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

It is completely normal for newborns to be gassy, given their tiny and immature digestive systems. Babies can pass gas up to 13-21 times a day! Newborns have no experience with air until they take their first breath, and they swallow air when they cry or feed. This air eventually comes up as a burp or fart.

Gas can also be caused by the normal gut bacteria breaking down food and producing gas as a byproduct. In addition, newborns are not very good at expelling gas and are not used to the sensation, which can cause discomfort. However, this discomfort typically peaks at six weeks and improves significantly by three months of age.

If you are concerned about your baby's gas, there are several remedies you can try, including burping your baby during and after feeds, offering infant gas drops, and encouraging tummy time.

Why are newborns gassy?

It's normal for newborns to be gassy, and it's usually down to their immature digestive systems. Newborns are still getting used to having air in their system, and they swallow a lot of it when they cry or feed, which eventually comes up as a burp.

Gas from farts is produced when bacteria in the gut break down food and liquid in the intestines. This is a normal part of the digestive process, but it can cause discomfort.

How to help a gassy newborn

• Burp your baby during and after feeds.
• Feed your baby before they get too hungry and start crying.
• Feed your baby in an upright position.
• Try different bottles and nipples to find the right flow for your baby.
• Give your baby a gentle tummy massage.
• Try gas drops or probiotics (check with your doctor first).
• Give your baby plenty of tummy time.
• Try switching formulas or changing your diet if you're breastfeeding (check with your doctor first).

When to call the doctor

If your baby is gaining weight, peeing and pooping normally, then everything is probably fine. However, if you're concerned about your baby's gas, or if it's accompanied by any of the following symptoms, check in with your doctor:

• Your baby isn't gaining weight.
• Your baby frequently doesn't want to eat or is hard to feed.
• Your baby seems constipated or has trouble with bowel movements.
• Your baby has an allergic reaction after you've tried a new gas treatment or formula.
• Your baby is vomiting or has black or bloody stools.
• Your baby has a fever.

How to know if your newborn is gassy

It is common for newborns to be gassy, and it is usually not a cause for concern. However, there are some signs that may indicate that your newborn is gassy and experiencing discomfort. Here are some ways to know if your newborn is gassy and what you can do to help relieve their discomfort:

• Frequent fussiness and crying: If your baby is crying and fussy for an hour or more a day, it could be a sign of normal newborn gassiness. However, if it happens daily and doesn't improve, it's best to consult your paediatrician.
• Unhappiness and discomfort: If your baby seems unhappy and uncomfortable most of the time, it could indicate that they are gassy and need help relieving trapped gas.
• Trouble eating and sleeping: If your baby is having difficulty eating or sleeping, it could be due to gas, especially if there are other signs such as fussiness and crying.
• Squirming and pulling up their legs: If your baby squirms and pulls their legs up towards their chest, especially during bouts of fussiness, it could be a sign that they are trying to relieve trapped gas.
• Bloated or swollen belly: A visibly bloated or swollen belly could indicate that your baby is gassy and experiencing discomfort.

If you suspect that your newborn is gassy and uncomfortable, here are some tips to help relieve their gas:

• Burp during and after feedings: Burping your baby during and after feedings can help get rid of excess air swallowed during feeding.
• Check the latch: Ensure your baby has a good latch on the breast or bottle to prevent them from swallowing excess air.
• Try different bottles and nipples: Some bottles and nipples may work better for your baby, reducing the amount of air they swallow during feedings.
• Monitor your diet: If you are breastfeeding, certain foods in your diet may cause gas in your baby. Try eliminating common gas-causing foods such as dairy, caffeine, onions, garlic, spicy foods, and cabbage.
• Try infant gas drops: Consult your paediatrician about using infant gas drops, which are generally considered safe and may help relieve your baby's gas.
• Encourage tummy time: Placing your baby on their tummy can help put gentle pressure on their tummy, encouraging the movement of gas and providing relief.

While newborn gassiness is usually harmless, consult your paediatrician if you are concerned or if your baby shows other worrying symptoms, such as vomiting, bloody stools, fever, or difficulty gaining weight.

How to relieve gas in newborns

It is perfectly normal for newborns to be gassy as their digestive systems are still immature and developing. They also swallow a lot of air when they cry or feed. While it is harmless, it can be distressing for both the baby and the parent to see them in discomfort. Here are some tips to help relieve gas in newborns:

Burping

Burping is one of the easiest ways to relieve gas in newborns. It is recommended to burp babies during and after feeding. If the baby doesn't burp right away, lay them on their back for a few minutes and then try again. If bottle-feeding, ensure there are no air bubbles in the nipple and hold the bottle slightly upright to prevent air from entering the baby's tummy.

Feeding Position

When feeding, keep the baby's head higher than their stomach. This allows the milk to sink to the bottom of the stomach, pushing the air up to the top, which can then be easily burped out.

Feeding Schedule

Try to feed your baby before they get too hungry and start crying. Crying causes babies to swallow more air, which leads to more gas. Stick to a feeding schedule and feed your baby before they get too hungry.

Bicycle Legs

Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycling motion. This helps with intestinal motion and can expel trapped gas.

Tummy Massage

Gently rub your baby's tummy in circular motions to help speed up the process of passing gas. You can also try the "I Love You" tummy rub, where you mimic writing the letters "I", "L", and "U" with two or three fingers across their belly.

Tummy Time

Give your baby plenty of tummy time throughout the day while they are awake. The gentle pressure on their tummy can help relieve gas.

Gas Drops

Infant gas drops are generally considered safe for babies and can help relieve gas. However, check with your doctor before using any gas drops and always follow the dosing instructions on the label.

Change Feeding Equipment

If bottle-feeding, switch to a slower-flow nipple to help reduce the amount of air your baby swallows.

Check Your Diet

If you are breastfeeding, certain foods in your diet may be causing gas in your baby. Some common culprits include dairy products, caffeine, onions, garlic, spicy foods, and cabbage. Talk to your doctor about whether you should try eliminating any of these foods from your diet.

Warm Bath

Giving your baby a warm bath can also help them get rid of extra gas.

Remember, as your baby's digestive system matures, gas will become less of a problem. If you are concerned about your baby's gas or if they show any signs of distress, be sure to consult your paediatrician.

How to prevent gas in newborns

It's normal for newborns to be gassy as they tend to swallow a lot of air when feeding or crying. However, there are several ways to help prevent and ease the pain of gas in newborns. Here are some tips to help prevent gas in newborns:

Feeding Techniques

• Ensure the baby's lips are creating a seal on the areola if breastfeeding.
• If bottle-feeding, ensure the baby's lips are towards the base of the nipple, not just the tip.
• If bottle-feeding, tilt the bottle up to a 30-40 degree angle to minimise air intake.
• If bottle-feeding, use collapsible bags to eliminate air and reduce the risk of gas.
• If breastfeeding, express some milk before feeding to slow down the flow and reduce the amount of air the baby swallows.
• If bottle-feeding, switch to a slower-flow nipple.
• Avoid interrupting a feed to burp the baby.
• Experiment with different nipples and bottle shapes to find the most effective one for your baby.

Burping Techniques

• Burp the baby during and after feeding.
• If the baby doesn't burp right away, lay them down on their back for a few minutes and then try again.
• Hold the baby upright after feeding to allow for easier burping.
• Lay the baby on their back and move their legs in a bicycle motion to help move gas through the digestive tract.
• Place the baby on their belly to help move gas out.
• Carry the baby in a "football hold" with their stomach against your arm, which can provide comforting pressure on their abdomen.

Feeding Position

• Keep the baby's head higher than their stomach during feeding to help with burping and reduce gas.
• Feed the baby in an upright position to allow milk to sink to the bottom of the stomach and air to rise to the top.
• Lay the baby on their back and pedal their legs with your hands to help expel gas.
• Give the baby plenty of "tummy time" during the day while they are awake.

Dietary Considerations

• Speak to a doctor about foods in the baby's diet that may cause extra gas, such as fruit juice containing sorbitols.
• If breastfeeding, speak to a doctor about foods in your diet that may cause gas in the baby, such as dairy products and cruciferous vegetables.
• If the baby is formula-fed, speak to a doctor about switching to a formula designed for gassy babies.
• If the baby is lactose intolerant, consider lactase enzyme tablets to help digest lactose.

When to call the doctor about newborn gas

While newborn gas is a common occurrence, there are some instances where you should call the doctor. Contact the doctor right away if your baby:

• Does not poop, has bloody stools, or vomits.
• Is very fussy and you can't get them to calm down.
• Has a fever. If they have a rectal temperature of 100.4 F or higher, a doctor needs to rule out infection. If they are under 3 months of age, take them to the doctor right away.
• Has other symptoms, such as stomach ache, incontinence, severe abdominal pain, poor growth, or blood in the stool. These symptoms might signal an underlying issue like an infection or a more serious digestive problem.
• Is dealing with other significant health problems, such as skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in their stool, and they may not be gaining enough weight. This could be a sign of a food allergy.
• Is experiencing growth issues, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, chronic diarrhea, or constipation, or if there is a family history of celiac or other autoimmune diseases. This could be a sign of celiac disease.

If you are ever concerned about your baby's health or wellbeing, it is always best to trust your instincts and contact your paediatrician or healthcare provider for advice and guidance.

Frequently asked questions