Gassy Newborns: What's Normal And What's Not?

It is perfectly normal for a newborn to be gassy. In fact, all babies are gassy in their first two months of life. This is because newborns have immature digestive systems, and they swallow a lot of air while feeding and crying. This air gets trapped in their bellies and can cause discomfort, leading to symptoms such as frequent fussiness, loose or foul-smelling stools, difficulty feeding and/or sleeping, and crying for long periods. However, this is usually nothing to worry about and can be relieved through various methods such as burping, tummy time, and gentle massages.

How to know if your newborn is gassy

It is normal for newborns to be gassy, especially in their first two months of life. Newborns are still getting used to air in their system, and they swallow air when they cry or feed. This air eventually comes out as a burp or fart.

• They cry and are fussy for an hour or more a day.
• They seem unhappy most of the time.
• They are not eating or sleeping well.
• They squirm as though they are uncomfortable or in pain and pull their legs up to their chest, especially during bouts of fussiness.
• They have frequent bowel movements.
• They have a bloated or swollen belly.
• Their stomach is gurgling or bubbling.

If you notice any of these signs, there are several things you can do to help relieve your newborn's discomfort:

• Burp them during and after feedings.
• Check their latch to ensure they are latched on correctly and not swallowing too much air.
• Switch out the bottle or nipple to one that allows for a slower flow and better latch.
• Monitor your diet if you are breastfeeding, as certain foods can cause gas in your baby.
• Try a baby probiotic to improve the balance of good bacteria in their gut.
• Give them gas drops like simethicone to help relieve gas trapped in their stomach and intestines.

What causes newborn gassiness

It's completely normal for newborns to be gassy. In fact, according to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Pediatricians, Julie Kardos, MD, and Naline Lai, MD, all babies are gassy in their first two months of life.

Causes of newborn gassiness:

• Newborns have immature digestive systems that are still learning how to break down food. This causes food to pass through too quickly, resulting in gas.
• Newborns swallow a lot of air while feeding and crying, which produces more gas.
• Newborns may have sensitivities to certain types of formula or foods in a breastfeeding mother's diet.
• In rare cases, newborn gassiness can be a symptom of a more serious digestive problem.

How to relieve newborn gassiness:

• Burp your baby during and after feedings.
• Check your baby's latch to ensure they are latched on correctly and not swallowing excess air.
• Change the bottle and/or nipple to one that allows your baby to control their air intake better.
• Try different feeding positions to ensure your baby's head is higher than their stomach, making it easier to burp out air.
• Monitor your diet if breastfeeding and speak to your doctor about changing formulas if formula feeding.
• Give your baby extra tummy time to help relieve gas.
• Try over-the-counter gas drops or probiotics, but always check with your doctor first.

How to relieve newborn gas

It is common for newborns to experience gas issues, which can cause discomfort and distress for both the baby and the parents. While it is normal for infants to have gas, there are several methods that can be used to relieve their gas and reduce any associated pain. Here are some techniques on how to relieve gas in newborns:

Burping: Burping your newborn frequently during and after feeds can help release any built-up air and prevent gas accumulation. Hold your baby in an upright position and gently pat or rub their back until they burp. You can also try different burping positions, such as over your shoulder or with the baby lying on your lap, to find what works best for them.

Massage: Gently massaging your baby's tummy in a clockwise direction can aid in moving gas through the digestive tract and provide relief. Use a circular motion with your fingertips or palm, applying mild pressure. You can also try bicycle exercises by gently moving your baby's legs in a cycling motion, which can help to dislodge trapped gas.

Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress, such as a warm water bottle or a warm washcloth, to your baby's tummy can soothe discomfort and help relax the muscles, making it easier for gas to pass. Ensure that the temperature is comfortable and not too hot, and always supervise your baby when using a warm compress.

Gripping Technique: This technique involves gently gripping your baby's legs and pulling them gently toward the tummy, holding for a few seconds, and then slowly releasing. Repeat this a few times, as it can help stimulate the bowels and encourage the release of gas.

Feed Smaller Volumes: Sometimes, a newborn's gas issues can be due to swallowing air during feeds. Try feeding smaller volumes but more frequently. This can reduce the amount of air swallowed and help prevent gas buildup.

Use Gas-Relief Products: There are over-the-counter gas-relief products specifically designed for newborns, such as simethicone drops. These products work by breaking down the bubbles of gas in your baby's stomach, making it easier for them to be expelled. Always consult your pediatrician before using any medication.

Probiotics: Introducing probiotics, either through breast milk or formula, can help promote a healthy gut flora balance, which may aid in digestion and reduce gas issues. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support the growth of good gut bacteria. Consult your pediatrician before introducing any probiotic supplements.

It is important to remember that every baby is unique, and you may need to try different techniques to find what works best for your newborn. Always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns or if your baby's gas issues persist or are accompanied by other symptoms.

When to be concerned about newborn gassiness

It is perfectly normal for newborns to be gassy, especially in the first two months of life. Newborns are still developing their digestive systems, and they also swallow air when they cry or feed. However, there are some signs to look out for that may indicate a more serious problem.

When to be concerned:

• If your baby is not gaining weight, this could be a sign of a digestive problem.
• If your baby frequently doesn't want to eat or is hard to feed, this could be a sign of acid reflux or another digestive issue.
• If your baby seems constipated or has difficulty passing stools, this could indicate a blockage or other issue.
• If your baby has an allergic reaction (hives, vomiting, rash, swollen face, trouble breathing) after trying a new food or formula, this could indicate a food allergy.
• If your baby is vomiting or has black or bloody stools, this could be a sign of a blockage or other serious issue.
• If your baby has a fever, especially if they are under three months old, this could indicate an infection.
• If your baby is very fussy and you can't get them to calm down, this could indicate a more serious problem.

If you are concerned about your baby's gassiness, it is always best to consult your paediatrician or doctor for advice. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and rule out any serious medical conditions.

How to prevent newborn gassiness

It is normal for newborns to be gassy, but there are several things you can do to help relieve their discomfort. Here are some tips to prevent and reduce gassiness in newborns:

• Burp your baby: Burping your baby during and after feedings is one of the easiest ways to ease gas pains. If your baby doesn't burp right away, lay them down on their back for a few minutes and then try again. You can also try burping your baby halfway through a feed to get rid of swallowed air before it turns into gas.
• Check feeding position: Keep your baby's head higher than their stomach during feedings. This will allow milk to sink to the bottom of the stomach and air to rise to the top, making it easier to burp out. If you're bottle-feeding, tip the bottle up slightly to prevent air bubbles from forming in the nipple.
• Change equipment: If you're bottle-feeding, consider switching to a slower-flow nipple to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows.
• Massage and exercises: Gently massage your baby's tummy or pump their legs back and forth in a bicycling motion while they are on their back. You can also lay your baby on their tummy for tummy time, which helps put pressure on the abdominal area and encourages the movement of gas.
• Diet considerations: Talk to your baby's doctor about foods that may cause extra gas. Some parents give infants fruit juice, which contains sorbitols that the baby may not be able to absorb. If you're breastfeeding, your baby may have trouble digesting certain foods that you eat, such as dairy products and caffeine.
• Over-the-counter treatments: You can try over-the-counter gas drops for infants, such as simethicone drops, but always check with your baby's doctor first.
• Feeding schedule: Start feedings before your baby cries from hunger. When infants cry from hunger, they tend to swallow more air, which can contribute to gas.
• Adjust your feeding technique: If you're bottle-feeding, tilt the bottle at an angle so that the nipple is completely filled with milk, rather than air. If you're breastfeeding, check your baby's latch to ensure they are taking in the areola and have a good suction. A poor latch can cause your baby to swallow more air.
• Monitor your diet: If you're breastfeeding, certain foods in your diet may cause gas in your baby. Common gassy foods include beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
• Change formula: If you're formula-feeding, talk to your doctor about switching to a formula that may be better for gassy babies, such as a low-lactose formula or one containing probiotics.

While newborn gassiness is usually harmless, it is important to contact your baby's healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your baby shows any signs of distress, such as frequent crying, difficulty feeding or sleeping, or bloody stools.

Frequently asked questions