Babies who experience excessive gas will be restless and move constantly because he feels uncomfortable. Sometimes, if the gas is not expelled, the baby will show it with a cry of pain. Your baby will also curl up into a ball or raise their legs in the air in an effort to put pressure on the affected body part. Seeing a baby in pain will make you sad, and after a while, can make you feel very frustrated. However, there are a few things that can often help you solve this problem.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Moving the Gas
Step 1. Rub the baby's tummy
Rub the baby's stomach in a slow circular motion in a clockwise direction. Your touch will help soothe the baby and move gas along the intestines.
- The intestines work in a clockwise direction. So, that's the best direction to rub the baby's tummy.
- Don't press too hard. Your strokes should not hurt the baby.
Step 2. Change the baby's position
If air bubbles are trapped in the baby's intestines, changing the baby's position can help free the bubbles, and help the baby to expel them.
- If the baby is lying down, lift him up and hold him in an upright sitting position. You can take a short walk. This movement can help gas move through the intestines.
- Hold the baby like a football player with the baby's tummy facing down. Some babies like this position and this movement can release trapped gas.
- Lay baby on your lap, face down, tummy resting on your feet. Move your feet slowly to massage the baby's tummy. This light pressure can help move the gas. You can also gently rub the baby's back.
Step 3. Lay the baby on his back and move his legs in the air like he is pedaling a bicycle
If your baby's tummy feels hard and bloated with gas, he's likely to show it by fidgeting, waving, and kicking.
- This movement can help free trapped air bubbles and move them through the intestines so the baby can expel them naturally.
- If your baby refuses and doesn't want you to move his legs, don't force him.
Step 4. Try doing the moves
Movement will soothe your baby and can help him relax and pass gas. There are several options:
- Swing baby. Hold the baby in your arms and rock it back and forth. You can also accompany it with a soft song.
- Try placing your baby in a car seat and taking him or her around your neighborhood. The changing atmosphere and the gentle sound of the engine in the background can soothe your baby and put him to sleep, even if his tummy is bloated.
- Lay the baby in the stroller and take him for a walk around the house. The movement and the gently bouncing carriage can help her expel the gas.
Method 2 of 3: Using Medicines Under Doctor's Supervision
Step 1. Ask your doctor about over-the-counter gas remedies
Although there are medicines that are made specifically for babies who experience bloating, it never hurts to discuss with your doctor, to make sure the medicine is suitable for babies.
- Babies who need thyroid replacement drugs should not take these over-the-counter medications.
- Over-the-counter drugs usually contain simethicone, for example St. Joseph Baby Infants' Gas Relief, Infants' Mylicon Gas Relief
- Read and follow the directions given by the drug manufacturer.
Step 2. Discuss probiotics with your doctor
Probiotics are supplements that are thought to help develop and maintain a healthy bacterial community in the digestive tract. When the balance of bacteria is disturbed, it can cause digestive problems, including gas. But the scientific evidence for giving probiotics to babies is confusing and many doctors don't recommend it.
- Several studies have found that probiotics reduce colic in infants. If your baby is crying because of colic-induced gas, probiotics can help with colic and, ultimately, gas. But other studies don't prove that using probiotics can help.
- The doctor will be able to provide recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence and the specific health needs of the baby.
Step 3. Consult a doctor before you try any alternative medicine
The government does not control the quality of drugs and herbal supplements as it does commercial drugs. That means dosages of herbal medicines and supplements may not be standardized or may be contaminated with even small amounts of harmful chemicals. For small babies, even small amounts can be dangerous. However, if your doctor permits, you can try to calm your baby by:
- Herbal tea. Use decaffeinated tea so the baby doesn't stay up all night.
- Sugar water. While sugar water is unlikely to harm your baby, ask your doctor if giving it to your baby might interfere with breastfeeding or formula feeding. Use a dropper to drop a small amount of sugar water into the baby's mouth.
- Gripe water. Discuss with your pediatrician about using this formula as it usually includes ingredients such as fennel, cumin, ginger, dill, chamomile, and peppermint. Avoid formulas that contain alcohol or sodium bicarbonate.
Step 4. Bathe baby to calm him down
A warm bath with a few drops of chamomile or lavender oil can help relax and calm your baby.
Step 5. Take the baby to the ER if you see signs of a problem more serious than gas
These symptoms usually indicate that the baby may be sick and requires medical care. Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Fever
- Stomach that is bloated, swollen, hard or flabby
- Bloody or slimy stools
- Vomiting (which is very intense, or green or dark or bloody)
- Diarrhea
- Less hunger
- sagging skin
- pale skin
- Unable to suck
- Cries that sound different than usual or are constantly crying
- Difficulty breathing or changes in breathing rate
- Can't wake up or very sleepy
- Not happy to be touched
Method 3 of 3: Prevent Gas
Step 1. Soothe a fussy baby immediately
Many babies swallow air when they cry. If your baby tends to cry a lot, pick him up and calm him down as soon as possible.
- Some babies are very sensitive and may not be able to calm down without parental help.
- You can help prevent your baby from swallowing air when he cries by holding him when he's upset and helping him to calm down.
Step 2. Position baby correctly during feeding
This move will reduce the amount of air he swallows. When carrying him, keep his head higher than his stomach and support his head. This will help him swallow properly. Common positions include:
- Side lying position. In this position the mother and baby lie on the bed with their stomachs facing each other while the baby's head is on the mother's chest.
- Football hold position. In this position the mother sits up straight and holds the baby like a football while her feet are on the mother's armpit and the head is on the mother's chest on the same side.
- Cross-cradle hold position. In this position the mother holds the baby like a football, but feeds from the other breast.
- Cradle hold position. In this position, the baby's head is supported on the mother's elbow and the body rests on the mother's arm.
Step 3. Make the baby burp after the feeding
If your baby is very bloated, you can interrupt the feeding a few times to make him burp. You can burp your baby in several different positions:
- Sit up straight and hold your baby to your chest. Let the baby's chin rest on your shoulder while gently patting his back.
- Let the baby sit up straight. Support his head by holding his chin with one hand, and use the other hand to pat his back.
- Lay baby on your lap with tummy pressed against your thighs. Make sure the baby's head is higher than his chest. Gently pat his back.
Step 4. Evaluate your technique of using a bottle to feed your baby
There are a few simple changes that will really help you if your baby swallows air during bottle sucking.
- Hold the bottle high enough to keep the teat full. If the pacifier is only half full, the baby will suck in air along with the milk.
- Try a different bottle or a bottle with a different teat. The baby may not swallow as much air as if he were to drink from a bottle with a collapsible disposable bag.
Step 5. Discuss with the doctor whether the baby is allergic to cow's milk in formula
Although it is less common in infants than adults, some infants are allergic to cow's milk, or are intolerant of it. These babies are often better suited to the easier-to-digest formula. If formula is causing your baby to bloat, you should see improvement within two days. Formula milks that are worth trying include:
- Similac Expert Care Alimentum
- Nutramigen
- Pregestimil
Step 6. Consult the doctor if there is a possibility that the baby is allergic to something in the breast milk
If the baby has a genetic predisposition to develop allergies, abstaining from the following foods may help with gas problems in the baby. It may take several weeks before you notice a reduction in gas in the baby. Suspected allergens include:
- Dairy products
- Peanut
- tree nuts
- Wheat
- Soya bean
- Fish
- Egg
