Babies are naturally gassy, and it’s a normal part of their digestive process. However, sometimes gas can accumulate, causing bloating and discomfort in your little one. As a new parent, it can be hard to determine whether your baby’s gas is normal or a cause for concern. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes baby gas, signs of a gassy baby, and how to help your little one cope with gas-related discomfort.
What Causes Baby Gas?
As food moves through the gastrointestinal tract, the small intestine absorbs the usable nutrients. Bacteria in the large intestine break down the leftovers, releasing hydrogen and carbon dioxide and producing bubbles of gas in the process. Burping allows some gas to escape from the stomach early on, and the rest travels from the colon to the rectum, where it’s ejected primarily via bowel movements or flatulence.
Babies are especially prone to gas because their digestive systems are immature. They produce a lot of gas, and they take in a lot of air while feeding and crying, which produces even more gas. Bottle-fed babies tend to have it the worst, but breastfeeding doesn’t make a baby immune. Ultimately, a newborn baby may pass more gas than an adult.
Signs of a Gassy Baby
Gas is a normal part of the digestive process, but too much gas is usually a symptom that something else is going on. If you suspect that your fussy baby is genuinely uncomfortable, and they keep squirming and pulling up their legs, they might have some gas that refuses to pass. The best way to confirm your suspicions is to try some gas-relieving techniques such as burping them and moving their body into different positions.
“If your baby seems much better after passing gas, then that’s a telltale sign that the problem was gas,” says Jennifer Shu, M.D., an Atlanta-based pediatrician. This applies to gassy breastfed babies and gassy bottle-fed babies.
When to Call the Pediatrician
While gas is typically normal and nothing to worry about, there are times when it could be a sign of something more serious. “Gas on its own is rarely concerning,” says Dr. Armin. “But if a baby has other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, refusing to eat, or weight loss, then those can be signs of something more concerning.”
Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Your baby has a fever
- Your baby is vomiting
- Your baby has diarrhea
- Your baby is refusing to eat
- Your baby has blood in their stool
- Your baby is losing weight
- Your baby is extremely fussy or inconsolable
- Your baby’s abdomen is swollen or tender to the touch
If you notice any of these symptoms in your baby, call your pediatrician right away. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and have your baby checked out by a healthcare professional.
How to Help Your Baby Cope with Gas-Related Discomfort
If your baby is gassy but not showing any other signs of discomfort or illness, there are some things you can do to help them feel better:
- Burp your baby
Burping your baby is one of the easiest ways to help them release trapped gas. You can do this by holding your baby upright against your chest or sitting them on your lap and gently patting or rubbing their back.
- Change your baby’s feeding position
If you’re bottle-feeding, try holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle and make sure the nipple is filled with milk to prevent your baby from swallowing too much air. If you’re breastfeeding, try different positions such as the football hold or the cradle hold to see if your baby feels more comfortable.
- Give your baby tummy time
Tummy time is not only good for your baby’s development, but it can also help them release trapped gas. Lay your baby on their stomach for a few minutes at a time, making sure they’re supervised and on a safe surface.
- Try baby massage
Gentle tummy massage can help soothe your baby’s digestive system and encourage the release of trapped gas. Place your baby on their back and gently massage their tummy in a circular motion.
- Use gas-relieving products
There are several products on the market designed to help relieve baby gas, including gripe water, gas drops, and anti-gas bottles. Always check with your pediatrician before giving your baby any new products.
In conclusion, gas is a normal part of a baby’s digestive process, and most babies will pass gas frequently without any discomfort. However, if your baby seems to be in pain, has other concerning symptoms, or you’re unsure about what to do, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician. With some simple techniques and the right guidance, you can help your baby feel more comfortable and happy.
