Gas Troubles In Babies: What Causes It And How To Prevent It

Gas troubles in babies are not uncommon at all. In every household with tiny babies around, parents and caregivers often find themselves dealing with fussy babies, or crying little fellows who need constant comforting, or rocking in the arms because of the discomfort caused by trapped gas in their tiny tummies. 

While it is distressing for a parent to see their tiny ones struggling with pain, it needs to be understood that gas troubles are usually harmless. With a few preventive methods, parents can ease their baby’s discomfort and bring more happiness to their daily routine.

Understanding Gas Troubles In Babies 

Since babies have a fragile digestive system that is still developing, a little swallowed gas during breast or bottle feeding can cause gas troubles and discomfort in their stomach. When a baby suffers from gas issues, they may become extremely cranky and restless. Their stomach may appear full, and they may also resist feeding. The trapped gas forms bubbles in the stomach and causes cramping. This cramping leads to stomach pain, crying, and squirming, and the little one cannot rest or sleep either.

Research has shown that babies who regularly suffer from gas troubles are usually colic and have symptomatic variations, meaning that the symptoms differ from one baby to another. 

However, having gas issues every day or regularly doesn’t always mean that there is a problem. Sometimes, gas troubles are short-lived, and the baby feels good after they have released the gas through burping or during a tummy time session.

Symptoms Of Gas Troubles In Babies

As already mentioned, the symptoms of gas troubles in babies and infants differ. Some babies may cry excessively, while others may appear only restless. Some babies flex their legs or show a tensed tummy. However, there are some common symptoms of gas troubles that parents should look out for if they realize that their baby is struggling with gas accumulation in the tummy. 

• Excessive crying

• Restlessness

• Loss of appetite

• Cries after feeding due to trapped gas

• Bloating

• Flexing legs with discomfort

• Passing gas or a stuck burp that needs to be released

• Sleeping less than usual

• Extra fussy, requiring reassurance and comfort

Also Read:

What Are The Common Causes of Stomach Pain In Babies?

How To Solve Tummy Troubles In Infants

How to manage Upset Stomach, Loosies & Constipation in babies

Preventing Stomach Issues in Babies

Causes Of Gas Troubles In Babies

The baby becomes gassy when air becomes trapped, either in the digestive tract or deep down in the intestines. Babies who sucks a bottle may swallow air while feeding. Later on, this built-up gas causes stomach cramps as it has not been released yet. Various causes can lead to gas troubles in babies, such as the ones highlighted below:

1. Swallowing air: During breastfeeding, if babies do not latch properly, they may gulp air easily. Moreover, if they nurse from a bottle while lying down in a particular position, they can also inadvertently swallow outside air. This built-up air gets trapped and causes bloating and discomfort in their tiny tummies.

2. Excessive crying occurs when babies feel upset for some reason and cry too much, which can lead to them swallowing air. This can also lead to trapped gas issues.

3. Developing digestive tract - Babies have small tummies. They have an immature digestive system that is fragile and is still growing. 

4. Digestive issues - babies may suffer from gas troubles if they have inadequate bowel movement, leading to constipation. Sometimes, viral infections in the stomach cause indigestion and gas, such as stomach flu, vomiting, or diarrhea. 

5. Sensitivity to new foods - Infants over 6 months old who eat solids may experience gas when new food items are introduced to their diet. For these babies, frequent gas may be due to food intolerance or sensitivity. If this is the case, parents should discontinue the food item and observe any changes in the baby.

6. Lack of proper burping - If babies aren’t burped well after each feed, trapped gas can remain and bother them. 

7. Overfeeding - Sometimes, if babies are fed too much at once, they might feel bloated as their tender digestive system may not digest food so easily, causing gas and stomach distress.

8. Feeding position - When the baby lies flat while breastfeeding, they may swallow more air along with the milk. Moreover, an improper latch also leads to more air being drawn into the system. Likewise, for bottle-fed babies, if they drink milk at an incorrect angle, air collects in the nipple, and the baby swallows it along with the milk.

Ways To Relieve Gas In Babies

Some of the easy home remedies that can comfort the baby during gas issues are as follows:

1. Burp your baby regularly- You can do this by gently patting their back until the gas bubbles are released. Ensure doing it after every meal, so that the trapped gas is released instantly.

2. Moving the legs in a circular motion - You can put the baby on their back and gently move their legs in a circular motion. It helps the baby relieve trapped air.

3. Put the baby to sleep in a raised position after feeding. This helps release trapped air, which can be beneficial for your baby's comfort. Keeping them a little upright also helps in good digestion. 

4. Belly messages - Tender belly messages can soothe the crying baby. It gives them comfort by relieving gas. Gentle clockwise motions surrounding the navel can help stimulate digestion, release trapped gas, and provide comfort to the baby.

5. Change feeding positions - While breastfeeding or bottle feeding, make sure that your baby’s head is raised and is set at an angle. Their head should be higher than their stomach. This helps the milk to settle down, and the gas rises, making it easier to release trapped gas through burping.

6. Tummy time can help release trapped gas. Try putting them on their tummies when they are awake and let them play for some time. 

7. Gas drops - Sometimes, over-the-counter medicines for gas can be administered, but only in the correct dosage prescribed by the pediatrician. 

Gas troubles in babies and infants are widespread, as they have innumerable ways to swallow excess air. Almost all babies have experienced some degree of gas trouble in their daily lives. Some individuals are extremely gassy, while others experience moderate discomfort, and the rest experience occasional discomfort. With gentle care and proper habits, most babies outgrow this problem easily.