foods are introduced, the digestive system strengthens and adapts to new textures, nutrients, and feeding patterns.
• After age 1: The digestive system becomes more like an adult’s, though some sensitivities may still appear.

Every baby is different, and digestive development doesn’t happen overnight. With patience, care, and supportive nutrition, your baby’s tummy can grow stronger every day!

Common Digestive Challenges and How to Support Your Baby

Every baby is different, and it’s normal for little tummies to need some time to adjust in the early months. If your baby is experiencing digestive discomfort, you're not alone. Here's a quick guide to some common tummy troubles and how you can help ease them.

Perceived Difficulty Stooling

It’s not uncommon for babies to have trouble pooping, especially as their digestive system develops. Difficulty pooping may show up as infrequent or hard stools, and sometimes fussiness.

How you can help: A gentle belly massage, a warm bath, or a formula designed to support digestive health may offer relief. Learn more about easing constipation.

Gas

Gassy babies are more common than you might think! Gas can cause discomfort and extra fussiness, but it’s usually not a cause for concern.

How you can help: Burping your baby during and after feedings can reduce swallowed air. Certain bottle types and feeding techniques may also help. Explore tips to manage gas.

Milk Allergy

Some babies have an allergy to the protein found in cow’s milk, which can lead to digestive issues, skin rashes, or even more serious symptoms.

How you can help: If you suspect a milk allergy, talk to your pediatrician. A hypoallergenic formula may be recommended. Get the facts on milk allergy.

Milk Sensitivity

Some infants without a food allergy can still be sensitive to milk and can experience gassiness, fussiness, or loose stools. Ask your pediatrician about what kinds of gentle formulas could be right for your little one.

How you can help: Babies with sensitivities may benefit from a gentle, easy-to-digest formula. See options for milk sensitivity.

Reflux (Spit-Up)

Spitting up is a common part of early feedings, but frequent spit-up can sometimes signal reflux.

How you can help: Feeding your baby upright and using a formula designed to reduce spit-up may help. Read more about managing reflux.

Tips for Supporting Digestion in Babies

Every baby’s tummy is unique, and occasional digestive discomfort is a normal part of development. The good news? There are simple, gentle ways to help ease digestion and keep your little one feeling more comfortable.

Burping During and After Feedings

Babies naturally swallow air while feeding, which can lead to gas and fussiness. Try burping your baby:

• Midway through a feeding
• After each feeding session

Try Different Feeding Positions

Keeping your baby in a more upright position during and after feedings can help reduce spit-up and support smoother digestion. You can also:

• Hold your baby at a 45-degree angle while bottle-feeding
• Keep them upright for 20–30 minutes after feeding

Choose a Formula That Supports Digestive Health

Some babies may benefit from a formula designed with digestion in mind. Enfamil offers several gentle options, including:

• Enfamil Gentlease^® – designed to ease gas, fussiness, and crying in 24 hours
• Enfamil A.R.™ – specially formulated to help reduce spit-up
• Nutramigen^® with Probiotic LGG^®, a formula for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy.

When Do Babies’ Digestive Systems Fully Mature?

Babies are born with developing digestive systems that continue to grow and strengthen throughout their first year—and beyond. While every baby is different, most digestive systems begin to mature significantly by 6–9 months, with more complete development by 12–24 months.

Keep Up With Your Baby’s Digestive System Development

Your baby’s digestive system is growing and changing every day. While some tummy troubles are a normal part of development, there are plenty of ways to support your little one—from gentle feeding practices to choosing the right nutrition.

Remember:

• Most babies’ digestive systems mature between 12–24 months
• Supportive feeding habits like burping and upright positioning may assist
• Enfamil formulas and Enfagrow toddler drinks are designed with gentle nutrition to support digestive health at every stage
• Join Enfamil Family Beginnings^® for expert advice, free samples, and up to $400 in savings!