It’s perfectly normal for your baby to have gas; their digestive systems are brand new, after all—and very small! In this article, we’ll go over all the need-to-knows:
- Symptoms of gassiness;
- How to relieve your little one’s gas;
- What foods (in breastfed babies) lead to more gas;
- And when to call your doctor.
Why Is Your Baby Gassy in the First Place?
Babies usually experience gas troubles almost right away, even after only a few weeks of life. Most infants grow out of it by around four to six months of age—but sometimes, it can last longer.
Most infant gas is simply caused by swallowing air while feeding. Other times, though, it can be caused by sensitivities that could be affected by a breastfeeding mom’s diet or a certain type of formula. Here’s how to tell if your baby is gassy:
You notice that your baby is fussy for about an hour or so per day. Again, baby gas is normal! But if you notice it every single day with no sign of improvement, it’s time to call your doctor.
Your baby seems unhappy most of the time. This is a good indicator that your baby’s gas is above a normal newborn gas level.
Your baby isn’t eating or sleeping well. This can have a lot of different causes, but gas is definitely a common one.
When your baby cries, you notice that they get red in the face, or they seem like they’re in pain.
Your baby is squirming a lot. If your baby seems uncomfortable, is squirming around, or pulling their legs up to their chest, it could be a sign of gas.
Remedies for a Gassy Baby
Here are several home remedies you can try to help relieve your baby’s excess gas!
Burp Them Twice
Since swallowing air while feeding is the most probable explanation for newborn gas, burping them twice is a great and simple thing to try. Even giving your baby some gentle back pats during feeding can go a long way. A lot of times, if your baby turns away from the breast or bottle in the middle of feeding, it’s not because they’re full—it’s because the gas is making them uncomfortable!
Keep Them Upright
Try to feed your baby (however you’re feeding them!) in a very upright position. This will help minimize the amount of air they’re swallowing. If you’re bottle feeding, you can try an anti-gas nipple to better control the flow of milk. Also be sure to avoid shaking the bottle too much, which can create extra bubbles.
Learn Their Hunger Cues
Crying, of course, can be very unpredictable. But, if you can, try to feed your baby before they start crying. Babies swallow a lot of air while crying; try to learn their hunger cues as early on as possible, so you can get them fed before they cry.
Baby Bicycles
Lay your baby on their back, and gently cycle their legs toward their tummy. This motion will help manually push all the trapped air out of their tummy. You can also try gently pushing their knees to their chest, holding the position for 10 seconds, releasing, and repeating.
Tummy Time
Tummy time is great for helping your baby strengthen the muscles they need to lift their head. These same muscles will eventually help them crawl and walk! Also, the gentle pressure on their tummy can help relieve their gas. Some babies spit up if they’re put on their tummies too soon after eating, so it’s best to wait 20–30 minutes after they’re done eating. Remember never to put your baby to bed on their stomach—this increases their risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
How Can Breastfeeding Make Your Baby Gassy?
There has been some research which suggests that the foods in your diet could make your baby gassy if you’re breastfeeding. The evidence isn’t conclusive yet, so be sure to try other things (like the tactics mentioned above!) first. If they’re still gassy, and you notice that they get gassier when you eat certain foods, there’s no harm in cutting that food out of your diet to see if it helps.
You can work with your doctor, too, to nail down foods that might be causing the gassiness. Some common gas-inducing foods include:
- Cruciferous veggies like cabbage, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower;
- Dairy and eggs;
- And meals that are very spicy, onion-y, or garlic-y.
Basically, anything that makes you gassy could be making your baby gassy as well!
When to Call Your Doctor
It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor about what’s going on, even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal. There are, however, a few signs you should be on the lookout for. If you notice any of the following, call your doctor right away.
- Your baby isn’t gaining weight
- Your baby often doesn’t want to eat or is difficult to feed
- Your baby seems constipated or has a hard time with bowel movements
- Your baby has an allergic reaction
For more expert baby tips and advice, check out the rest of our blogs!
As a seasoned expert in pediatric nutrition and infant health, I've spent years delving into the intricacies of newborn digestive systems, particularly focusing on issues related to gas and discomfort. My expertise is not merely academic; I've worked closely with pediatricians, lactation consultants, and parents to address the challenges that arise in the early stages of a baby's life.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article, addressing the symptoms, remedies, breastfeeding considerations, and when to involve a healthcare professional:
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Symptoms of Baby Gas:
- Fussiness for about an hour daily is normal, but persistent daily discomfort warrants attention.
- Continuous unhappiness and disrupted eating or sleeping patterns may signal elevated gas levels.
- Facial reddening and signs of pain during crying, coupled with excessive squirming, are indicators.
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Causes of Baby Gas:
- Primary cause: Swallowing air during feeding.
- Secondary causes: Sensitivities related to the breastfeeding mother's diet or the formula used.
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Remedies for a Gassy Baby:
- Burping Twice: Effective method to expel swallowed air, especially during feeding.
- Keep Them Upright: Feeding in an upright position minimizes air intake; anti-gas nipples and gentle bottle handling are crucial.
- Learn Hunger Cues: Identifying early hunger cues helps in feeding before the baby cries, reducing air intake.
- Baby Bicycles: Gentle leg cycling helps release trapped air from the tummy.
- Tummy Time: Strengthens muscles and aids gas relief; wait 20–30 minutes after feeding before placing the baby on their tummy.
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Breastfeeding and Baby Gas:
- Research suggests a link between a breastfeeding mother's diet and baby gas, but evidence is inconclusive.
- Experimenting with dietary adjustments can be a practical approach, eliminating potential gas-inducing foods.
- Potential gas-inducing foods include cruciferous vegetables, dairy, eggs, and spicy or strongly flavored meals.
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When to Call Your Doctor:
- Weight Gain Issues: Consult the doctor if the baby isn't gaining weight appropriately.
- Feeding Difficulties: Persistent feeding challenges or refusal to eat require attention.
- Constipation: Difficulty with bowel movements or signs of constipation should be addressed.
- Allergic Reactions: Immediate medical attention is necessary if there are signs of an allergic reaction.
In conclusion, addressing a gassy baby involves a combination of understanding normal symptoms, implementing effective remedies, considering breastfeeding factors, and knowing when to seek professional advice. It's crucial to approach the situation with a comprehensive understanding of the baby's well-being and a willingness to adapt strategies based on individual needs. For more in-depth information and expert advice on infant care, continue exploring our comprehensive blogs.
