9 ways to help your gassy newborn

What causes gas in newborns?

Here are a few common culprits that can lead to gas in newborns:

Swallowing air during feeding

When babies drink milk, whether from a breast or bottle, it's inevitable that they'll swallow air too. Swallowing air can lead to gas buildup, which is why it's important to take some steps to reduce this swallowing, such as:

• If you’re using a bottle, choose one with anti-colic features that’s designed to reduce the amount of air babies swallow during feeding. 
• Burp your baby once or twice during feeding to release any trapped air and ease gas pains. 
• When preparing baby formula, make sure to pop any bubbles that may form when you’re shaking it, which can contribute to gas buildup. 
• For breastfeeding, ensure your baby has a good latch to prevent them from gulping down extra air while nursing. A secure latch can make all the difference.

Immature digestive system

Your baby's digestive system is still developing, and certain digestive processes aren't fully mature yet. This can result in trapped or excess gas that needs to be relieved.

Sensitivities or intolerances 

Your baby may be sensitive or intolerant to certain substances in breast milk or formula, which can lead to excess gas. Some babies may have trouble digesting larger proteins found in dairy and soy, which can cause gas pain.

What are some signs and symptoms of infant gas:

Aside from those stinky toots, here are some other signs that your baby might be gassy:

• Excessive crying: Though we all wish babies came with instruction manuals, sometimes a colicky baby may be uncomfortable due to trapped gas. You may notice your baby is super fussy during or immediately after feedings.
• Squirming or grunting after a feeding
• Excessive burping
• A distended belly

9 ways to help your gassy newborn

Here are some tried and true ways to help a baby relieve gas:

1. Mange air intake during feedings to reduce infant gas

Because babies can ingest air while feeding, it's important to minimize air intake as best you can. If you're using a bottle, opt for an anti-colic bottle or nipple to reduce air intake. For breastfeeding, ensure your baby has a secure latch to prevent them from swallowing too much air.

2. Burp your baby

Even if your baby has the fanciest anti-colic bottle, babies can still swallow air during feeding, so you help by burping them. Burping your baby once or twice during feeding can release any trapped air that’s causing discomfort. If you're bottle-feeding, try burping when the bottle is halfway empty and for breastfed babies, aim to burp when switching breasts.

3.  Bicycle your baby’s legs

If your baby is gassy, when changing your baby's diaper, gently move their legs in a bicycling motion as if they were pedaling a bike. This movement will apply pressure and stimulate their bowels to release any trapped gas. Don't be surprised if you hear a few farting noises shortly after!

4. Engaging in tummy time can help infant gas

Similar to bicycling your baby's legs, tummy time encourages your baby to engage their core muscles which can release gas.

5. Infant massage

Infant massage isn't just about calming and relaxation—it can also relax the muscles required to release gas. Give your baby's tummy a gentle massage using slow, circular motions.

6. Switch up your diet

While research is limited on the impact of a mother’s breast milk on baby’s gas patterns, it may be worthwhile to run your own little experiment.  Consider keeping a food diary and monitoring your baby's reaction after you eat certain foods like cruciferous vegetables, dairy, or soy. This can help you identify if any specific foods are making your baby uncomfortable or gassy.

7. Switch formulas

If you suspect that your baby being gassy is having difficulty digesting larger proteins because of their developing digestive system, it's a good idea to talk to your pediatrician about switching formulas. Your pediatrician will provide guidance on hypoallergenic formulas, which contain smaller proteins designed to improve digestion and possibly reduce infant gas.

8. Switch to shorter feeds

It may be beneficial to feed your baby smaller meals more frequently rather than larger meals less often if your infant is gassy.

9. Offer colic drops

With your pediatrician's approval, you can consider giving your baby some colic or anti-gas drops to ease gas pains. These over-the-counter medications typically contain simethicone, which can help reduce bloating, gas, and discomfort.

FAQs

Should I give my baby probiotics to relieve gas?

Although research on probiotics for children is limited, some pediatricians recommend probiotics to strengthen your baby’s overall gut health. Remember, consult your pediatrician before starting any new supplement regimen for their tummy or to relieve gas.

What are gas drops for infants?

Gas drops, also referred to as colic drops or anti-gas drops, are over-the-counter medications typically containing simethicone. They can help reduce bloating, gas, and discomfort. Your pediatrician may suggest these for your baby to relieve gas pains.

How can I help my baby pass gas?

Applying gentle pressure to the belly or tummy can literally push out gas. Tummy time, cycling your baby's legs, or using certain carrying positions can provide the right amount of pressure to help your baby find some relief from gas.

Does broccoli or cauliflower cause gas in infants?

Broccoli and cauliflower are gaseous foods, and it's normal to produce gas after eating them. Just because a food is gaseous doesn't mean it will lead to excess or trapped gas.

Can I give my baby gripe water?

Since the ingredients in gripe water can vary between supplement-makers, and because it’s not FDA regulated for safety, consider avoiding gripe water for a gassy baby or to relieve gas in an infant.

If you have more questions about helping your gassy infant, colic, breastfeeding your baby or more, text a pediatrician at Summer Health 24/7 to get answers ASAP. Our child care experts and doctors are here to help you navigate any and all health care questions and are always happy to give you the advice you're looking for on your child's health.

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