Baby Gas: Symptoms, Causes & Remedies

Why Do Babies Get Gassy?

Newborns have immature digestive systems, which makes them more prone to swallowing air and developing gas [1]. Some common causes of gas in infants include:

• Feeding habits: Fast feeding, overfeeding, or swallowing air while bottle-feeding.

• Crying spells: Extended crying leads to swallowing air.

• Immature gut bacteria: Early digestive systems are still developing.

• Formula or food sensitivities: Certain proteins can be harder to digest.

• Positioning: Lying flat right after a feed can trap gas in the stomach [2].

Recognising Gassy Newborn Symptoms

It can be tricky to know if fussiness is due to gas or colic. Signs that point to a gas problem for infants include:

• Frequent burping or hiccups

• Pulling legs toward the stomach

• Arching the back or clenching fists

• Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort

• Passing gas often but still appearing fussy [3]

If these symptoms occur regularly, it’s a good idea to try gentle techniques for infant gas relief.

Gentle & Natural Newborn Gas Remedies

1. Burping After Feeds

Hold your baby upright and gently pat or rub their back after every feed. This helps release swallowed air before it causes discomfort [4].

2. Tummy Time

Placing your baby on their tummy while supervised can help apply gentle pressure on the abdomen, encouraging trapped gas to move through [5].

3. The “Bicycle Legs” Technique

Lay your baby on their back and move their legs in a cycling motion. This simple exercise helps push gas out of the intestines and provides quick infant gas relief [6].

4. Massage for Gas Relief

Gentle tummy massage in a clockwise motion can support digestion. Techniques like the “I Love You” massage stroke are proven to ease discomfort [7].

5. Feeding Adjustments

• Hold your baby at a 45-degree angle during feeds.

• Ensure the bottle nipple is always filled with milk to avoid swallowing air.

• For breastfeeding, check the latch to minimize gulping [8].

When to See a Doctor

While treating gas in newborns at home is usually safe, you should consult a pediatrician if your baby has:

• Persistent crying beyond 3 hours daily

• Blood in stool or vomit

• Poor weight gain

• Fever with abdominal swelling [9]

A Trusted Companion for Infant Gas Relief

For generations, parents have relied on Woodward’s Gripe Water to provide safe and gentle relief from gas, acidity, and indigestion in babies. Along with positioning and massage, it can be part of your toolkit of newborn gas remedies to ease your baby’s discomfort naturally and bring peace back to your home.

Conclusion

Gas is common in newborns, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the cause of gas in infants, spotting gassy newborn symptoms, and trying gentle, natural remedies, you can keep your little one more comfortable. With patience, consistency, and trusted support like Woodward’s, parents can find effective ways of treating gas in newborns while ensuring their baby feels cared for and soothed.

References

1. Heine RG. Gastrointestinal disorders in infants. J Paediatr Child Health. 2017.
2. Barr RG, et al. Crying, fussing, and colic in the first months of life. Pediatrics. 2001.
3. Lucassen PLBJ. Colic and gas in infants. BMJ Clin Evid. 2015.
4. Mayo Clinic Staff. Infant gas relief techniques. Mayo Clinic. 2022.
5. American Academy of Pediatrics. Tummy time and infant development. 2019.
6. Ernst E. Massage therapy for infant colic and gas. Complement Ther Med. 2000.
7. Field T. Infant massage research review. Infant Behav Dev. 2019.
8. National Health Service (NHS). Feeding positions and infant digestion. 2020.
9. NICE Guidelines. Infant colic and gastrointestinal discomfort. 2021.