How to Help a Baby with Gas

One of the common problems in newborns and infants, flatulence can be annoying and sometimes, painful for the babies. While most of the babies are found to develop flatulence and gas pains after birth, the severity of the condition may vary from one to another. There are various factors that determine the severity of the condition.

This include quantity of gas as well as the rate at which it is passed out of the body. While some babies have more gas in their stomach as well as intestines, some others may not pass it out easily. In both cases, gas pockets develop, causing bloating and cramps, which makes the baby cranky. You may try certain easy techniques to help a baby with gas pains.

Flatulence and gas pains in babies can be caused by various factors. One of the primary reasons is their immature digestive system that may not function properly. The stomach may produce gas, while, digesting the proteins in the breast milk. Another cause is the ingestion of air bubbles through the mouth. This may happen while breastfeeding or crying.

It has also been noticed that the mother's diet play a major role in production of gas in the baby's stomach. It may also happen that certain food products ingested by the mother cause intolerance in the baby, thereby causing gas. If the mother produces large amounts of foremilk that is rich in lactose, the baby who feed on it may suffer from flatulence.

Sensitive babies may develop this condition, during situations that can be stressful for them. This include change in environment, presence of strangers and too many visitors. As crying is their only way of communication, the baby may cry incessantly, due to gas pains. Crying in babies may be due to different reasons.

In case of gas pains, the crying is found to be sharper. You may also find the baby pulling up his/her legs, while crying. The baby may also have constipation or diarrhea, smelly stools, sleep disturbances, spitting up and belching or burping. In such cases, you may try certain ways to help the baby with gas.

Gas pains in babies can be relieved in different ways. Even though, there are medications that can help to improve the condition, it is always better to try the home remedies first. Here are certain easy techniques that can help you in providing relief to your baby from gas pains.

• Occasional burping while feeding is one among commonest remedies for providing relief from gas pains in babies. Try to burp your baby, in between feeding. Hold baby in an upright position, with his/her resting on the shoulder. Gently pat the back of the baby for a few moments and allow him/her to burp. This release of gas will provide relief from gas pains.

• Gently massage the baby's tummy with a few drops of massage oil. This method is also beneficial for relieving gas. Massage the tummy with gentle, clockwise strokes. However, such massage is not advisable, just after feeding.

• Another method is to lie down the baby on his/her back and gently move their legs back and forth in a bicycle motion. This movement also helps in releasing the trapped gas. You may also try a warm bath or warm compresses in the stomach, so as to control gas pains in babies.

• Flatulence in babies can be prevented to some extent, if you hold them in proper position, while, breastfeeding. Nursing mothers must avoid gassy foods and must also keep a watch on intake of foods that may cause intolerance. If there is plenty of breast milk, then avoid feeding both breasts at a time.

• In case of bottle feeding, the nipple size must be taken care of. It must be of the proper size as per the age of the baby. In some cases, the formula you are using may be the reason for flatulence. In such case, consult the matter with your doctor and change the formula, as per his instructions.

If these remedies fail to work, then you may resort to medicinal preparations that are prescribed by the doctor. You may try the above remedies for relieving gas pains in your baby. But, if there is no relief, then don't stick to these remedies, as the baby requires medical attention.

If the baby is in severe discomfort for a longer duration, take him/her to the doctor. This is also applicable to those with worsening symptoms or sudden change in behavior.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.