Gas in babies is a common concern during the first months of life. Their immature digestive systems often make it difficult to pass gas efficiently, leading to discomfort, fussiness, and frequent crying. While infant gas medicine is sometimes recommended, safe and practical strategies like choosing the best sleeping position for a newborn with gas can make a big difference in relieving discomfort.
This blog explores safe and effective sleeping positions for newborns with gas, their role in comfort and digestion, as well as natural remedies, lifestyle techniques, and medical options for treating gas in newborns.
Understanding Gas in Infants
Gas typically results from swallowed air during feeding or from the digestion of certain nutrients [1]. In most cases, it is harmless but can cause a bloated belly, crying, and difficulty sleeping. Factors that contribute include:
- Immature gut motility [2].
- Overfeeding or improper latching during breastfeeding.
- Infrequent burping or swallowing excess air during crying.
Safe Sleeping Guidelines for Infants
Before discussing specific positions, it’s important to highlight that the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends placing all infants on their backs for sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) [3]. Therefore, while certain positions may help with gas temporarily, supervised awake time is essential for alternatives.
Best Sleeping Positions for Gassy Babies
1. Back Sleeping (Recommended for Night Sleep)
- Safest position for newborns.
- May not directly reduce gas but prevents airway obstruction.
- Parents can support comfort by gently elevating the mattress head slightly (under paediatric guidance), helping with digestion and easing reflux symptoms [4].
This is still considered the best sleeping position for a newborn with gas because it balances safety with comfort.
2. Left-Side Lying (For Supervised Naps)
- Studies show that left-side positioning may help gastric emptying and reduce colic-like symptoms [5].
- This should only be done while the baby is awake and supervised, not during night sleep.
3. Tummy Time (Awake & Supervised Only)
- While not a sleeping position, tummy time helps babies expel gas by applying gentle pressure to the abdomen [6].
- It strengthens neck and shoulder muscles, aiding overall development.
Additional Comfort Techniques Alongside Sleeping Positions
Burping and Feeding Adjustments
- Burp your baby frequently during and after feeds.
- Ensure proper latch to minimise swallowed air.
Gentle Belly Massage and Bicycling Legs
- Helps stimulate digestion and release trapped gas [7].
Warm Compresses
- A warm towel on the tummy can relax muscles and ease bloating.
Natural & Trusted Remedies
Generations of parents have relied on Woodward’s Gripe Water as a gentle option for treating gas in newborns. Its time-tested formula helps relieve discomfort caused by trapped wind, colic, and bloating, making it a trusted addition to positioning and feeding techniques.
When to Consider Medical Remedies
If positioning and comfort techniques aren’t enough, parents may consider options such as simethicone drops (a common infant gas medicine) under paediatric supervision [8].
When to Seek Medical Help
Gas is usually harmless, but consult a paediatrician if your baby has:
- Persistent bloating or excessive crying.
- Blood in stool or vomiting.
These could indicate food intolerances, reflux, or other gastrointestinal issues requiring medical management [9].
Conclusion
While gas is a normal part of infant development, the right positioning can improve comfort and sleep. The best sleeping position for a newborn with gas remains on the back due to safety, but supervised left-side lying and tummy time are excellent complementary strategies.
Alongside these, natural remedies like Woodward’s Gripe Water and safe infant gas medicine (when needed) provide a well-rounded approach to comfort. With a balance of safe positioning, gentle remedies, and paediatric guidance, parents can help their little ones rest easier during the gassy months.
References
- Vandenplas Y, Hauser B, Salvatore S. Functional gastrointestinal disorders in infancy: impact on the health of the infant and family. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2019;22(3):207–216.
- Hegar B, Vandenplas Y. Functional gastrointestinal disorders in infancy: impact, clinical presentation, and management. Paediatr Indones. 2013;53(5):230–238.
- Moon RY, Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths: Updated 2016 recommendations. Pediatrics. 2016;138(5):e20162938.
- Lightdale JR, Gremse DA, Section on Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Gastroesophageal reflux: Management guidance for the pediatrician. Pediatrics. 2013;131(5):e1684–e1695.
- Kianifar H, et al. Comparison of positioning and dietary changes in infantile colic management. World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(43):15923–15928.
- Majnemer A, Barr RG. Association between sleep position and early motor development. J Pediatr. 2006;149(5):623–629.
- Field T. Infant massage therapy. Int J Behav Dev. 2010;34(5):357–366.
- Savino F, et al. Efficacy of simethicone in the treatment of infantile colic: systematic review. Pediatrics. 2018;141(1):e20171885.
- Iacovou M, Ralston RA, Muir J, Walker KZ, Truby H. Dietary management of infantile colic: A systematic review. Matern Child Nutr. 2012;8(4):382–401.
