When babies have gas in their stomachs they are very
uncomfortable and experience abdominal pain. If they look normal or smile while
passing gas then it is normal. But if their face turns red, their stomach
swells and they feel uncomfortable, then something is wrong.
Signs and Symptoms of Gassy Baby
Your baby will cry and be scared for an hour or more a day. This can be a sign of normal newborn bloat associated with a small and underdeveloped digestive system. But if it happens every day and doesn't get better, you should still see your pediatrician.Your child seems unhappy most of the time. It could be a
sign that you have a particularly gassy baby that needs a little help.
Your baby won't want to eat anything easily and won't
sleep well.
Your baby will cry every now and then and look like he
has a stomach ache.
Your baby will curl up in a way that looks like he's very
uncomfortable and will pull his legs up to his chest.
Why is my baby gassy?
Infants have gas in their stomachs due to various reasons.
- The most common cause of gas in a baby is swallowing air while eating or crying. This is common for newborn babies.
- Stomach gas occurs when a baby has low digestive power or digestive problems. An underdeveloped digestive system lets food pass through too quickly.
- Sometimes the baby gets gas in the stomach due to eating fried or oily food by the breastfeeding mother.
- There are some fruits that can cause gas in the baby's stomach when eaten like grapes, apples, etc.
The Solution to the Baby Gas Problem
Perfect Feeding Position: Try to hold your baby's head higher than their belly when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. When this happens, the milk sinks to the bottom of the stomach and the air rises, which relieves the gas. Bend the bottle slightly to avoid air bubbles in the nipple.
Burping After Feeding: One of the easiest ways to reduce bloating is to burp during and after breastfeeding. If your baby doesn't belch then lay him on his back for a few minutes, then try again.
You should burp every 2 to 3 ounces at the time of bottle feeding, and if you're breastfeeding, every 5 to 10 minutes (although this can be difficult).
Perfect Equipment: Select a slower-flow nipple for bottle feeding.
Control Air At the Time of Feeding: You can try anti-gas bottles for bottle feeding. Care should be taken to ensure that the nipple is full of milk so that air does not enter the baby's stomach along with the milk. To avoid extra bubbles you should not shake the bottle too much. Try to feed your baby concentrated liquid instead of powder.
Massage Your Baby: Every day you can gently massage your baby, and move their legs back and forth as like bicycling. A warm bath can help your baby to get rid of excess gas. Gently rubbing your baby's belly can help reduce gas.
Timely Feeding: It is normal for small babies to cry. But if babies cry more, they will take in more air and have gas in their stomachs. Babies usually cry when they are hungry. So the child's hunger signals should be learned and the child should be fed on time so that the child does not cry too much.
Tummy Time: The tummy time helps strengthen the muscles your baby needs to hold their head up and eventually crawl. However, applying light pressure to your baby's abdomen can also help release gas.
Breastfeeding Mother Diet: Breastfeeding mothers should ask their pediatrician about trying to avoid foods that can make their baby gas. A breastfeeding mother should avoid some food that creates gas. Such as caffeine, onions, garlic, spicy foods, oily foods, and cabbage.
Gripe Water: Baby gripe water (a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and herbs)
helps relieve gas, although it's unclear if it works. Never offer your baby
gripe water without consulting your doctor and you should also ask about the
recommended brands.
Baby Gas Drops: You can also try some over-the-counter medications. Ask your doctor about the OTC medication and its dose. If the child is taking any other medication, be sure to talk to the doctor about whether it will interact with that medication. Some parents offer baby gas drops to their baby which contain simethicone. It dissolves gas bubbles. Simethicone is also a major ingredient in adult bloating medications. Still, simethicone drops are very effective and safe for babies.
Are you trying baby drops to relieve your baby's gas? First, talk to your pediatrician about what type to look for and how often. Follow the medication instructions on the bottle. You can give your baby drops 12 times a day or with each feed. However, it will be better if you consult your doctor.
Use Gas Passer: A gas passer is a tube that can relieve your baby from constipation and gas problems. Some parents use it for an immediate solution. It is a natural system and safe.
When You Call the Doctor
Call your doctor if you find the following signs in your
baby:
If your baby does not poop for a long time.
If your child vomits frequently.
If you can't calm him down, the doctor should look for a
problem.
In case of fever if the rectal temperature is 45.6°C or higher, take them to the doctor immediately.
In most cases, gas in babies is normal and treatable. However, in rare cases, it may be a serious digestive problem. It is best to consult your doctor before starting any new treatment or supplement or changing formulas. Contact your doctor if your child seems to be having an allergic reaction, is constipated or refuses to eat, is losing weight or not gaining weight, and has other problems associated with gas in the baby's stomach.