What to Do For Newborn’s Gas Issue

Posted on by Dr. Humaira Sikander

As a new parent, one of the common challenges you may face with your newborn is gas. Many newborns experience discomfort due to gas buildup in their tiny tummies, which can lead to fussiness, crying, and sleep disruptions. While gas is a normal part of a baby’s digestive process, it can be distressing for both the baby and the parents. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies that you can try to help alleviate your newborn’s gas issue and provide them with relief. In this article, we will explore some practical tips and techniques that you can implement to address your newborn’s gas issue and promote their comfort and well-being. Remember to always consult with your pediatrician before trying any new remedies or techniques for your newborn gas issue.

The newborn gas issue can be uncomfortable for your baby and distressing for you as a parent. Here are some detailed steps that you can take to help alleviate your newborn’s gas issue:

Burp your baby regularly during feedings

burping your baby regularly during feedings is an important step in alleviating a newborn’s gas issues. Burping helps release trapped air from your baby’s stomach, reducing the chances of gas buildup and discomfort. Here’s how you can burp your baby:

Step 1: Hold your baby upright After your baby has been feeding for a few minutes, gently lift them up to an upright position, supporting their head and neck with your hand. You can hold your baby against your shoulder or sit them on your lap with their back straight.

Step 2: Pat or rub your baby’s back Using a gentle patting or rubbing motion, gently pat or rub your baby’s back, focusing on the area between their shoulder blades. You can use the palm of your hand or your fingertips, depending on your baby’s comfort.

Step 3: Wait for a burp Continue patting or rubbing your baby’s back and wait for them to burp. You may hear a small burp sound, or your baby may release gas without making any noise. Be patient and give your baby enough time to burp.

Step 4: Try different positions If your baby doesn’t burp after a few minutes, you can try changing their position. You can try holding them in a more upright position, or you can lay them across your lap and gently pat their back while supporting their head.

Step 5: Burp during and after feedings Remember to burp your baby not only during feedings but also after feedings, as they may swallow air while feeding and continue to experience gas discomfort even after they have finished eating.

Step 6: Be gentle When burping your baby, always use gentle motions and avoid applying too much pressure or shaking your baby vigorously, as this can be harmful to their delicate bodies.

Burping is a simple yet effective technique to help prevent gas buildup in your newborn’s stomach. By incorporating regular burping into your feeding routine, you can help your baby release trapped air and reduce its discomfort from gas. If you have concerns about your baby’s gas issues or if they are experiencing severe discomfort, always consult with your pediatrician for proper evaluation and guidance.

Use proper feeding techniques

Using proper feeding techniques can also help prevent newborn’s gas issues; Here are some tips for ensuring proper feeding techniques:

  1. Position your baby correctly: Make sure your baby is positioned properly during feeding. Hold your baby in a way that allows its head to be slightly elevated to prevent them from swallowing air while feeding. Keep their head and neck in a straight line to aid in proper swallowing.
  2. Encourage a good latch: If you’re breastfeeding, make sure your baby has a good latch. A proper latch helps your baby to effectively draw milk from your breast without swallowing excess air. If you’re unsure about your baby’s latch, consult with a lactation consultant or a healthcare provider for guidance.
  3. Pace feeding: If you’re bottle-feeding, try paced feeding, which involves holding the bottle in a more horizontal position and allowing your baby to actively suck and swallow at their own pace. This helps prevent your baby from gulping air while feeding.
  4. Take breaks during feeding: During both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, take breaks to burp your baby. Pausing during feeding allows your baby to take a break from swallowing and gives them an opportunity to burp and release any trapped air.
  5. Avoid overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to swallowing excess air and can contribute to gas issues. Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues and avoid forcing them to finish a bottle or breastfeed if they’re showing signs of being full.
  6. Keep your baby upright after feeding: After feeding, hold your baby upright for at least 15-20 minutes to allow any swallowed air to rise to the top of their stomach and be released as a burp.
  7. Use appropriate bottle nipples: If you’re bottle-feeding, choose bottle nipples that are appropriate for your baby’s age and feeding abilities. Using nipples with slower flow rates can help prevent your baby from swallowing too much air.

Using proper feeding techniques can reduce the chances of your newborn swallowing excess air, which can lead to gas issues. If you have concerns about your baby’s feeding technique or if your baby continues to experience gas discomfort despite using proper techniques, consult with your pediatrician for further evaluation and guidance.

Try different feeding positions

trying different feeding positions can also help alleviate a newborn’s gas issues. Here are some feeding positions that you can try:

  1. Cradle hold: This is a common breastfeeding position where you hold your baby’s head in the crook of your arm and their body rests along your forearm. Make sure your baby’s head is elevated slightly higher than their body to help prevent them from swallowing air.
  2. Football hold: This is another breastfeeding position where you hold your baby’s body under your arm like a football, with their head supported by your hand. This position can help keep your baby upright and reduce the chances of them swallowing air.
  3. Side-lying position: If you’re breastfeeding, you can also try lying down on your side and positioning your baby facing you. This position allows your baby to naturally latch and feed at their own pace while lying down, which can help reduce the chances of swallowing air.
  4. Semi-upright position: If you’re bottle-feeding, you can try holding your baby in a semi-upright position, with their head and neck supported and their body leaning back slightly. This position can help keep your baby upright and reduce the chances of them swallowing air.
  5. Baby-led feeding: Some newborns prefer to feed in a more upright or reclined position. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and try different positions to see what works best for them. Letting your baby take the lead in finding a comfortable feeding position can help prevent gas issues.
  6. Use a feeding pillow: Using a nursing pillow or a bottle-feeding pillow can help you position your baby comfortable during feeding and reduce the chances of them swallowing air.

Experimenting with different feeding positions can help you find the one that works best for your baby and reduces the chances of gas buildup. Remember to always ensure your baby’s head is elevated slightly higher than their body to prevent them from swallowing excess air. If you have concerns about feeding positions or your baby’s gas issues, consult with your pediatrician for further evaluation and guidance.

Consider using anti-colic bottles or nipples

Using anti-colic bottles or nipples can also be helpful in reducing a newborn’s gas issues. Anti-colic bottles and nipples are designed to reduce the amount of air that your baby swallows during feeding, which can help prevent gas and discomfort. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Anti-colic bottles: These bottles typically have special features such as venting systems or air vents that allow air to escape from the bottle, preventing it from being swallowed by your baby. This can help reduce the amount of air your baby ingests during feeding and potentially minimize gas issues.
  2. Anti-colic nipples: Some bottle nipples are specifically designed with anti-colic features, such as vents or valves, that help regulate the flow of milk or formula and reduce the amount of air that your baby swallows. These nipples can help minimize gas and fussiness during feeding.
  3. Slow-flow nipples: Using slow-flow nipples can also be beneficial in reducing gas issues in newborns. Slow-flow nipples allow your baby to feed at a more controlled pace, preventing them from gulping air while feeding. This can help reduce the chances of gas buildup and discomfort.
  4. Experiment with different brands and types: There are various brands and types of anti-colic bottles and nipples available in the market, so you may need to experiment with different options to find the one that works best for your baby. Consider trying different brands or types of bottles and nipples to see which one your baby prefers and which helps reduce gas issues.

Before using anti-colic bottles or nipples, it’s important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and cleaning. Regularly clean and sterilize bottles and nipples to maintain proper hygiene and prevent any potential issues. If you have questions or concerns about using anti-colic bottles or nipples, consult with your pediatrician for guidance.

Give your baby a gentle tummy massage

A gentle tummy massage can help relieve gas in newborns by stimulating their digestive system and promoting the release of trapped gas. Here are some steps to perform a gentle tummy massage for your baby:

  1. Wash your hands: Before touching your baby’s tummy, make sure your hands are clean to maintain proper hygiene.
  2. Find a comfortable spot: Choose a warm, quiet, and calm area where you can lay your baby down comfortably for a tummy massage. You can use a soft towel or blanket as a surface for your baby to lie on.
  3. Warm up your hands: Rub your hands together to warm them up, as warm hands can provide comfort to your baby during the massage.
  4. Use gentle strokes: Start by gently rubbing your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction using soft, circular motions with your fingertips. Use light pressure and be careful not to press too hard or cause any discomfort to your baby.
  5. Follow your baby’s cues: Pay attention to your baby’s reactions during the massage. If your baby seems uncomfortable or fussy, stop the massage and try other soothing techniques.
  6. Bicycle legs: You can also gently move your baby’s legs in a bicycling motion, bending and extending them one at a time, which can help relieve gas and stimulate the digestive system.
  7. Burp your baby: After the tummy massage, remember to burp your baby by gently patting or rubbing its back to help release any trapped air.

It’s important to note that not all babies may enjoy tummy massages, and some babies may have sensitive tummies or medical conditions that require special care. Always listen to your baby’s cues and stop the massage if your baby appears uncomfortable or in distress. If you have any concerns about giving your baby a tummy massage, consult with your pediatrician for guidance.

Try simethicone drops

Simethicone drops are a safe over-the-counter medication that can help break up gas bubbles in your baby’s stomach, making it easier for them to pass gas. Always consult with your pediatrician before using any medication, including simethicone drops, and follow the recommended dosage instructions.

Pay attention to your baby’s diet

Another important aspect of managing a newborn’s gas issues is paying attention to your baby’s diet. Whether your baby is breastfed or formula-fed, certain dietary factors can contribute to gas and discomfort. Here are some tips to consider:

  1. Breastfeeding moms: If you’re breastfeeding, pay attention to your diet as some foods you eat may cause gas in your baby. Common culprits include foods high in gas-producing compounds such as beans, cabbage, broccoli, onions, and spicy or fatty foods. Consider keeping a food diary to track what you eat and how it may affect your baby. If you notice a pattern of increased gas or fussiness after consuming certain foods, consider eliminating or reducing them from your diet and consult with a lactation consultant or your pediatrician for further guidance.
  2. Formula-fed babies: If your baby is formula-fed, consider trying different types or brands of formula. Some babies may be more sensitive to certain ingredients in the formula, which can contribute to gas issues. Your pediatrician can recommend different formula options based on your baby’s needs and digestive system.
  3. Feeding frequency and volume: Overfeeding or feeding too quickly can also contribute to gas issues. Try to feed your baby smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overwhelming their digestive system. Allow your baby to take breaks during feeding to burp and release any trapped air.
  4. Proper bottle-feeding technique: If you’re bottle-feeding, make sure to use the appropriate bottle-feeding technique. Keep the bottle tilted so that the nipple is always filled with milk or formula, which can help reduce the amount of air your baby swallows during feeding.
  5. Consider gas-relief drops: Gas-relief drops specifically formulated for infants may be used after consulting with your pediatrician. These drops can help break down gas bubbles in your baby’s stomach, making it easier for them to pass gas and relieve discomfort.

Always consult with your pediatrician before making any changes to your baby’s diet or using gas-relief drops to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your baby’s age and health condition.

Practice good hygiene

Make sure to burp your baby after each feeding and keep their feeding equipment clean and sanitized to prevent the growth of bacteria that can contribute to gas and other digestive issues.

Seek advice from your pediatrician

If your newborn’s gas issues persist or are accompanied by other symptoms such as severe discomfort, bloating, or blood in the stool, it’s important to consult your pediatrician for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Dr. Humaira Sikander
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Category: Newborn Baby Care

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