Baby's Stomach Is Gurgling or Making Loud Noises
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Stomach gurgling and rumbling sounds (called borborygmi) are completely normal in babies and toddlers. These sounds are caused by the movement of gas, food, and fluids through the intestines. A baby's belly is small and the intestinal walls are thin, which makes these normal digestive sounds much more audible than in adults. Gurgling is especially common during and after feeding, when the baby is hungry, or when the digestive system is actively processing milk or food. It is almost never a sign of a problem.
Key takeaways
- Stomach gurgling and rumbling sounds (called borborygmi) are completely normal in babies and toddlers. These sounds are caused by the movement of gas, food, and fluids through the intestines. A baby's belly is small and the intestinal walls are thin, which makes these normal digestive sounds much more audible than in adults. Gurgling is especially common during and after feeding, when the baby is hungry, or when the digestive system is actively processing milk or food. It is almost never a sign of a problem.
- Usually normal when: Gurgling sounds during or after feeding
- Call your doctor if: Loud stomach sounds with a distended (bloated, hard) abdomen
“The biggest concern with vomiting is dehydration. Young children can become dehydrated quickly, so it's important to replace fluids. Offer small amounts of an oral rehydration solution frequently.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, stomach gurgling and rumbling sounds (called borborygmi) are completely normal in babies and toddlers. These sounds are caused by the movement of gas, food, and fluids through the intestines. A baby's belly is small and the intestinal walls are thin, which makes these normal digestive sounds much more audible than in adults. Gurgling is especially common during and after feeding, when the baby is hungry, or when the digestive system is actively processing milk or food. It is almost never a sign of a problem. At 0-12 months, loud stomach sounds in babies are very common and usually normal. You may hear gurgling during feeding (as milk moves through the digestive system), between feeds (as the stomach empties), or during bowel movements. If your baby seems comfortable, is feeding well, and is gaining weight, the noises are simply normal digestion. Babies who are gassy may have louder stomach sounds along with squirming and passing gas, which is also usually normal as their digestive system matures. It is generally considered normal when gurgling sounds during or after feeding. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if loud stomach sounds with a distended (bloated, hard) abdomen.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-12 months
Loud stomach sounds in babies are very common and usually normal. You may hear gurgling during feeding (as milk moves through the digestive system), between feeds (as the stomach empties), or during bowel movements. If your baby seems comfortable, is feeding well, and is gaining weight, the noises are simply normal digestion. Babies who are gassy may have louder stomach sounds along with squirming and passing gas, which is also usually normal as their digestive system matures.
1-3 years
Toddler stomachs gurgle for the same reasons as adults: hunger, digestion, and gas movement. You may notice louder stomach sounds when your toddler is hungry, after meals, or when trying new foods. Introducing high-fiber foods, beans, or dairy can temporarily increase stomach sounds and gas. If the gurgling is accompanied by normal appetite, regular bowel movements, and no pain, it is not a concern. Persistent loud gurgling with diarrhea, pain, or food refusal should be discussed with your doctor.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if gurgling is accompanied by frequent diarrhea.
- Mention if your baby seems uncomfortable or in pain along with the stomach sounds.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Gurgling sounds during or after feeding
- Stomach noises when your baby is hungry
- Rumbling sounds before or during a bowel movement
- Louder stomach sounds after introducing new foods
- Gurgling is accompanied by frequent diarrhea
- Your baby seems uncomfortable or in pain along with the stomach sounds
- Stomach sounds are associated with vomiting or poor feeding
- You notice increased gurgling after specific foods (possible food sensitivity)
- Loud stomach sounds with a distended (bloated, hard) abdomen
- High-pitched, tinkling bowel sounds with vomiting and no bowel movements (possible obstruction)
- Severe abdominal pain with gurgling and blood in stool
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that gurgling sounds during or after feeding — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Note any patterns between feeds and symptoms.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if loud stomach sounds with a distended (bloated, hard) abdomen.
Related Conditions
gassy baby
Baby Burping Too Much or Excessive Gas
Frequent burping in babies is very common and usually normal. Babies swallow air during feeding, crying, and pacifier use, and this air needs to come back up as burps. Breastfed babies tend to swallow less air than bottle-fed babies. Excessive burping is usually caused by swallowing too much air (aerophagia), feeding too fast, an improper bottle nipple flow, or minor digestive immaturity. It is rarely a sign of a medical problem. Ensuring proper latch, paced feeding, and appropriate bottle nipple size can help reduce excessive air swallowing.
baby diarrhea
food intolerance baby
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises?
When is baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises normal?
What causes baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises?
Is baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises normal at 0-12 months?
Is baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises normal at 1-3 years?
Should I go to the ER for baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises?
Does baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby's Stomach Is Gurgling or Making Loud Noises.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if gurgling is accompanied by frequent diarrhea.
- Mention if your baby seems uncomfortable or in pain along with the stomach sounds.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Gurgling is accompanied by frequent diarrhea
- Your baby seems uncomfortable or in pain along with the stomach sounds
- Stomach sounds are associated with vomiting or poor feeding
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Loud stomach sounds with a distended (bloated, hard) abdomen
- High-pitched, tinkling bowel sounds with vomiting and no bowel movements (possible obstruction)
- Severe abdominal pain with gurgling and blood in stool
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby's stomach is gurgling or making loud noises are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if loud stomach sounds with a distended (bloated, hard) abdomen.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Digestive Concerns
Baby Burping Too Much or Excessive Gas
Frequent burping in babies is very common and usually normal. Babies swallow air during feeding, crying, and pacifier use, and this air needs to come back up as burps. Breastfed babies tend to swallow less air than bottle-fed babies. Excessive burping is usually caused by swallowing too much air (aerophagia), feeding too fast, an improper bottle nipple flow, or minor digestive immaturity. It is rarely a sign of a medical problem. Ensuring proper latch, paced feeding, and appropriate bottle nipple size can help reduce excessive air swallowing.
My Baby's Belly Looks Swollen
A rounded, slightly protruding belly is completely normal in babies and toddlers due to immature abdominal muscles and their proportionally larger organs. However, if the belly becomes suddenly swollen, feels hard and tight, or is accompanied by pain, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements, it needs medical evaluation as it could signal gas buildup, constipation, or rarely, something more serious.
My Baby Has an Anal Fissure (Blood When Pooping)
A small streak of bright red blood on the surface of your baby's stool or on the diaper is most commonly caused by an anal fissure, which is a tiny tear in the skin around the anus from passing hard stool. Anal fissures are very common in babies and toddlers and usually heal on their own with simple measures like keeping stools soft. While this is rarely serious, any blood in your baby's stool should be mentioned to your pediatrician.
Can Antibiotics Damage My Baby's Gut?
Antibiotics can temporarily disrupt your baby's gut microbiome, which may cause loose stools, fussiness, or diaper rash during and shortly after treatment. However, when antibiotics are medically necessary, the benefits of treating the infection far outweigh the temporary gut disruption. Most babies' microbiomes recover within weeks to months, especially with breastfeeding and a gradual return to normal feeding patterns.
Tummy Massage for Baby Gas
Gentle abdominal massage can help relieve gas and discomfort in babies by encouraging gas to move through the intestines. The technique involves gentle clockwise circular motions on the belly (following the direction of the digestive tract), the "I Love U" stroke pattern, and gentle knee-to-tummy movements. Massage also provides comforting touch that can soothe a fussy baby.
Silent Reflux in Baby
Silent reflux occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus and throat but is swallowed back down rather than spit up. Babies with silent reflux may be fussy during or after feeds, arch their back, have hoarse crying, or refuse to eat, but without visible spitting up. It can be harder to diagnose than typical reflux because there is no obvious spit-up.