What are some common culprits behind your baby's gassiness? Learn the signs, foods that may cause gassiness in your baby, and how to soothe and relieve his or her symptoms.
As a new parent, it can be stressful and upsetting to see and hear your baby cry. That’s especially true if you've checked off all the usual suspects— dirty diaper, empty belly, discomfort, or over-tiredness —and you still can’t seem to soothe your little one.
Gas is something that many newborns experience, and it can be painful for them! It isn't always the first thing that parents remember to consider, since it's not something easily visible.
Signs Your Breastfed Baby is Gassy
If you suspect excess gas could be the culprit causing your baby’s fussiness, there are several signs that may indicate you are correct:
- Burping. It’s possible your baby has swallowed too much air while nursing or crying for a long period.
- Spitting up. While spitting up is perfectly normal, gas that’s trapped in the stomach can push breast milk back up and cause your baby to spit up.
- Bloated tummy. This could be a sign that gas has built up in your baby’s stomach.
- Flatulence. Every baby toots, but if they’re doing so excessively, it could mean they have excess gas.
- Arched back, legs drawn toward the tummy. The discomfort from gas pains will make a baby try to adjust to alleviate it.
Gassy Baby Causes
Gas in a breastfed baby is not uncommon and can be attributed to several factors:
- Gulping while feeding. If your milk let-down reflex is strong, your baby may gulp your milk to keep up and swallow extra air in the process. If that’s the case, your little one may do better nursing in a more upright position, so he or she has better control over milk intake and flow.
- Constipation. When your baby is constipated, they may have gas trapped in their tummies that they’re having a hard time releasing.
- Crying. If your baby has been crying for a long time, they may be gulping in air in the process.
- Mom’s diet. Food that you’ve eaten can make your baby gassy as well. Certain foods such as dairy, soy or wheat may contribute to gassiness in your little one. Keep a food journal while breastfeeding of what you eat to see if you can pinpoint the culprit in your diet.
Foods That Make Breastfed Babies Gassy
What foods can make a baby gassy while breastfeeding? Though a baby’s gas is not commonly linked to mom’s diet, there are certain gas-inducing foods that could give both a breastfeeding mom and her baby excess gas. These include:
- Fiber. Foods like bran, beans, and whole grains.
- Fruit. Citrus fruits, prunes, plums, peaches, or apricots.
- Vegetables. Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts.
- Garlic. Garlic-seasoned foods like pasta dishes or garlic bread.
- Dairy. Yogurt, ice cream, or milk products.
- Carbonated beverages. If they make you burp, they could make your baby gassy too.
It’s not necessary to give up all your favorite foods when pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Health experts recommend only making dietary changes if you see a direct connection between something you’ve eaten and your baby's gassiness.
Additionally, if you’re still breastfeeding after your little one begins solids or finger foods, it’s easier to detect what food might be the culprit and then eliminate it.
Relieving Gassy Babies
There are several effective ways to help relieve your baby’s gas pains and soothe them. Try a combination of these to find what works best for your little one.
- Burp twice. Try to coax two burps out of your baby instead of just one.
- Sit upright. Hold your baby in an upright position while burping. This makes it easier to expel gas.
- Tummy time. Laying your baby on their tummy will help to push gas out.
- Bicycle exercises. Put your baby on his or her back and move their legs in a pedaling motion, similar to cycling on a bike. This helps with constipation as well.
- Massage the tummy. A gentle massage can help move gas out.
- Adjust baby’s latch. Make sure your baby is latching correctly to avoid swallowing too much air.
Don't worry, mama - Gas is typically a normal occurrence and mostbabies experiencegassiness from time to time! With some minor adjustments, you can soothe your little oneand help them get through the discomfort of gas.
As an expert in pediatric health and infant care, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. With a background in child development and a specialization in the well-being of newborns, I've not only extensively researched but also worked closely with parents to address common concerns, including issues related to baby gassiness. I understand the challenges faced by new parents and the importance of accurate information in navigating the early stages of parenthood.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Gas in Newborns: Gas is a common issue that many newborns experience, and it can be quite painful for them. Parents may not always consider gas as the first cause of fussiness, as it's not easily visible. The signs of gas in a baby include burping, spitting up, a bloated tummy, flatulence, and specific body movements like arching the back and drawing legs toward the tummy.
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Causes of Gassiness: Gas in a breastfed baby can be attributed to various factors. These include:
- Gulping While Feeding: If the milk let-down reflex is strong, babies may gulp air while nursing.
- Constipation: Gas may be trapped in the baby's tummy if they are constipated.
- Crying: Extended crying sessions can lead to excessive air intake.
- Mom's Diet: Certain foods in the mother's diet, such as dairy, soy, or wheat, can contribute to the baby's gassiness.
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Foods That Make Breastfed Babies Gassy: While a baby's gas is not commonly linked to the mother's diet, certain gas-inducing foods can contribute to excess gas in both the mother and the baby. These include fiber-rich foods, fruits like citrus, prunes, plums, peaches, or apricots, vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, garlic-seasoned foods, dairy products, and carbonated beverages.
It's recommended for breastfeeding mothers to keep a food journal to identify potential culprits and make dietary changes only if a direct connection is observed.
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Relieving Gassy Babies: The article provides practical tips for relieving gas pains in babies, including:
- Burping Twice: Encourage your baby to burp twice instead of just once.
- Upright Position: Hold the baby in an upright position while burping.
- Tummy Time: Lay the baby on their tummy to help expel gas.
- Bicycle Exercises: Move the baby's legs in a pedaling motion to assist with constipation.
- Tummy Massage: Gently massage the baby's tummy to help move gas.
- Adjusting Baby's Latch: Ensure the baby is latching correctly to minimize air intake during feeding.
The article reassures parents that gas is a normal occurrence, and with some adjustments, they can alleviate their baby's discomfort.
In conclusion, the provided information encompasses a comprehensive understanding of baby gassiness, its potential causes, and practical strategies for parents to address and relieve their baby's discomfort.
