Key takeaways: Gas is normal in babies. Swallowed air and normal digestion cause it. Burping, good latch or paced bottle feeding, tummy time, bicycle legs, and gentle tummy massage may help. Simethicone drops are generally safe, but studies haven’t shown they work better than placebo. Gas with fever, vomiting, a swollen belly, or blood in the stool needs a call.
Grunting, squirming, and passing gas are normal parts of babyhood. Here’s what can help a gassy baby feel more comfortable.
Why Babies Get Gassy
- Swallowing air while feeding or crying.
- Immature digestion.
- Normal gut bacteria at work.
- Fast milk flow, from the breast or bottle.
Many babies grunt and strain while pooping or passing gas. This is often normal and sometimes called “grunting baby syndrome,” as babies learn to coordinate the muscles.
Feeding Tips
- Check the latch: a good seal reduces air swallowing.
- Paced bottle feeding with the right nipple flow.
- Burp during and after feeds.
- Feed before your baby is frantic, since crying adds air.
- Hold your baby upright for a while after feeds.
Soothing Techniques
- Tummy time while awake and supervised.
- Bicycle legs: gently move your baby’s legs in a pedaling motion.
- Tummy massage: gentle clockwise circles.
- Football hold: your baby lies tummy-down along your forearm.
- Warm bath.
Gas Drops
Simethicone is widely available and considered safe. However, studies haven’t found it to be more effective than placebo for colic. Some parents feel it helps.
Diet Changes
Most breastfeeding parents don’t need to change their diet. If your baby has signs of an allergy, like blood in the stool, talk to your doctor before eliminating foods.
Call your baby’s doctor if your baby: has a fever, vomits forcefully or has green vomit, has a swollen or hard belly, has blood in the stool, isn’t feeding well, or cries in a way that seems like pain and can’t be soothed.
The Bottom Line
Gas is normal. Feeding adjustments and soothing techniques help many babies, and most gassiness improves with time.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Gas and your baby; burping, hiccups, and spitting up. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
- Biagioli E, Tarasco V, Lingua C, Moja L, Savino F. Pain-relieving agents for infantile colic. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;9(9):CD009999.
- Metcalf TJ, Irons TG, Sher LD, Young PC. Simethicone in the treatment of infant colic: a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Pediatrics. 1994;94(1):29-34.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
