Infants have an immature digestive system, making them susceptible to digestive-related issues. One of the common digestive problems in infants is gas. If your baby is experiencing gas or if you suspect that your baby has gas, here are some ways to address and prevent it.
This article will discuss the causes, signs of identification, treatment, and prevention of gas in infants.
1. Causes of Infant Gas
Gas in infants refers to the accumulation of gas in the stomach, causing the baby’s abdomen to become bloated. The baby can experience gas due to the following reasons:
1.1 Mother’s diet
Newborns primarily breastfeed. Any nutrients that the mother consumes will indirectly be passed on to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, an infant can experience gas due to the mother consuming gas-inducing foods.
Gas-inducing foods include beans, broccoli, wheat, onions, dairy products, carbonated drinks, and fatty foods. Mothers should limit their intake of these foods and consume foods that are more beneficial for digestion.
1.2 Inability to digest lactose in milk
Breast milk and formula contain lactose. Many newborns have an underdeveloped digestive system and lack sufficient lactase enzymes to digest lactose in milk. This leads to difficulties in digestion and gas in infants.
1.3 Milk protein allergy
Milk protein allergy occurs when the baby’s body perceives the protein in cow’s milk as harmful, triggering the production of immune antibodies (IgE) to neutralize allergenic substances. Milk protein allergy can also cause symptoms such as itchy eyes, dry throat, hives, difficulty breathing, nausea, diarrhea, and even anaphylactic shock. Therefore, mothers should avoid giving cow’s milk to children under 2 years old to ensure their health.
1.4 Sudden changes in feeding patterns
If a breastfeeding baby suddenly switches to bottle-feeding or is introduced to solid foods too early (4-6 months), it can lead to gas issues because the baby’s intestines are not yet accustomed to the changes.
1.5 Excessive ingestion of air
Crying and improper breastfeeding positions can cause the baby to swallow air. This can lead to gas and bloating in infants.
1.6 Digestive problems
Although not common, other digestive issues such as acid reflux, diarrhea, and constipation can also cause gas in infants.
1.7 Underdeveloped digestive system
The digestive system of infants is still immature in terms of structure and function. However, babies need to learn how to digest food, milk, and nutrients every day. This is also why infants often experience gas issues.
1.8 Improper use of antibiotics or medications
Abusing antibiotics and certain antiviral drugs can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota in babies.
2. Signs of Infant Gas
Infants with gas may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Squirming and twisting their bodies
- Irritable crying and discomfort in the abdomen
- Light sleep and poor appetite due to discomfort caused by gas
- Spitting up after breastfeeding due to trapped gas in the stomach hindering digestion
- Loose or foamy stools instead of well-formed ones, sometimes leading to constipation
- Swollen and rigid abdomen due to excessive ingestion of external air and its accumulation in the stomach
- Frequent burping and spitting up due to gas, as the body produces belching to release the accumulated gas
3. Ways to Relieve Infant Gas
When your baby experiences gas, it’s crucial to address the issue. Here are some methods you can try:
3.1 Proper breastfeeding position
Choosing the right breastfeeding position can help prevent excessive gas in newborns. Here are some recommended positions:
a) Cradle hold: Sit in a comfortable chair with good back support. Hold your baby’s head in the crook of your arm while supporting their body with your forearm. Make sure their mouth is level with your nipple, and their tummy is against your body.
b) Football hold: Sit in a chair with your armrest or use a nursing pillow for support. Place your baby on a pillow beside you, with their legs tucked under your arm and their head supported by your hand. This position allows better control and positioning of the baby’s head and mouth.
c) Side-lying position: Lie on your side with your baby facing you. Align your baby’s body with yours and bring them close to your breast. This position is especially helpful for nighttime feedings as it allows both you and your baby to relax.
d) Laid-back position: Lie back comfortably with your baby resting on top of you, their chest against yours. Let your baby’s natural instincts guide them to find your breast. This position allows the baby to use their reflexes to self-attach and promotes better digestion.
Remember to ensure a proper latch during breastfeeding. A good latch helps the baby swallow less air while feeding, reducing the chances of gas buildup.
3.2 Burp your baby during and after feeding
Burping your baby can help release trapped air in their stomach and reduce the risk of gas discomfort. Gently pat or rub your baby’s back while holding them upright against your shoulder or sitting them upright on your lap. You can also try supporting their chin with one hand and gently patting their back with the other. Burping should be done during and after feeding sessions.
3.3 Provide a calm and relaxed feeding environment
Creating a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere during feeding can help prevent gas problems in newborns. Find a quiet place with minimal distractions and ensure you and your baby are in a comfortable position. Babies feed better when they are calm and not stressed.
3.4 Monitor your diet if breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, pay attention to your own diet as certain foods can contribute to gas in newborns. Some common culprits include beans, cabbage, wheat, onions, garlic, carbonated drinks, and fatty foods. You may consider eliminating or reducing these foods from your diet to see if it improves your baby’s symptoms.
3.5 Keep your baby upright after feeding
After each feeding session, try to keep your baby in an upright position for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps gravity assist in digestion and reduces the likelihood of gas being trapped in their stomach. You can hold your baby against your chest or use a baby carrier that keeps them in an upright position.
3.6 Consult a healthcare professional
If your baby continues to experience severe gas problems or if you have concerns about their digestion, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess your baby’s condition, provide appropriate guidance, and recommend any necessary interventions or changes in feeding routines.
3.7 Belly massage for relieving gas in newborns
Massage is an effective way to relieve gas in newborns. To massage and reduce the discomfort of gas in the baby’s belly, gently use your fingers to make circular motions clockwise from the navel outward. You can use some eucalyptus oil to enhance the effectiveness of the massage.
3.8 Warm compress for newborns with gas
Using a warm compress can also help effectively alleviate the pain caused by gas in newborns. Here’s how to do it:
Take two hand towels and soak them in hot water to warm them up. Then squeeze out the water and check if the temperature is suitable. Next, fold one towel and place it on the baby’s abdominal area. Wrap the other towel around the baby’s belly to secure the first towel. (*) Note: Do not wrap too tightly or make it too hot.
3.9 Burping technique for newborns with gas
You can burp your newborn by waiting until they finish breastfeeding, then instead of laying them flat, sit them upright or hold them against your chest. After that, gently stroke the baby’s back in a clockwise direction. This technique helps the newborn burp quickly and reduces the discomfort of gas in their belly.
Remember, each baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It may take some time and experimentation to find the best strategies to alleviate gas and promote better digestion in your newborn.
