As a parent, the middle-of-the-night fussiness of your precious little one can be heart-wrenching and confusing. "Is it gas?" is a question that often appears in your mind during those challenging moments.
It is a natural part of a baby's digestion, but it might not always be the sole culprit behind those late-night cries and restlessness. In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into understanding and addressing nighttime fussiness, whether it's due to gas or not.
Demystifying Nighttime Fussiness:
Fussiness in babies is a natural part of their development. Babies may exhibit increased fussiness during the evening and nighttime hours due to fatigue, overstimulation, or growth spurts. As parents, it's essential to recognize that these episodes are normal and not solely attributed to gas.
A Consistent Routine for Babies:
Babies thrive on routines. Establishing a consistent daily routine can help regulate their internal clocks and help to create an expected digestive rhythm.
Feeding Positions and Burping:
Proper feeding positions play a vital role in minimizing gas-related discomfort. When breastfeeding, ensure a correct latch to avoid excess air intake. Look at the positioning of your breastfeeding support pillow. We want it under the breast to keep that little one directly on the breast. For bottle-feeding, consider the types of nipples. Look for ones that are “old-fashioned” shapes. Feed sitting upright. Burp when they slow down or stop feeding. Try different positions and remember initial latching is when they swallow the most air, so shoot for burping around ⅓ to ½ way through the feeds and at the end.
Pacifiers:
Pacifiers are a valuable source of comfort for babies, providing them with a means to suck to soothe and alleviate fussiness. Sucking on a pacifier can help relieve gas pressure, which can be a common cause of discomfort.
Understanding Normal Digestive Straining:
Babies often exhibit straining and pushing during bowel movements, which is a natural part of their digestive process. As long as their stool remains soft and they show no signs of distress, it's generally considered a regular occurrence.
Safe Use of Gas Drops:
Gas drops may help in breaking down gas bubbles, making it easier for your baby to pass gas. Remember, gas that typically causes “pain” is higher up, so tackling from the “top-down” is usually best.
Nighttime fussiness is so common and can leave parents feeling perplexed and exhausted. While gas is a normal occurrence in babies, it's not always the primary cause of nighttime fussiness and discomfort. By knowing your baby's developmental needs (stages and milestones) and employing a consistent routine, feeding positions, and proper latching techniques, you can alleviate much of their discomfort, whether gas-related or not.
