How to help a gassy baby
If you’re a new parent, you might have just started noticing: your tiny little one can make some big noises and even bigger smells. And you have baby gas to blame for it! A gassy baby is totally normal – especially during the newborn stage, when their digestive system is still developing. But even so, when you see your little one start grunting, grimacing, and crying, it can be concerning (even when you know it’s just gas).
Gas issues usually start when babies are just a couple of weeks old. And they typically outgrow their gassy phase by the time they're 4-6 months old. Here’s what you need to know about baby gas and how to relieve baby’s gas in the meantime.
* * *
Baby gas symptoms
The biggest giveaways of a gassy baby may be a smelly fart or big ol’ burp, but that’s when they’re actually able to pass the trapped air. There are other symptoms too:
Spitting up: It’s common for babies to spit up after feedings because they swallow too much air, and that can cause gas. Spit up is actually good though, since it gets the air out before it gets to baby’s stomach and digestive tract.
Crying: Gas is just as uncomfortable for babies as it can be for us. That discomfort may cause crying or your little might be extra fussy.
Pulling legs toward chest: If your little moves their legs up towards their belly, it could be a sign of tummy pain caused by gas. Crunching their legs up is a sign that your little may be trying to relieve the discomfort.
Reduced appetite: Another common symptom is reduced appetite due to the discomfort they feel from being gassy.
Arching and stiffening their back: Gas pains can be really uncomfortable, and it’s common to see babies stiffen when there is a bubble trapped in their belly because it hurts.
* * *
What causes gas in infants
Babies are usually gassy because they have immature digestive systems and swallow air during feedings. Other links to gas may include:
Excessive crying: Just like with feeding, excessive crying (or crying in general) can cause your little one to swallow air, which leads to gas.
Food sensitivities or allergies: Many newborns have food sensitivities that cause gas. A breastfeeding baby is more susceptible to these sensitivities, which typically come from their mama’s diet. True food allergies are less common and will most likely cause more problems than just gas, like hives or wheezing too, so you’ll want to check with your pediatrician if you notice all these symptoms.
Lactose intolerance: Most experts recommend baby formula produced with cow’s milk for its nutrients, but if your little is lactose intolerant, you may notice more gas (plus wetter poop, nausea, and/or vomiting).
Overeating: If your little is chugging down that milk or formula, more air can make its way to their tummy, which can form gas bubbles.
* * *
How to relieve baby gas
So, what helps babies with gas? The trick is to break up the gas bubbles that are in baby’s tummy and digestive tract. Try these gas prevention methods to help your little next time they’re feeling gassy.
Burp (x2)
Since a lot of baby gas is caused by swallowing air during feedings, burping can help push that air out. If you find that your little is still gassy after giving them a burp at the end of their feeding, try burping them in the middle of their feedings too. If you notice baby gets fussy just a few minutes into a feeding, it’s likely because they’re feeling gassy and not because they’re full, a quick burp should ease any discomfort.
Adjust their feeding position
Feed your baby as upright as possible, with their head higher than their stomach. This position allows liquid to slowly sink to the bottom of their stomach while gas bubbles rise up and out the top (as a burp, versus getting trapped and passing as gas).
Peddle their legs
Lay your little on their back and pedal their legs with your hands in a bicycling motion to help expel any trapped gas. Gently push baby's knees up to their tummy and holding for 10 seconds, then releasing, can help.
Change the menu
If your little has a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, you might want to switch (from a milk protein-based formula) to a soy-based formula fortified with iron or a hypoallergenic formula. Before you swap formulas though, check with your pediatrician; they should be able to address any nutritional or food sensitivity issues and help you successfully switch if needed.
Increase tummy time
Tummy time can put a gentle pressure on baby’s tummy that can help relieve gas. But, because some babies spit up if they're put on their tummies soon after eating, wait at least 20-30 minutes (or when gas starts) before doing tummy time. And always make sure they’re wide awake! (You never want to put baby to bed on their stomach, since it can increase their risk of SIDS.)
Give baby a massage
Massages can sometimes help your little relax enough to pass gas. Start with baby's tummy in a clock-wise manner, and I do love a good essential oil to go with that.
* * *
Did you know gas can affect your little one’s sleep?
The discomfort from gas can make baby fussy and can keep them up after feeding, meaning they don’t get the healthy sleep they need. If baby’s been especially gassy and you think their sleep is suffering – or if you’re just concerned about the gas in general – our Healthy Little Sleeper’s Newborn Blueprint can help!
Not only will you get sleep tips specific to your newborn and their needs, but you’ll also get an extra, super secret gas relieving tip too. (Plus, step-by-step action plans, bonus downloads, and access to a private Facebook community and our team of sleep experts!)