In this article, we're sharing more about the potential reasons for your baby's gas, tips to help relieve infant gas, and signs your baby may need a little extra help and attention.
How can I tell if my baby has gas?
Passing gas, burping, and even spit-up may be some signs of a baby having gas. Gas can cause temporary discomfort in newborns, but it is usually nothing to worry about. It's normal to have some gas, for infants and adults alike.
But for newborns who are still getting used to the sensation of gas and are still working on the muscle coordination needed to pass it, gas can make them a little uncomfortable. Gassy babies may also be fussy. They may grunt and squirm more than usual or lift their legs to their belly. They might scrunch up their face or turn red, and they may have a bloated belly.
What causes gas in babies?
Passing gas is a natural bodily function that results from normal digestion. When babies drink breastmilk or formula, some of the nutrients in their digestive tract are broken down by normal gut bacteria. In this process, gas is produced as a byproduct of normal digestion — and once produced, it is passed.
Gas can result from swallowing extra air. Babies can take in extra air when they drink (from a bottle or the breast), suck on a pacifier, and when they cry. Eventually, that extra air can come out as a burp or as a fart.
In some infants, certain foods may also cause excess gas. Though uncommon, some infants may have issues tolerating certain protein or carbohydrates found in breastmilk or infant formulas. If this is the case, the child's healthcare professional may recommend alternatives for feeding.
What can I do to help soothe my baby's gas?
No parent wants to see their baby uncomfortable with gas. If you notice that your baby seems gassy, introducing some techniques to help relieve gas is a good idea. Here are some common tips recommended by pediatricians and health experts.
Gas relief tips for all babies
- Feed your baby as soon as you notice they are hungry. When your baby is overly hungry, they may swallow extra air as they signal to you through crying. They may also take in extra air if they are eating quickly. When you notice that your baby becomes ready for a bottle, feed them soon instead of waiting until they're overly hungry.
- Burp your baby if they need it. Burping your baby allows them the chance to let out some extra air. Try to burp them before, in the middle, and after a feeding. Some infants feed well without pausing to burp — for these babies, interrupting a feed could lead to increased fussiness.
- Try more tummy time. Supervised tummy time can be helpful for relieving gas, but only when the baby is not actively feeding or immediately after a bottle.
- Bicycle your baby's legs. Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in circular, bicycling motions. Or try bringing their knees to their chest to help release gas.
- Try massaging your baby's tummy. Massaging your baby's belly with light pressure in a clockwise direction may help get gas moving.
- Consider over-the-counter gas-relief products. After discussing options with your baby's pediatrician, gas drops (which contain simethicone) and probiotics designed for babies may be an option. Use them according to label instructions — if they're not effective, stop using them.
Gas relief tips for bottle-fed babies
- Choose the right nipple flow. Getting the right flow of breastmilk or formula through a bottle nipple can help reduce the amount of air a baby takes in. If the nipple has holes that are too big, your baby may gulp more and take in extra air. If the holes are too small, your baby may suck too hard, which can also draw in air.
- Consider switching to an anti-colic bottle. These bottles are designed with special features, such as vents, to help reduce the amount of air swallowed.
- Adjust how you feed with paced bottle feeding. Paced bottle feeding is a responsive feeding method in which the baby largely controls the pace. Keep your baby upright during a feeding with their head higher than their stomach, and hold the bottle horizontally so your baby has more control over the pace of the feeding. Allow your baby to take the nipple rather than pushing it into their mouth, and allow them to regularly take breaks. Although more research is needed, it is thought to be associated with less swallowed air and reduced gas.
- Talk to your child's healthcare professional. If you are formula feeding and none of the other strategies have worked, talk to your child's healthcare professional about a specialized formula. Though uncommon, some babies may need a formula with reduced lactose or hydrolyzed proteins.
Gas relief tips for breastfed babies
- Check your latch. If you're breastfeeding, ensure your baby has an effective latch. A visit with a certified lactation consultant may be helpful.
- The food you eat doesn't usually affect your baby's gas. What you consume affects the nutrient quality of your breastmilk, but for most people, the foods they eat won’t impact their baby's gas. If you are concerned, keep a food log and talk to a healthcare professional.
When should I worry about my baby's gas?
If your baby is eating well, gaining weight appropriately, and passing soft stools (that are not bloody, white, or black), then gas alone doesn't necessarily mean your baby has a problem. Most babies experience discomfort from gas throughout their first year, and most will not need to be seen by their pediatrician for gas alone.
Although your baby may seem most uncomfortable with gas at around 6–8 weeks of life, it can improve by about the time your baby is about 3 months old.
But if you see the following in addition to your baby's gas, contact your child's healthcare professional immediately:
- Your baby stops eating and refuses to feed
- Your baby stops pooping, or their poop is black or bloody
- Your baby is vomiting or spitting up forcefully
- Your baby doesn't seem to be gaining weight
- Your baby is unusually fussy and can't be comforted
- Your baby developed a new rash, hives, swelling or difficulty breathing, which can be signs of an allergic reaction
- You are concerned about your baby
