Gassy Baby - Ways To Help - HealthSurgeon - Healthy Living and Fitness

Infants are prone to the buildup of gas. Gas is a natural part of the digestive system. Infants have immature digestive tracts. Their digestive system is still developing which can cause them to have more gas than usual. Gas bubbles in the stomach or intestines can cause stomach pain and pressure causing your baby to be uncomfortable. Gas doesn’t affect all babies the same. Some babies will be unbothered by gas, where others may become uncomfortable and squirmy, where others will cry for hours. Gas can affect how a baby sleeps and eats, helping them work out their gas can help their mood, and their ability to sleep and eat.

Causes

Gas can be caused by a number of things. Gas is a normal part of the digestive system. So after your baby eats, gas happens. Swallowing too much air while they eat can also cause more gas. This can happen if they are drinking too quickly. Bubbles can occur in formula when it is shaken to be mixed. Excessive crying can cause gas. Breastfed babies and formula fed babies are both prone to extra gas. A mother’s diet can impact their baby’s gas. Foods like broccoli, cabbage, onions, and spicy foods can increase gas in your baby. Your baby may also be sensitive to the type of formula which can cause gas.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gas in your baby can range from mild to extreme. Some babies may just get slightly fussy after eating, while other babies may cry for hours. Other symptoms are your baby is red in the face while crying, frequent squirming, pulling legs up to their chest, not eating or sleeping well, and just being overall discontent.

Diagnosis

Gas affects babies differently and gas isn’t something you need to get diagnosed. You can reach out to your pediatrician if your baby’s gas is severe. They may want to look to see if there is another underlying problem that may be causing your baby so much discomfort. Your pediatrician may want you to keep a food log if you are breastfeeding. If your baby is old enough to eat other foods then just breastmilk or formula, a food log for your baby may also be recommended. This will be where you track what you or your baby eats and any symptoms or signs of gas buildup after each meal. This can help identify if there are any food sensitivities.

Treatment

There are some things you can do at home to help your baby relieve their gas.

During feeding, you can burp your baby more often. Change their position when they eat, have them more in an upright position. If you are bottle feeding your baby, look into changing nipple flow speed, or changing bottles.

Making sure your baby has a proper latch when they breastfeed is also important in stopping them from swallowing too much air when they eat. A proper latch can also help them not gulp when they are drinking.

Raising your baby’s head can help alleviate pressure from gas.

Taking them on a car ride can also calm them if they have gas pains.

Swaddling your baby can also give them some peace and help with gas. Not all babies like to be swaddled so if your baby doesn’t try other ways to help them with their gas.

Massaging their bellies, or moving their legs can also help. Tummy time is beneficial for the development of muscles. It can also help your baby get rid of trapped gas.

You can also try gas drops for your baby to help alleviate gas. Gas drops help speed up the natural process of getting rid of gas. The ingredient simethicone helps break down the gas bubbles, allowing them to be easier to expel. You can use gas drops up to 12 times per day. You can give them to your baby after every meal and before bedtime.

You can also try probiotic supplements for your baby. Probiotic supplements help balance your child’s intestinal microorganisms which can help with overall digestion.

Gas usually resolves on its own. If you are concerned it is best to talk to your pediatrician about the symptoms your baby has been having at their next appointment. If your child develops any of these symptoms contact your doctor immediately; projectile vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, fever, loss of appetite, or weight loss. These could be indicators of something more serious.

Takeaway

Gas is a natural part of the digestive tract. Some babies are more affected by gas than others. There are some things you can do to help alleviate your baby’s discomfort from gas. Changing bottles, improving latch, changing feeding position, changing bottles, and burping more often during feedings can all help your child. Babies do get better with handling gas as they get older. If you suspect foods you are eating as the mother, or foods your baby is eating can be causing an increase in gas, keeping a food journal can help you identify which foods affect your baby more. An infant’s digestive system is still developing and learning how to digest foods.