Let me set the scene: it’s the evening of Thanksgiving, the kitchen smells like leftover stuffing and sweet potatoes, everyone’s in soft pants, and you’re carrying a sleepy toddler who’s suddenly way too squirmy. Then comes the groan—“Mama, my tummy hurts.”
It happens almost every year. All the love poured into the food, the second (and third) servings, the unfamiliar combinations or skipped naps... it all catches up. And not just with the little ones—grown-ups too. A full day of grazing, feasting, sampling, and sitting can turn into late-night bellyaches, sluggishness, and general “ugh.”
I’ve been there—on the floor with a warm compress, googling “natural remedies for post-holiday bloating,” trying to remember if I had fennel seeds or just imagined them in the pantry. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on a few gentle, time-tested natural remedies that help us ease through those tummy troubles with care and calm—no harsh medications, no shame, no pressure to “get back to normal” immediately.
And because our little ones often mimic what they see in us, these fixes are kid-safe and mama-approved. The goal isn’t to “fix” everything instantly—it’s to support the body with kindness and give it what it needs to come back into balance.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and supportive purposes only. Always consult your physician or pediatrician before trying any new remedies, especially with children, pregnancy, or underlying conditions.
When the Table Feeds More Than Just Our Bellies
There’s something sacred about gathering around the table. But the abundance—both emotional and physical—can sometimes overwhelm our systems. And for little bodies still learning their limits (and for grown-ups whose digestion isn’t what it used to be), that can look like:
- Bloating
- Tummy aches
- Gas
- Mild nausea
- Overfull discomfort
- “Why-did-I-eat-that” regret
A gentle, natural approach allows us to pause and tune into what the body might be asking for. These remedies aren’t about perfection or performing health. They’re about trust, rhythm, and simple supports that help the body recalibrate after the beautiful chaos of a feast.
1. Warm Herbal Teas (That Kids Can Sip Too)
Some of my go-to belly-soothing herbs:
- Chamomile – Calming, anti-inflammatory, and gentle enough for babies when prepared weak.
- Peppermint – Eases gas and cramping, though I skip it for reflux-prone littles.
- Fennel seeds – Mild and sweet with anti-bloating properties (I sometimes steep them straight in hot water).
- Ginger – A digestive powerhouse that warms the system, great for nausea in small doses.
I usually brew a weak tea for the kids—just a few minutes of steeping in hot water, then cooled with a splash of cool water or milk. For myself, I’ll make a stronger version with a teaspoon of honey and a quiet corner to sip it slowly.
It’s not magic. But it feels like comfort—and that matters too.
2. Gentle Belly Massage with a Cozy Oil
Touch is so underrated when it comes to supporting digestion. A slow, clockwise belly massage can do wonders to get things moving, ease cramping, and signal safety to a nervous system that might be on post-holiday overload.
Here’s what I use:
- A base of warm olive or coconut oil (just warmed by hand, nothing fancy)
- A drop of lavender or chamomile essential oil if I want to add a calming scent (diluted properly for kids—always with care and a patch test first)
Starting at the belly button, I gently use flat fingers to move in a clockwise motion. Sometimes I just do a few circles while reading a bedtime story. Sometimes I let it be longer, especially if the kids are fussy.
And yes, I do this for myself too. It’s grounding. Like saying, Hey body, I see you. Take your time.
3. Simple Movement (Even Just Wiggly Jammies Time)
After a big meal, we often want to collapse—and honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what we need. But I’ve found that some gentle movement, especially for the kids, helps prevent those late-night tummy complaints and that heavy, stuck feeling.
Some favorites in our home:
- Slow, silly dancing to soft music while cleaning up
- “Bear walks” or crawling races with little ones to get the tummy moving
- A short walk outside before pajamas
- Simple kid yoga poses (wind-relieving pose is aptly named)
The goal isn’t exercise. It’s circulation. It's helping digestion by moving energy and creating a rhythm after all that rich food and sitting.
Sometimes just ten minutes of wiggle time changes the tone of the whole evening.
4. Tummy Time... for Grown-Ups, Too
This one surprised me when I first heard it, but it makes sense. Laying flat on your stomach for 5–10 minutes—like actual tummy time for babies—can help stimulate digestion and release trapped gas, especially after a big meal.
I’ll do this on the rug with the kids post-bath, maybe resting my head on my arms while they play around me. It’s a low-effort, low-tech reset that feels oddly satisfying. I’ve even had my husband try it (he thought it sounded ridiculous but now requests it after big meals).
For littles who aren’t keen on laying still, we play “superman”—flying on our bellies or stacking pillows for them to lounge on.
No pressure. Just gravity doing its thing.
5. Food as Support (Not Punishment or Over-Correction)
It can be tempting to “cleanse” or go to extremes after a feast day. But I’ve learned the hard way that swinging too far the other way can mess with our rhythms just as much. So instead of cutting everything out or skipping meals the next day, I lean into foods that support digestion gently.
Things that feel good in our house:
- Stewed apples with a little cinnamon and cardamom
- Bone broth or veggie broth with soft rice or pastina
- Plain yogurt or coconut yogurt with chia or flax
- Warm lemon water in the morning
- Cucumbers and mint for hydration and a little natural debloating
We keep things soft, simple, and nourishing. I let my kids’ appetites guide the pace—no pressure to finish anything. Just lots of water, lots of cuddles, and plenty of room to ease back in.
Fennel, ginger, and peppermint have all been studied for their ability to support gastrointestinal comfort in children and adults.
Rhythm Reminders
- Make a tea moment a sensory ritual—not just a remedy. Let little ones sip alongside you.
- Use warm oil for slow belly circles at bedtime—it soothes more than just the tummy.
- Turn digestion into a game—wiggle, crawl, stretch after dinner with no agenda.
- Lie on your belly for five minutes before bed—it sounds odd but feels grounding.
- Serve comfort food like stewed apples and brothy bowls—no “reset,” just gentle care.
From Overstuffed to Recentered
Thanksgiving comes with a full spectrum of feeling—warmth and fullness, but also messiness and overstimulation. And that’s okay. Our bodies are wise. They just need a little support sometimes, especially after a holiday table that’s been piled high with more than just food.
What I’ve learned—again and again—is that rushing to “fix” or “correct” usually backfires. What helps most is curiosity. Slowing down. Offering the body something soothing, not demanding. Making space for the discomfort and the return to ease.
And when I model that softness for my kids? They learn to trust their own bodies too. To listen in. To take what they need, and rest when it’s time.
So if you’re sitting on the floor rubbing your toddler’s tummy this weekend, or quietly sipping fennel tea after everyone’s gone to bed—know that you’re not alone. You’re in the rhythm of real motherhood. Slow. Intentional. Just right.
