If your baby is experiencing gas pains, you’ll do anything to find relief for your little one. Having a gassy baby is not only hard for the baby, but also for the new parents watching their little one cry from discomfort.
As a first-time mom, I realized my baby was experiencing gas pains around 5-6 weeks old. Thankfully, as a pediatric registered nurse, I knew the signs to look for and how to investigate what could be causing my baby’s gas pains.
I want to help you learn how to care for your gassy baby. This includes how to identify, prevent, and treat gas pains in babies, the best sleeping position for babies with gas, and so much more.
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Gassy Babies and Sleep
It’s possible that your baby’s gas pains could cause difficulty sleeping. You may be wondering if there are certain sleeping positions you can put your baby in at night to help them sleep.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the safest and best sleep position for your baby is on their back. The AAP states that you should place your baby on their back for every sleep.
If your baby is comfortable rolling both ways (back to belly and belly to back), then you do not need to return your baby to their back if they roll over on their own. This usually happens around six months of age, but may be different for each baby.
There are ways we can help our babies be more comfortable while still keeping them safe while they sleep. Ultimately, reducing the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is the most important! The best sleeping position for babies with gas is always on their backs! Keep reading to find out more.
Signs of Gas in Babies
It can be hard to identify exactly what is going on with your baby since they can’t exactly tell us. However, there are some signs you can look for in your baby to determine if they’re experiencing discomfort from gas pains.
- Quite obviously, your baby passes a lot of gas
- Wiggle while pulling their legs to their chest (drawing legs up)
- You can hear the gas in their belly while they’re fussing
- Act increasingly fussy after a feeding
- Spitting up
- Difficulty eating or sleeping
Causes of Gas in Babies
There are several factors that could cause you to have a gassy baby. The best way to determine the cause of your baby’s gas would be to keep a log and make a note of when your baby seems the most upset.
You can then work with your baby’s pediatrician to help determine the cause of the gas. Below are some of the main causes of gas in babies.
Immature digestive system
When babies are born, they have an immature digestive system. This means as baby is growing, their digestive system is maturing.
Your baby shifts from obtaining all of their nutrients from the placenta to drinking breast milk or formula. This is obviously a big change for your baby’s digestive system.
Add on too much air being swallowed or any food sensitivities and it’s easy to see how things can go awry.
Breastfeeding Oversupply or Overactive Letdown
If you’re a breastfeeding mother and have an oversupply or overactive letdown, this can lead to your baby having a difficult time keeping up at the breast.
The flow of the milk will be too fast. Which can cause your little one to swallow too much air and lead to many trapped gas bubbles in their tummy.
Poor latch
If your baby has a poor latch at the breast, this can also lead to swallowing excess air. In this case, you’ll want to work with a lactation consultant to make sure your baby has a proper latch.
Excessive crying
If your baby is excessively crying, this too can lead to your baby swallowing a lot of air. This can obviously be a hard one to prevent as sometimes no matter what we try our baby’s still cry. Especially if they’re uncomfortable.
This is why it’s important to discover the cause of their gas pains.
Lactose Intolerance
If your baby is lactose intolerant, you will notice many different symptoms, including gas.
This is when it’s important to work with your baby’s pediatrician to change their baby formula. Or help you determine if you need to cut out dairy from your diet if breastfeeding.
Food sensitivities or Allergies
Some breastfed infants may develop food sensitivities that come from their mother’s diet. Some common food sensitivities include dairy, caffeine, soy, corn, wheat, and eggs.
These food sensitivities may cause gas, stomach discomfort, green, loose stools, and vomiting.
True food allergies are less common than food sensitivities and are usually accompanied by hives and other concerning symptoms. If you notice hives or wheezing in your baby, contact their pediatrician right away.
Poor seal on bottle
Similarly to a poor latch, if your baby has a poor seal on their bottle, they will swallow a lot of air. Which will lead to trapped gas in the digestive tract.
If you hear clicking or smacking sounds while your baby is drinking their bottle, they are likely swallowing air and don’t have a good latch to the bottle nipple.
What does it mean if my baby is gassy?
All babies have gas, some just have it more than others. What matters if you have a gassy baby, is how they respond to the gas bubbles.
If your baby is having difficulty eating or sleeping, crying frequently, and looking uncomfortable, then you’ll want to follow some of the suggestions below on how to prevent and treat a gassy baby.
If your baby passes gas, but they don’t appear uncomfortable or fussy, then you just have a gassy baby! It will get better as their digestive tract matures.
Gassy Baby or Colic?
You may be wondering if you’re dealing with a gassy newborn or a colicky baby.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, colic is defined as when a baby’s crying lasts more than 3 hours a day, happens more than 3 days a week, and occurs for more than 3 weeks.
Colic often begins suddenly with loud, persistent crying. Experts don’t know for sure what makes a baby colicky. These babies usually are sensitive, have trouble adjusting, and are difficult to soothe.
If you notice your baby is gassy and you try the following tips below on preventing and treating gas, and you see improvement in your little one, then you likely have a gassy baby.
If your baby is gassy but prevention and treatment for gas pains do not work, definitely consult your baby’s pediatrician for medical advice to determine if there is another cause.
How to Prevent a Gassy Baby
Burping during and after feedings
Although it may be standard to burp your baby after a feeding if your baby suffers from gas pains it may be beneficial to them to be burped during feedings as well.
Bottle-fed babies can be burped after every ounce if necessary to help with any air swallowed during the feeding.
Using the right bottle
Some baby bottles are better at preventing your baby from swallowing air than others. Some bottles on the market have special vents and angles to help limit the amount of air your baby swallows while eating.
For the best baby bottles for gas and colic, check out this post!
Using the right bottle nipple (paced feeding)
A slow-flow nipple helps slow down the flow from the bottle nipple and encourages baby to eat slower. Check out the bottles you’re using and what nipple sizes or flows can be used.
Try using the slowest flow nipple they have.
Ensure they have a good latch
If your baby has a shallow latch or is making clicking sounds while nursing, they are likely swallowing air while nursing. Make sure if your little one is nursing that they have a deep latch with their mouth opened wide around your breast, not just your nipple.
Feeding in upright position (Pace Feeding)
Pace feeding your baby can also help reduce the amount of air swallowed. Paced feeding includes feeding baby in an upright position, using a slow-flow nipple, holding the bottle parallel to the ground, and tilting the bottle down to give baby breaks.
Doing all of these things encourages slower feeding and ultimately less air swallowed.
Pay attention to hunger cues
A late sign of hunger in babies is crying. Look for early hunger cues like your baby opening their mouth or sticking their tongue out, sucking on anything nearby, hands to mouth, or rooting.
Excessive crying can lead to swallowed air. Try recognizing your baby’s hunger cues and feed them before they get too upset.
Possible Change of Formula
Your baby’s formula may be the cause of their excess gas. They could be lactose intolerant or maybe need a hypoallergenic formula for a sensitive stomach.
If you’re thinking about switching formulas, talk to your baby’s doctor first. You can work with your baby’s pediatrician to find a baby formula that doesn’t cause them any symptoms. Or work to determine if there’s another cause for your baby’s gas troubles.
Identify any gas triggering foods in mother’s diet
Certain foods may be more likely to cause gas in your little one (and yourself too!) This includes caffeine, cabbage, garlic, onions, dairy products, or spicy foods. If you notice an increase in your baby’s gas pains after eating these foods, you may want to limit the amount of that food in your diet.
Your baby may also have food sensitivities from mother’s breast milk. Always consult your baby’s doctor if you suspect any food sensitivities.
Positioning of baby
Some body positions can support the baby’s digestive system and help prevent and relieve any trapped gas.
Laying your baby on their left side or holding them in your arms while they lay on their left side can help them to relax and pass gas.
Some babies may also feel comfortable lying on their stomachs. The slight abdominal pressure may help break up any trapped gas and allow it to pass easier.
Make sure you’re always present with your baby and watching them if they’re lying on their stomach or side.
Work with a lactation consultant
If you struggle with an oversupply or overactive letdown, you may want to consider working with a lactation consultant. They can help you discover feeding positions and techniques to prevent your baby from swallowing too much air while trying to keep up with the flow of milk.
How to Treat Gas Pains
Gas drops
Gas drops are a really effective way to relieve your baby’s gas. Gas relief drops are made from the medication simethicone which helps to break up gas bubbles in the gut. This makes the gas less painful for your baby and allows them to pass the gas easier.
Be sure to read the instructions and label so you know how much to give your baby. Always consult your baby’s doctor before giving them any medication.
These gas drops by Mommy’s Bliss are free from all of the yucky stuff (BPA-free, free from top 8 allergens, with no parabens or artificial flavors or colors). I used them with my first baby when her gas was really bad, and we usually experienced relief within minutes.
Bicycles
Baby bicycles are a great way to naturally help relieve baby’s gas! Lay your baby on their back and cycle their legs towards their stomach and back. Like you’re mimicking the motion of them riding a bicycle.
This helps break up gas bubbles and get them moving throughout the gut to help them pass.
Tummy time
Like mentioned before, laying your baby on their tummy can give gentle pressure to help break up gas and get things moving in their digestive tract.
Place your baby on the floor for supervised tummy time about 30 minutes after they’ve eaten. This will avoid any excess spit up and help relieve that trapped gas in their belly.
Massage
Massage is another effective and natural way to help relieve your baby from gas pains. Use your favorite baby lotion or oil and massage your baby’s belly in a clockwise motion.
This follows the pattern of your baby’s digestive tract and helps to move the trapped air through the gut so it can be passed.
Warm bath
A warm bath can be a great tool to not only help relax your baby but also their digestive tract. The warm temperature can help soothe their tummy and provide some relief from their discomfort.
You can place your baby in their bathtub with warm water. Or you can even go the extra mile and give them a swaddle bath. This is where you wrap your baby in a thin, muslin swaddle and lay them in their baby bath. The swaddle keeps them warm the whole time and is very comforting!
FridaBaby Windi
The FridaBaby Windi was invented by a pediatric gastroenterologist. It is a hollow tube that you insert into your baby’s rectum to immediately relieve gas. It is safe to use and has a stopper so you can’t go too far.
The Windi is a great tool and is extremely effective at relieving your little one’s gas. It is loved by many new parents and has tons of 5-star reviews on Amazon.
Always ask your pediatrician before using. Some pediatricians may caution against using them too frequently. This is because you want your baby to not have to rely on a tool and to allow their digestive tract to do the work. However, when your baby is really struggling, the Windi can be really helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my baby have gas at night?
Your baby likely has gas all day, but it becomes more noticeable at night.
When it’s time for your little one to sleep, they’re laying still and not as active. The air bubbles in their belly become more uncomfortable as they’re laying flat on their back. They aren’t moving as much or able to get into different positions to work that trapped air out.
Can gas keep the baby up at night?
If your baby is uncomfortable from their gas pains, yes absolutely their gas can keep them up at night.
Some babies may be completely unbothered and you might hear them passing gas through the night while continuing to sleep.
How can I help my gassy baby sleep at night?
Keep practicing the preventative measures listed above to avoid a fussy baby full of gas.
If your baby does have gas pains, you can try a warm bath and massage before bed to help get any trapped gas out. You may also try some gas drops before bed as well as bicycling their legs to help with sleep.
What sleeping position is best for a gassy baby?
You may have heard that sleeping on the left side is better for releasing gas. However, according to the AAP, the safest place for your baby to sleep is on their back.
If your baby is struggling with sleep, try some of the methods listed above for treating gas pains before putting your baby to bed. The best sleeping position for babies with gas is on their backs always!
Does swaddling make gas worse?
There’s no evidence that swaddling makes gas worse. Your baby develops gas bubbles from swallowing air or food sensitivities.
If you notice that swaddling makes your baby worse, it may be because it’s restricting their movement further. Which can be uncomfortable when you have trapped air in your belly.
When do babies stop struggling with gas?
Most infants outgrow the gassy phase by the time they’re 4 to 6 months old. This is because their digestive system is more mature and becoming ready for solid foods.
Can babies sleep through gas pains?
If your baby isn’t experiencing discomfort severe enough to wake them from sleep, they can sleep through the gas. But if it is painful for them, it will likely wake them.
The good news is once the gas passes, your baby should be able to settle and fall back asleep.
How can I relieve gas in my baby fast?
If you’re looking to relieve your baby’s gas fast, gas drops usually have a quick effect on little ones as well as using the FridaBaby Windi.
