Top Tips for Treating Your Baby’s Gas Pain

It’s 2 a.m. and your baby is red-faced, squirming and crying. You’ve fed them. Changed them. Rocked them. But they’re still uncomfortable. What gives?

Chances are that your baby has gas. Newborns and infants pass gas as their digestive systems are still learning to work. But sometimes, this can lead to a buildup of trapped air and tummy troubles.

We asked Colleen Cagno, MD, a pediatric and family medicine doctor with Banner – University Medicine, to explain what causes baby gas, what signs to look for and tips to bring your baby relief.

What causes gas in babies?

Sometimes it feels like everything causes gas. But these are some of the most common reasons your baby might be feeling the pressure:

Swallowing too much air

“A common cause of excessive gas in a newborn can be swallowing too much air during feeding or crying,” Dr. Cagno said. “So take care to ensure your baby has a good, deep latch when feeding and consider pacing or taking brief breaks during feeding to slow things down.”

Feeding too fast or too much

If your baby gulps down a bottle or nurses really quickly, that milk will not be fully digested.

“Sometimes when a baby eats quickly, a large amount of lactose can remain undigested and reach the colon, where it is fermented by gut bacteria and produces more gas,” Dr. Cagno said. 

Formula sensitivity or milk intolerance

Some babies are sensitive to ingredients in formula, especially cow’s milk protein.

“Formulas that contain cow’s milk protein can cause increased gas and fussiness in babies who have cow’s milk protein intolerance or allergy,” said Dr. Cagno.

Still, she notes that switching formulas isn’t a guaranteed fix. “In general, this strategy has not been shown to improve excessive gas in babies.”

Talk to your provider, as signs of poor weight gain, changes in bowel patterns (when they poop) or appearance may indicate that your baby needs a different formula. 

Breastfeeding parents’ diet

Some breastfed babies seem to react to certain foods in their parents’ diet though science isn’t totally clear why.

“Trying to eliminate a specific food from the diet of a breastfeeding person, then observing the baby’s reaction, is a common but sometimes difficult strategy to consider,” Dr. Cagno said.

Lots of crying (and air swallowing)

Prolonged crying can lead to even more gas because babies swallow air as they cry.

“If your baby is crying, try to soothe them to avoid prolonged periods of crying when they can swallow more air,” Dr. Cagno said.

How can I tell if my baby has gas?

All babies (and adults) get gassy sometimes, but how do you know when it’s a problem? 

Here’s what to look for:

• Crying more than usual, especially after feeding
• Pulling their legs toward their belly
• Looking bloated or uncomfortable
• Spitting up often
• Making gurgling or bubbling sounds in their tummy
• Seeming too full to eat 
• Passing gas more than usual

If these signs sound familiar, your baby may be dealing with gas pains.

What can I do to help relieve my baby’s gas?

Try these gentle, doctor-recommended ways to help your baby feel better:

1. Burp your baby during and after feedings

This might seem basic but it really does helps. 

“During breaks when feeding, try to burp your baby,” Dr. Cagno said. “You can support your baby in the sitting position and gently support their back. You can also try laying the baby face down across your lap or holding them over your shoulder.”

These positions put soft pressure on your baby’s belly and help trapped gas work its way out.

2. Make sure your baby has a good latch

A shallow latch can cause your baby to swallow more air, especially during bottle feeding or nursing. 

“Ensure a good latch when feeding and pace the feeding to avoid the baby swallowing too much air and avoid overfeeding them,” Dr. Cagno said.

If you aren’t sure if your baby has a good latch, ask your child’s provider or a lactation consultant for help with proper positioning. You can also have your baby evaluated to see if they have a tongue-tie, as this can also affect feedings.

3. Try different bottles or nipples

Some bottles allow more air to enter than others. You might find that a slow-flow nipple or a bottle designed to prevent gas buildup will help.

4. Get baby moving

Gentle movement can help gas pass more easily.

“Another thing to try is to bicycle your baby’s legs when they are lying on their back,” Dr. Cagno said. “Gently lift one leg, moving the thigh toward the belly, and alternate sides.”

Tummy time is another great option. It applies pressure to the belly and supports baby’s strength and development too.

5. Soothe them before the crying worsens

The longer the crying, the more air they may swallow. “The 5 S’s is a good method to try to calm a fussy baby,” Dr. Cagno said. It mimics the sensations of the womb.

The five S’s are:

• Swaddling
• Side/stomach position
• Shushing
• Swinging
• Sucking

Should I try gripe water or gas drops?

If you’re wandering the baby aisle at 2 a.m., wondering if anything on the shelf will help, here’s what you should know:

Gripe water

“Using the herbal remedy gripe water to help relieve your baby’s gas is not supported by science or studies, so it is generally not recommended,” Dr. Cagno said. 

There is no standard set of ingredients in gripe water, so it can be hard to know what you are giving your baby. It can also make constipation worse, which might cause more fussiness.

Simethicone gas drops

“Gas drops contain liquid simethicone, which works to break up large gas bubbles,” Dr. Cagno said. “Like other remedies, the available scientific data doesn’t support that gas drops result in a meaningful benefit.”

She added that parents in her practice report mixed results. Some see temporary relief, while others don’t. If you choose to try them, follow the instructions closely and don’t give more than 12 doses in a 24-hour period.

Probiotics

“Probiotics are not helpful for excessively gassy babies,” Dr. Cagno said. “We may discuss their use if colic is diagnosed, but they’re not a go-to for gas alone.”

When should I call the provider?

Most of the time, gas is uncomfortable but harmless. But call your child’s health care provider if your baby:

• Is extremely fussy or crying for more than three hours a day, three days a week
• Isn’t gaining weight or seems to be eating less
• Has a distended (bloated) or firm belly
• Has vomiting, blood in the stool or changes in bowel habits
• Has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Is unusually sleepy or hard to wake for feedings

“Having a newborn can be stressful and exhausting,” Dr. Cagno said. “Remember that, in general, excessive gas isn’t dangerous. Talk to your provider about strategies to relieve excessive gas and seek immediate care if there are any alarm symptoms.”

Need help managing your baby’s gas?

Find peace of mind and support from a Banner Health pediatric specialist. Schedule a visit today.

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