Posted by Growing Up Pediatrics | Pediatric Care Serving Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson & the Lake Norman Area
If you’ve spent any time with a newborn, you already know: babies are gassy. Like, impressively gassy. And as a new parent, it can be hard to know whether what you’re seeing is totally normal or something worth a call to the pediatrician. The good news? Most of the time, it’s completely par for the course.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Are Babies So Gassy?
The short answer: their digestive systems are still figuring things out.
Newborns are born with an immature GI tract that’s learning to process milk, move food through, and expel gas efficiently, all for the very first time. That takes practice. In the meantime, gas buildup is a normal part of the process for most babies.
A helpful rule of thumb: if your baby burps well and passes gas without a lot of distress, there’s no cause for concern. Some babies are just naturally gassier than others, and that’s okay.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While gassiness itself is normal, the level of discomfort it causes is what matters. Contact our office if your baby:
- Appears to be in significant pain or discomfort from gas
- Is crying excessively and inconsolably, especially if accompanied by a hard or distended belly
- Has persistent fussiness that doesn’t improve with the techniques below
- Seems to be straining but unable to pass gas or stool
Trust your instincts. You know your baby. If something feels off, give us a call …that’s what we’re here for.
Tips for Breastfeeding Moms
If you’re breastfeeding and your baby seems especially gassy, the composition of your milk during a feeding may be a factor worth exploring.
Try fully emptying one breast before switching to the other. Early in a feeding, babies receive foremilk, which is thinner and higher in lactose. As the feeding continues, the milk transitions to hindmilk — richer in fat and lower in lactose. For some babies, getting a higher proportion of hindmilk can reduce gas and bloating.
You may have read that certain foods in your diet like broccoli, dairy, or caffeine can make a breastfed baby gassier. While this is true for some babies, the evidence is mixed, and eliminating entire food groups unnecessarily can affect your own nutrition. Always check with our team before making significant changes to your diet.
Gentle Techniques to Help Your Baby Pass Gas
When your baby is uncomfortable, these safe, parent-tested maneuvers can help move things along:
1. Tummy Massage
Lay your baby on their back on a soft, flat surface. Using gentle pressure, massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction — this follows the natural path of the digestive tract and can help move trapped gas along.
2. Bicycle Legs
Hold your baby’s legs and gently move them in a pedaling motion, as if they’re riding a bicycle. This movement helps stimulate the digestive system and can encourage gas to pass.
3. Gentle Anus Stimulation
If fussiness continues, gently massaging the anal area with a soft baby wipe can sometimes help your baby release trapped gas. This is a safe, gentle technique that many parents find effective.
4. Burping Frequently
Don’t wait until the end of a feeding to burp your baby. Try burping every few minutes during feedings, especially if your baby tends to eat quickly or gulps air.
5. Upright Feeding Position
Keeping your baby as upright as possible during feedings can reduce the amount of air swallowed. For bottle-fed babies, a slow-flow nipple can also make a big difference.
When to Call Growing Up Pediatrics
If your baby’s fussiness is persistent and none of the above techniques are providing relief, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. Ongoing discomfort can sometimes point to other conditions, like reflux or a milk protein sensitivity, that are worth evaluating.
We’re always happy to help you figure out what’s going on and get your little one feeling more comfortable.
Growing Up Pediatrics provides compassionate, personalized pediatric care to families in Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson, Mooresville, and the greater Lake Norman area. Schedule an appointment / Contact us today.
