Newborn Smelly Gas: What's Normal And What's Not?

Newborns are gassy, and their farts can be extremely smelly. In fact, it is normal for newborn farts to smell, and they may even take on a sulfuric smell similar to rotten eggs. This is due to their immature digestive systems, which take a while to mature and grow. While it may be worrying for parents, most of this stink is totally normal.

Newborns' immature digestive systems

Newborns' digestive systems are very different from those of adults and older children. Before birth, a baby's digestive system is inactive, as all nutrients are provided by the placenta. Once the umbilical cord is cut and the placenta is expelled, a newborn's digestive system is forced to start working. However, it takes time for the system to mature and function properly.

Small Stomach Size

Newborns have very small stomachs, approximately the size of a marble. This means they need to feed frequently, whether through formula or breast milk. Breast milk is high in fat during the first few weeks to ensure the baby receives enough calories. Newborns' stomachs expand to the size of a ping pong ball after a few days, but they can still only hold up to 60ml at a time.

Incomplete Mucous Layer

The digestive system of adults and older children has a protective layer of mucous, which shields the gastrointestinal tract from microbes and other contaminants in food and drink. Newborns have a very thin and immature barrier, which puts them at greater risk of infection. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect newborns until their mucosal lining matures, usually around six months of age.

Inability to Produce Digestive Enzymes

Newborns' bodies do not produce sufficient levels of digestive enzymes, as their pancreas is not fully developed. Breast milk contains enzymes that help compensate for this.

Open Gut

Between four and six months of age, newborns have what is known as an "open gut." This allows proteins and antibodies from breast milk to enter the baby's bloodstream directly. However, it also allows larger molecules from solid foods to pass through, which can cause allergies or illness. Therefore, solid foods should be avoided until around six months of age.

Frequent Spitting Up

Newborns commonly spit up milk with burps or after feedings. This is because the sphincter muscle between the stomach and oesophagus is not yet strong enough. However, forceful or projectile vomiting, or spitting up large amounts of milk, can indicate a problem and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Gassiness

All babies are gassy in their first two months of life. This is partly due to swallowing air when crying or feeding, and also because their digestive systems are immature. Gas can cause discomfort, but this usually peaks at six weeks and improves by three months of age.

Breast milk vs formula

It is normal for a newborn to pass gas, and it can be worrying for new parents. Newborns can pass gas from two sources: air swallowed while crying or feeding, which comes out as a burp, and gas produced by bacteria in the gut, which comes out as a fart.

Now, here is some information about breast milk vs formula:

Benefits of Breast Milk

Breast milk is considered the healthiest option for babies and is recommended by health organisations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO). It provides ideal nourishment and helps defend against infections, prevent allergies, and protect against several chronic conditions. Breast milk is easily digested and tends to result in fewer digestive issues, such as constipation and diarrhoea. It also contains antibodies and other immune-boosting factors that strengthen a baby's immune system. Additionally, breast milk is always available, free of cost, and does not require the use of bottles and nipples, making it a convenient option. Breastfeeding also allows mothers to bond with their babies and can help them lose weight gained during pregnancy. Furthermore, breast milk is beneficial for the environment as it does not involve intensive farming, factory emissions, transportation, or packaging.

Challenges of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may not be possible or comfortable for all women due to personal or medical reasons. It requires a significant time commitment, as babies feed more frequently on breast milk than on formula. Mothers also need to be mindful of their diet and the substances they consume, as these can be passed to the baby through breast milk.

Benefits of Formula Feeding

Formula feeding allows for more flexibility and convenience, as anyone can feed the baby, including fathers and other caregivers. It also requires less frequent feedings since formula is digested more slowly. Formula feeding eliminates the need for dietary restrictions in mothers, as the substances they consume will not affect the baby.

Challenges of Formula Feeding

Formula feeding does not provide the added protection against infections and illnesses that breast milk offers, as it does not contain the antibodies found in breast milk. Formula also cannot match the complexity of breast milk, which changes according to the baby's needs. It can be costly, especially for specialty formulas, and may result in more gas and constipation for babies.

The decision to breastfeed or formula feed is a personal one, and both options have their advantages and challenges. Breast milk is considered the healthiest option and offers numerous benefits for both mother and baby, but formula feeding can be a suitable alternative when breastfeeding is not possible or preferred.

Feeding techniques

Burp your baby

Burping your baby during and after feeds will help to get rid of excess air that has been swallowed while sucking on the breast or bottle. This will help to prevent air from getting trapped in the intestines, where it can cause discomfort. If your baby doesn't burp right away, lay them down on their back for a few minutes and then try again.

Check your baby's latch

If your baby isn't latching well, they may be swallowing more air. A painful latch or a "clicking" sound while feeding could indicate that the latch needs to be improved. A lactation consultant can help with proper technique and positioning.

Switch out the bottle and nipple

Not all bottles and nipples are created equal. A nipple that is too big or a bottle latch that is too shallow can cause your baby to swallow more air. A slower-flow nipple can help your baby control their air intake. Try different-shaped nipples to see if the latch improves.

Monitor your diet or change formula

If you are breastfeeding, your diet can affect how your baby digests milk. If your baby seems uncomfortable after breastfeeding, they may be sensitive to certain foods in your diet. Monitor your diet to see if certain foods cause discomfort and then avoid them. Common gas-causing foods include beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.

If you are formula feeding, your baby may have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. Try a low-lactose formula or one containing probiotics. Check with your baby's healthcare provider before making any changes.

Movement

Movement can help your baby pass gas. Try the "bicycle" exercise: place your baby on their back and gently cycle their legs in a pedalling motion. Tummy time can also help to put pressure on the tummy and break up gas bubbles, as well as strengthening their head and neck.

Try a baby probiotic

Your baby's gut microbiome may be out of balance, and the helpful bacteria in probiotics may help to improve this balance. Look for baby probiotics that contain Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri).

Gas drops

Gas drops like simethicone can help to relieve gas trapped in the stomach and intestines. Many parents report an improvement in fussiness within 15-30 minutes of giving a dose. Check with your child's healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

Avoid too much activity after feeding

After feeding, it is best to allow your baby to sit upright for at least 20-30 minutes as their meal settles. Laying your baby down or placing them on their tummy straight after feeding may exacerbate flatulence issues.

Intolerances and allergies

If your newborn has smelly gas, it could be due to an intolerance or allergy.

Formula-Fed Babies

Formula-fed babies may experience more gas than breastfed babies due to the milk proteins found in baby formula. Casein and whey, the proteins found in milk, can be harder to digest and may cause your baby to become fussier and gassier.

Breastfed Babies

Breastfed babies can also experience an upset tummy if the mother has eaten certain foods. While there is no absolute correlation between a mother's diet and a baby's reaction to breast milk, there are anecdotal claims that suggest a connection. Gassy foods such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts may be to blame.

Dairy Intolerance

If your baby's farts smell like rotten eggs, it could be a sign of dairy intolerance, infection, or poor absorption of nutrients.

Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

Up to 3% of infants have an allergy to cow's milk protein, which can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular symptoms. These symptoms can include difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, and hypotension.

Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)

FPIES is a type of allergic reaction in the GI tract that usually occurs in the first 6 months of life in formula-fed infants. Symptoms include profuse vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, hypotonia, and hypovolemic shock. Triggers can include cow's milk, soy, rice, oats, barley, chicken, turkey, eggs, and fish, among others.

If you suspect your baby has an intolerance or allergy, it is important to speak with your doctor, who can advise you on the best course of action.

Remedies for gas relief

Burp Your Baby

Burping your baby during and after feedings can help get rid of the extra air they swallow while sucking on the breast or bottle. You can also try burping your baby halfway through a feeding session and then again at the end. If your baby doesn't burp right away, lay them down on their back for a few minutes and then try again.

Check Feeding Position

Keep your baby's head higher than their stomach during feedings. This will allow the milk to sink to the bottom of the stomach and make it easier for air to come out as a burp. If bottle-feeding, tip the bottle slightly upward to prevent gas bubbles from entering the nipple.

Change Equipment

If bottle-feeding, switch to a slower-flow nipple or try anti-gas nipples and bottles, which can change the flow of milk and reduce the amount of air your baby swallows.

Work it Out

Gently massage your baby's tummy or pump their legs back and forth while they are on their back. You can also place your baby on their tummy for tummy time, which can help break up gas bubbles. A warm bath can also help your baby get rid of extra gas.

Monitor Your Diet or Change Formula

If breastfeeding, certain foods in your diet may cause gas in your baby. Monitor your diet to see if certain foods, such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, or dairy products, cause your baby discomfort and then avoid them. If formula-feeding, consider switching to a formula that may be better for gassy babies, such as a low-lactose formula or one containing probiotics.

Try Over-the-Counter Treatments

You can try over-the-counter treatments such as simethicone gas drops, which are generally considered safe for babies. However, check with your baby's doctor before proceeding.

Frequently asked questions