Baby bottle-feeding with an illustrated digestive tract overlay
Bottles & Formula

Gas and Fussiness in Formula-Fed Babies

July 17, 2026

Key takeaways: Gas and fussiness are common in young babies whether breastfed or formula-fed. Paced feeding, burping, and the right nipple flow can help. Evidence that “gentle,” “sensitive,” or “comfort” formulas reduce crying is limited. Talk to your doctor before switching, especially to hypoallergenic formulas.

Gassy, fussy babies are very common. Here’s what can help.

Why Babies Get Gassy

  • Swallowed air during feeding or crying.
  • Immature digestion.
  • Normal gut bacteria breaking down food.

Gas isn’t always the cause of fussiness. Crying peaks around 6 weeks in all babies and gets better by 3 to 4 months.

Feeding Tips

  • Paced bottle feeding: hold your baby upright and the bottle more horizontal so milk flows slowly. Pause often.
  • Check the nipple flow. Too fast can cause gulping; too slow can cause frustration and air swallowing.
  • Keep the nipple full of milk so your baby isn’t sucking air.
  • Burp midway and at the end of feeds.
  • Let powdered formula settle a minute after shaking, or stir instead of shaking hard, to reduce bubbles.
  • Avoid overfeeding. Watch for fullness cues.

From the author

From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book walks you through feeding month by month, from the first days home to the first birthday, with the warning signs that mean it’s time to call the doctor.

See the book on Amazon →

Soothing Gassy Babies

  • Hold your baby upright after feeds.
  • Tummy time while awake and supervised.
  • Gentle tummy massage.
  • Bicycle legs.

What About Gas Drops?

Simethicone drops are widely used and generally considered safe, but studies haven’t shown they reduce crying more than placebo.

Special Formulas

  • Reduced-lactose or partially hydrolyzed “comfort” formulas: some parents report improvement, but strong evidence is limited.
  • Hypoallergenic formulas are for babies with a diagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy.
  • Soy formula isn’t recommended to treat colic.

Talk with your doctor before switching.

Call your baby’s doctor if your baby: has blood in the stool, vomits forcefully, has a swollen or hard belly, has a fever, isn’t gaining weight, or cries in a way that seems like pain and can’t be soothed.

The Bottom Line

Gas and fussiness are common and usually improve with time. Paced feeding, burping, and the right nipple help.

Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.

Related Articles

Sources

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Colic relief tips for parents; burping, hiccups, and spitting up. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
  2. Biagioli E, Tarasco V, Lingua C, Moja L, Savino F. Pain-relieving agents for infantile colic. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;9(9):CD009999.
  3. Gordon M, Biagioli E, Sorrenti M, et al. Dietary modifications for infantile colic. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;10(10):CD011029.

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.

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