Newborns can get gas because their digestive systems are still developing. When babies eat, they can swallow air, which then gets trapped in their tummies. This can make them feel bloated and uncomfortable. Sometimes, certain foods that mom eats while breastfeeding can also cause gas in babies. It’s important to remember that all babies get gas from time to time, and it’s completely normal.
Signs That Your Newborn Has Gas
If you think your newborn might be gassy, look out for these signs:
- Crying or fussiness, especially after feeding
- Pulling their legs up to their tummy
- A bloated or swollen belly
- Passing gas or burping a lot
- Difficulty sleeping or relaxing
By knowing these signs, you can tell when your baby might need your help with gas.
How to Help Newborn with Gas: Effective Tips
Let’s look at some easy and effective ways to help your newborn feel better when they have gas:
1. Burping Your Baby Often
One of the simplest ways to help your newborn with gas is to burp them during and after feedings. Burping helps release the air they might have swallowed while feeding. Here’s how you can do it:
- Hold your baby against your chest with their chin on your shoulder.
- Gently pat or rub their back in a circular motion.
- You can also try sitting them on your lap, supporting their head, and patting their back.
Remember, you don’t have to rush; sometimes, it can take a few minutes for the gas to come out.
2. Giving Your Baby Tummy Time
Tummy time is not just great for helping your baby develop strong muscles, but it can also help with gas. Laying your baby on their tummy can help push the gas out of their belly. Start by placing your baby on a soft blanket for a few minutes several times a day. Always make sure to watch them closely during tummy time.
3. Try Gentle Baby Massage
A gentle belly massage can work wonders when helping a newborn with gas. Here’s how you can do it:
- Lay your baby on their back and rub their tummy in a clockwise direction.
- You can also try the “I Love U” massage, where you trace the letters “I,” “L,” and “U” on their tummy.
- Another option is to gently move their legs in a bicycle motion, as this helps to release gas.
Baby massage is a great way to bond with your newborn while also helping them feel more comfortable.
4. Using Warmth to Soothe Your Baby
Warmth can be very comforting for babies with gas. You can use a warm towel or a warm (not hot) water bottle wrapped in a cloth and place it on your baby’s tummy. This can help relax their muscles and make it easier for the gas to pass. Always test the temperature first to make sure it’s not too hot for your baby.
5. Change Feeding Positions
Sometimes, the way you hold your baby during feeding can cause them to swallow more air. Try holding your baby in a more upright position when feeding. This helps reduce the amount of air they swallow and can prevent gas from building up. If you’re bottle-feeding, make sure the bottle is tilted so that the milk fills the entire nipple, leaving no air bubbles.
6. Check Your Baby’s Bottle or Nipple Size
If you are bottle-feeding, make sure the bottle’s nipple size is right for your baby’s age. If the flow is too fast, your baby might swallow more air, causing gas. Look for bottles that are designed to reduce air intake or have an anti-colic feature. These bottles can make a big difference in reducing gas problems.
7. Use Gas Relief Drops or Gripe Water
If you’ve tried all these methods and your baby is still struggling with gas, you might consider using gas relief drops or gripe water. These are safe for babies and can be found in most drugstores. However, always check with your baby’s doctor before giving them any medicine.
Foods That May Cause Gas in Breastfed Babies
If you’re breastfeeding, your diet can affect your baby’s gas levels. Certain foods you eat can cause your baby to feel gassy. Some common culprits are:
- Dairy products like milk and cheese
- Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower
- Beans and lentils
- Spicy foods
You don’t have to avoid these foods altogether, but if you notice your baby is more gassy after you eat them, you might want to cut back or avoid them for a while.
When to See a Doctor
Most of the time, gas is normal and nothing to worry about. However, if your baby is crying for hours, refusing to eat, has a fever, or you notice blood in their stool, you should see a doctor right away. These could be signs of a more serious problem, and it’s always better to be safe.
Tips to Prevent Gas in Newborns
Here are some tips to help prevent gas from happening in the first place:
- Make sure your baby has a good latch during breastfeeding.
- Try smaller, more frequent feedings instead of larger ones.
- Keep your baby in an upright position during and after feedings for about 20-30 minutes.
Final Thoughts on How to Help Newborn with Gas
Having a gassy newborn can be tough, but by following these tips on how to help newborn with gas, you can make your little one feel more comfortable. Remember, it’s normal for babies to have gas, and it doesn’t mean something is wrong. Just be patient and try different methods to see what works best for your baby. With time, you’ll become an expert at helping your baby feel better, and those gassy days will become much easier to handle.
