How to Help a Gassy Baby

Gas is a normal part of a newborn’s digestive system, and it's not uncommon for babies to pass gas that sounds remarkably like an Oogah horn! Typically, it's not the moving gas that causes discomfort, but rather the gas that gets trapped and stuck. While gas can certainly contribute to fussiness, it's important to remember that fussiness in babies is a natural part of their development. Evening and nighttime hours often bring increased fussiness due to factors like fatigue, overstimulation, or growth spurts. As parents, it's essential to recognize that these episodes are normal and not always tied to gas.

At Moms on Call, we understand the challenges that come with these developmental stages. By managing gas and creating consistent routines, we can help improve sleep, feeding, and the overall well-being of both babies and parents. Let’s explore how we can help your little one feel more comfortable and content.

A Consistent Routine for Babies

Babies thrive on routines! Establishing a consistent daily routine helps regulate your baby’s internal clock, fostering a sense of predictability and comfort. Predictable schedules create a healthy digestive rhythm, greatly reducing gas and fussiness. If you're wondering how to help a gassy baby, a consistent routine is key. At Moms on Call, we believe in striking a balance that keeps life enjoyable while providing the structure your baby needs to feel secure and content. By following a routine that aligns with your baby’s natural rhythms, you can support their overall well-being and happiness.

Feeding Positions and Burping

Feeding Techniques 

Proper positioning during feeding is necessary to minimize gas. Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, ensuring your baby is in the correct position can significantly reduce discomfort for a gassy baby. For breastfeeding , use a support pillow under the breast and ensure a correct latch to avoid excess air intake. Remember to burp your baby around 1/3 to 3/4 way through feeds and at the end to help release any trapped air. These techniques can considerably help manage gas and keep your baby comfortable. For bottle-feeding, feed your baby in an upright position. We recommend the NUK First Essentials Bottle or Bibs Bottle , which have led to more feeding success than any other bottles and are suitable for newborns and infants.

How to Burp Your Baby 

Burping your baby effectively involves three essential parts: timing, positioning, and expectations.

Timing

Burp your baby when they slow down or stop feeding, ideally around ⅓ to ½ of the way through the feed and at the end. For breastfeeding, aim to burp in between switching sides and at the end. Keep burping sessions brief—about 2-3 minutes. This is a sprint, not a marathon!

Positioning

• Over the Shoulder : Hold your baby upright over your shoulder and lightly pat the back from the middle upwards.

• Our Favorite—The "Waffle Iron" : Sit your baby on your lap facing out, with their legs bent to apply gentle pressure on their abdomen. This position helps push the bigger air bubble to the top. Lightly pat or rub their back.

• Repositioning : Like a Coke bottle with an air bubble at the bottom, you need to reposition your baby to help the bubble rise. Recline your baby, then sit them up, leaning slightly forward over their thighs, and pat the back from the middle to the upper area for about 1 minute. Repeat this cycle three times—recline, sit up, pat-pat-pat—and you might get a burp on the third try!

Expectations

If no burp comes after about 3 minutes, it's okay to stop. Not all babies are designed to burp well. What doesn’t come out of the attic (a burp) will come out of the basement (a toot)! So, it’s not essential to burp with every feeding. It’s okay to move on.

Watch this quick video of Laura Hunter, Moms on Call Co-Founder, demonstrating how to burp a baby using some of our favorite baby burping techniques discussed above.

Pacifiers for Comfort and Gas Relief

Pacifiers are great tools for soothing fussiness in babies. The act of sucking on a pacifier can help relieve gas pressure and provide comfort. We recommend the BIBS Natural Rubber Pacifier . Made from 100% natural rubber, its design mimics the shape and softness of a mother's breast, helping your baby to self-soothe in the most natural way possible. If you're dealing with a gassy baby at night, using a pacifier can be especially helpful in providing relief and comfort.

Understanding Normal Digestive Straining

It's perfectly normal for babies to strain and push during bowel movements. This is part of their natural digestive process as they learn to coordinate their muscles. You might notice your baby straining their face, kicking their legs, or even crying out as they push. These behaviors are typical and not a cause for concern as long as their stool remains soft and they show no signs of distress. This natural straining is just another step in their development as they get used to how their bodies work.

The Importance of Sleep

A good sleep routine is essential for your baby's digestion and overall health. Quality sleep allows the digestive system to rest and process nutrients more efficiently, reducing gassiness and discomfort. When babies sleep well, their bodies can reset and recalibrate, which supports healthy bowel movements and lessens the likelihood of gas buildup. Consistent sleep patterns also help regulate the body's internal clock, making digestion more predictable and smoother.

After feedings, it's important to ensure your baby has sufficient playtime before being laid down to sleep. This activity can aid digestion by helping to move gas through the digestive system, reducing the chances of discomfort during sleep.

If you're struggling with a gassy baby at night and need more advice on how to help a gassy baby, be sure to read our blog, Soothing Nighttime Fussiness in Babies: Navigating the Gas Dilemma , for more tips and insights.

Additional Techniques to Soothe Gassiness

Bicycle Exercises

Bicycle exercises can be very effective in soothing tummy gas. To do this, lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a cycling motion. This can help move trapped gas through the digestive tract, providing relief and promoting comfort. Incorporating these exercises into your routine can support better digestion and a happier, healthier baby.

Safe Use of Gas Drops

Gas drops may assist in breaking down gas bubbles, making it easier for your baby to pass gas. Since gas that typically causes discomfort or pain tends to be higher up in the digestive system, using gas drops can be an effective way to address this issue from the “top-down.” However, it’s important to recognize that nighttime fussiness, a common challenge for parents, isn’t always caused by gas alone. By understanding your baby’s developmental needs, including their stages and milestones, and by maintaining a consistent routine, appropriate feeding positions, and proper latching techniques, you can reduce much of their discomfort, whether it's related to gas or not.

As always, consult with your pediatrician before introducing any new medications to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your baby.

When to Seek Additional Help

If your baby is persistently fussy, struggles to eat, isn’t gaining weight well, or is spitting up more than usual, it’s essential to take a step back and evaluate the situation. Here are some things you can check:

• Feeding Positions : Ensure your baby is positioned correctly during feeding to minimize air intake.

• Nipples : Use the correct type of nipple for bottle-feeding to ensure a good flow and reduce gas.

• Good Latch : Make sure your baby has a proper latch while breastfeeding to prevent swallowing excess air.

• Getting onto a Routine : Establish a consistent feeding and sleeping routine to help regulate your baby’s digestive system.

If you've tried all these techniques and still feel unsure, it might be time to reach out for professional support. If your baby is inconsolable, has blood in their stool, is vomiting, has a fever, or displays any other sudden symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider immediately. These could be signs of allergies, sensitivities, or other underlying issues that require medical attention.

If no medical issues are identified, but you still need personalized support with feeding, establishing a routine, managing sleep, or just navigating the challenges of the first few months, consider working with a Certified Moms on Call Consultant . Our consultants are all pediatric nurses, moms, and certified in the Moms on Call methodology. They are available to assist you in whatever way works best for you—via email, phone, Zoom, or even in your own home.

You’ve Got This!

Gas discomfort in babies is common and manageable. With consistent effort and the right techniques, you can significantly alleviate your baby’s discomfort. It’s a normal part of infant development, and with patience, you can help your little one feel better. If you’re dealing with a gassy baby at night or during the day, don’t hesitate to ask for professional help when needed. Consulting experts can provide additional support and peace of mind. You’re not alone in this journey, and with the right approach, you can navigate these moments successfully.