What Causes Gas in Babies?
Starting with the first feeding, babies shift from obtaining nutrients from the placenta to drinking and digesting breast milk or formula. That’s a big adjustment for a small digestive system that’s still developing, and it’s a chief reason that gas naturally occurs in infants.
Baby Gas Symptoms
You might notice that you have a gassy baby when you smell something or hear something, but there are other possible signs and symptoms of baby gas, too, including:
How to Relieve Baby Gas
So, what helps babies with gas? There are plenty of effective strategies and home remedies to help your newborn baby with gas problems. The trick is to break up the gas bubbles that have formed in the abdomen and digestive tract. The following remedies may help.
2. Encourage Slow Eating
If your baby eats too fast, they tend to swallow more air and develop more gas bubbles. You can encourage slower eating by using a bottle with a slow-flow nipple. If you’re breastfeeding and experiencing an oversupply of breast milk, speak to your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.
Gassy Baby or Colic?
Your baby’s primary way of communication is crying, and since gas can result in crying or fussiness, it’s often mistaken for colic. Colic is a little different, though. Colic occurs when healthy babies cry repeatedly, intensely, and for prolonged periods of time, often at the same time each day.
The Bottom Line
Yes, a gassy baby is normal, but of course you may still want to know how to help your baby with gas. Chances are, the problem is just temporary as your newborn develops a strong digestive system and gets used to a new diet of breast milk or formula. Use the information above to understand how to relieve baby gas.
What formula should I give my baby for acid reflux?
Baby formula for acid reflux: For babies that vomit after feeding, doctors may recommend an anti-reflux formula. It has a thicker consistency than regular formula, which helps babies keep the food down. Soy formula: Soy replaces cow’s milk as the primary source of protein in this formula.
What formula should I use for a child with colic?
For example, if your child has colic, your pediatrician may suggest a lactose-free formula first, says Adler. If your baby is arching their back after feeding, your doctor might choose an anti-reflux formula. Or you may even find out that your child’s symptoms are related to something other than the formula you’re using.
Why is feeding time less sweet?
But feeding time is less sweet when you’re worried about your child fussing or being in pain afterward. If your baby has bouts of gas, constipation or acid reflux after eating, it could be the formula. Advertising Policy.
How long does it take for formula to get out of a baby's system?
If your doctor recommends switching formulas, don’t expect an overnight change in your baby, cautions Adler. It could take a few days to weeks to get the old formula out of your baby’s system. “It’s not something that you want to try for just a couple of days and say, ‘This isn’t working.
What is infant formula?
Infant formula is a mix of proteins, carbohydrates (sugars) and fats designed to resemble the composition of breast milk. Standard infant formula is based on cow’s milk but it’s not the same as drinking a glass of it. Advertising Policy.
Can a baby digest predigested formula?
It’s also known as predigested or elemental formula. Lactose-free formula: Although rare, some babies can’t digest lactose. This formula type replaces lactose with another naturally occurring sugar found in foods, such as glucose or sucrose.
Can babies tolerate formula?
Some babies can’t tolerate typical formula. For them, a specialized formula that contains different proteins or carbohydrates may work better. These products are often labeled “may help with gas, fussiness or colic,” says Adler. Additional specialty formulas include:
What can I do to help my baby with gas?
Before you get overly concerned about a gassy baby, you should know there are some steps you can take to soothe your little one.
How to get gas out of a baby's stomach?
You can achieve gas relief by massaging your baby’s tummy. Your baby must lay on his back. It would be best if you started to rub his tummy gently in a clockwise motion. This procedure aids in moving gas along and soothing the intestinal tract.
Why do babies burp?
And this is a natural outcome of food moving through the gastrointestinal tract. Bacteria in the large intestine break down the food, which releases hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This leads to the appearance of bubbles of gas. Babies experience this, too, which is why burping is vital for them. Burping helps release gas from the stomach before it causes any issues. If you don’t burp your baby, the gas might not pass. As a result, it can collect in the digestive tract and cause discomfort and bloating.
What foods can cause gas in babies?
Gassy foods like broccoli, onions, or cabbage can bother babies.
Why does my baby have gas?
Catching a bug or developing a gastrointestinal condition can cause a lot of gas in babies. So, if you notice your baby is getting gassy too often, it might be the perfect time to seek expert advice.
Can you eat while breastfeeding a gassy baby?
Did you know that babies are naturally gassy? And sometimes foods we eat while breastfeeding a gassy baby can even worsen the situation. Well, there are numerous preventive measures you can follow to keep your little one comfortable. But, of course, sometimes, your baby will get gassy. You need to know the signs and symptoms of gas in breastfed babies and as well as know the foods not to eat to avoid gas in baby.
Do breastfed babies get gas?
Almost all breastfed babies get gas. Some of the most frequent reasons why this happens are listed below.
How to tell if a baby is gassy?
There are many reasons why your baby might be fussy, and gas is one of them. A tiny, underdeveloped digestive system can lead to gas pains and cramping. We’d be fussy too! Your baby isn’t happy. Your baby won’t smile or settle well.
How to get gas bubbles out of baby's tummy?
Massaging Your Baby’s Tummy. The gentle massaging touch can be calming and relaxing, but even more importantly, the pressure on your baby’s tummy can help encourage that gas bubble to come out. You can also try the “colic hold” to help relieve pressure in a gassy baby.
Why does my baby react to formula?
In addition to gassy foods, some babies may react if they have food sensitivities. This includes food sensitivities in a breastfed mother’s diet or food sensitivities in a baby formula. For example, a baby who has dairy sensitivities may react to formulas that contain dairy. If you think your gassy baby is reacting to his formula, consider trying a new formula. Check out this post for more information regarding the best baby formula.
Why is my baby gassy at night?
However, keep in mind that a gassy baby can be worse at night because of the build up of air throughout the day. Colic is defined as a period of intense crying for more three hours per day at least 3 days per week. Gas can accompany colic especially if the baby sucks in air while crying.
How do you know if your baby is tolerant of formula?
You’ll know that your baby tolerates the new formula if he’s less gassy during feedings, less back arching after meals, and less spit up.
What can a pediatrician do to help a baby?
Your pediatrician can help determine the cause of your baby’s discomfort so he can get the relief he deserves.
Does a baby's stomach feel bloated?
Your baby’s stomach is hard or bloated. A gassy tummy may feel hard or swollen, but it should go away after the gas has passed .
How can you relieve gas in babies?
There are many home remedies to tackle gas buildup and make your little one (and you) more comfortable. While none are fool-proof alone, trying a combination of the following methods may help decrease fussiness:
What is gas in babies?
Gas in babies can be described as air bubbles that become trapped in the maturing stomach and/or intestines. Gas is also produced by normal bacterial flora, as food is broken down and converted into hydrogen and carbon dioxide gas. In some babies, this causes much discomfort, pressure and pain. In others, it is asymptomatic.
What causes gas in babies?
Gas is acquired by drinking and sucking in air simultaneously. If breastfed, your baby might not be latching on right, have difficulty keeping up with an overactive letdown or overabundant milk supply or is sensitive to maternal dietary compounds in breastmilk.
When do you need to call a doctor about gas?
Keep in mind that no matter what you do, some babies are inherently more gassy. This may be a battle that you may not “win.” Most symptoms will resolve when their gastrointestinal systems mature with time. However, contact your doctor if your baby has any of the following symptoms, which may indicate to an underlying medical problem:
How to deal with a gassy baby?
Before you rush to change your diet or begin gas drops, however, try simply adjusting the way you’re feeding your baby. By nursing them more upright, ensuring they have a proper lat ch, and burping frequently, you may be able to reduce the amount of gas they’re dealing with, and the amount of fussiness you’re dealing with.
How to stop baby from gassing while breastfeeding?
While there’s nothing you can do about your baby’s immature digestive system, there are a few things you can do while breastfeeding that may minimize their gassiness. Burping your baby throughout a nursing session can help tremendously; I typically burp when switching baby from one breast to the other, and when they’ve finished. “A lot of newborn discomfort is caused by swallowing air during feedings ,” states an article from What to Expect. “In addition to burping after feedings, try giving your baby a gentle back pat mid-feed to get rid of swallowed air before it travels to baby’s bowels.”
How to tell if a baby is gassy?
For many babies, the telltale sign that they’re gassy is fussiness. Of course, all babies cry, so what are some accompanying symptoms to watch out for? Marissa Reyna, Certified Lactation Consultant and the breastfeeding guru behind the lactation support Instagram page @marissathemilkmom, says there are a few other telltale signs that a baby is gassy. “Are they pulling their legs up to their chest often? Grunting? Writhing around? Is their belly tight and hard? They are likely experiencing some digestive discomfort if you notice them doing these things,” Reyna tells Romper in an interview. “If they pass gas or burp and seem to be relieved, then that's your sign!”
Why do babies burp when they are nursing?
“A lot of newborn discomfort is caused by swallowing air during feedings ,” states an article from What to Expect.
What causes gas in breast milk?
Two other things that can cause gas, and often go hand-in-hand, are an oversupply of milk or an overactive letdown (meaning your breast milk is released quickly or forcefully into baby’s mouth). In this case, “laid-back breastfeeding can be a game changer. It allows gravity to do some work for you and lessen the flow for baby!” says Reyna. Other effective positions include cradle or football holds with you reclined, or a side-lying position where baby can easily let extra milk flow out of their mouth. Slightly older babies can also sit completely upright on your lap while nursing. If these positions don’t seem to be helping, you can unlatch baby during your letdown (make sure to have a towel handy!), re-latching them when the milk flow has slowed.
How to fix a baby's latch?
If you are feeling any discomfort or notice that their latch doesn’t look right, you can gently correct it by pulling on their chin or rolling their top lip outward. If this doesn’t work, “stick a finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth to break their seal and try latching again,” Lilly instructs. Reyna adds that one way to ensure a baby’s latch is strong is by keeping their head higher than their stomach.
Why do babies gasp when they are fed?
If they are latched onto your breast incorrectly, they’re liable to swallow air while feeding (which, as we’ve discussed, is a major reason why they might experience gassiness). “Are they guzzling? Gasping? Clicking? These can all lead to extra air being taken in,” Reyna says.
