Swap Bottles For Gassy Babies
Some bottles are specifically designed to reduce the amount of air that is swallowed during feedings. If your baby is having problems with gas, try a vented, angled, or collapsible style. Make sure to hold babys head elevated at a 45-degree angle and tip the bottle downward into their mouth with the nipple full of milk, not air.
Try A Formula Designed For Gas
Some doctors recommend an elimination diet to see if theres something in the formula that is setting off your babys digestion. If you think the current formula isnt best for baby, you can try switching formulas to formulas designed to ease gas issues. These formulas can help fussiness and crying and are gentle on a babys sensitive tummy. They have easy-to-digest protein and provide complete nutritionincluding brain-nourishing nutrients like DHAfor your babys growth and development.
Is My Baby’s Poop Normal
What’s normal for baby poop depends on whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding. If your baby is breastfed, her bowel movements will often be mustard-like in color and consistency. It can sometimes look loose, even watery, and sometimes seedy, mushy or curdy.
If she’s formula-fed, the stool will usually be soft but more formed than a breastfed baby’s, and anywhere from pale yellow to yellowish brown, light brown or brownish green.
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Choose The Right Bottle
Certain bottles are better at preventing gas buildup than others. If youre bottle-feeding, look for a bottle with an anti-colic valve, which is designed to vent air out of the bottle and reduce the air that baby takes in while feeding.
Youll also want a slow-flow nipple, which mimics the flow of milk from a breast and keeps baby from feeding too quickly. Slow-flow nipples make sure that baby wont gulp down too much breastmilk or formula at once, and wont take in as much air as a result.
In addition to this, make sure the bottle nipple is always completely full of milk or formula
When To Worry About Babys Gas
The good news is that most gas issues resolve themselves over time. However, if your babyâs irritability is severe and chronic, you should suspect something other than gas as the culprit. And if your child is not growing well, the gas may be an indication of a significant digestive problem. See your babyâs doctor to discuss any concerns you may have.
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Why Is My Baby More Gassy At Night
Gas accumulation is a function of gut motility and positioning. As our body rests, our digestion slows. Gut slowing results in more gas buildupOrr WC. Gastrointestinal Functioning During Sleep: A New Horizon in Sleep Medicine . Sleep Med Rev. 2001 5:91-101. . During the night, you and I have the luxury of moving our bodies when we feel this discomfort. Our body movement releases any trapped gas bubbles, allowing us to burp or fart to relieve the painful pressure.
Babies cant freely move while they sleep. At night, we tightly swaddle our babies and lie them on their backs to sleep. This technique is important for infant soothing and decreasing the risk of SIDS, but limits the movement of tummy bubblesTASK FORCE ON SUDDEN INFANT DEATH, S. Y. N. D. R. O. M. E. SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. Pediatrics. 2016 138. . Tummy gas builds during quiet rest until the pain wakes your baby up.
Making Changes To Your Baby’s Diet
1. Breastfed infants
You may have already received advice to eliminate certain foods from your diet. This rarely makes a difference, because contrary to popular belief, what a mother eats is not often the cause of her baby’s distress.
RECOMMENDATION
- See our article on lactose overload for tips to reduce gastric symptoms related to frequent feeding patterns.
- Exclude the many other, more common reasons, for gastric discomfort, irritability and wakeful behavior before going down the path of dietary restrictions.
- If you suspect a food or milk allergy or intolerance seek professional advice from a doctor or dietician who specializes in this field.
2. Formula fed infants
Changing formula rarely helps, particularly if there are no significant gastric symptoms, such as diarrhea. Prolonged use of an inappropriate infant formula may negatively affect your baby’s development.
RECOMMENDATION
If you suspect a food or milk protein allergy or intolerancesee your doctor for advice on suitable formula.
3. When your baby is on solids
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How Does A Babys Diet Affect Gas
Breast milk is the biological standard of food for babies, and it is usually the healthiest choice when possible. There is no need to stop breastfeeding because a baby has gas.
Infant formula may also cause gas. Mixing up infant formula can cause air bubbles to appear in a babys food, increasing the risk of gas. Try a premixed liquid formula instead, or give the formula a few minutes to settle before feeding the baby.
Some babies may be sensitive to formula ingredients, such as soy or lactose. However, lactose intolerance is very rare in infants and is often temporary. Babies born prematurely may have developmental lactase deficiency, a condition that lasts for only a short time.
A 2015 study of almost 300 infants found that lactose-free milk-based or soy-based formulas did not alleviate infants fussiness or crying.
A person should talk with a pediatrician before changing their babys formula.
When a baby starts eating solids, keeping a food log can help with identifying food sensitivities that trigger gas.
Section 5 Of : Preventing Baby Gas
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How To Tell If Your Baby Has Gas
Gas is a common problem for newborns but can continue into later infanthood as babies start eating solids. How the gas presents itself may depend somewhat on the babyâs age, but common signs include arching the back, pulling the legs up to the stomach, and general squirminess. Some parents report that their babiesâ cries sound different when they are gassy compared to when they are hungry or have dirty diapers.
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Common Latching Problems And Solutions
Having trouble breastfeeding? Here’s how to fix a couple of the most common latching problems:
- Poor positioning. Don’t hunch over your baby and push your breast into her mouth. Instead, try bringing your baby to you.
- Baby’s body is out of line. Make sure your babys head and body are facing you, so she can focus squarely on the task at hand.
- Baby’s body is too far away. Mealtime is impossible if your nipple is out of reach.
- An empty breast. Your baby may not latch because little or nothing comes out when she sucks.
- Flat or inverted nipples. It can be more difficult, but not impossible, for a baby to latch on.
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Belly Massages And Bicycle Kicks
If you notice a lot of grunting and squirming, it may mean that is difficult for your baby to fart. You can often help your baby with farting by giving them a belly massage. If you rub their belly in a clock-wise direction, if can help release those gas bubbles and give your baby some relief! Check out our article about how to massage a baby if you need some tips!
Likewise, moving your babys legs may also help. With your baby lying flat on a surface, you can help them do bicycle kicks. A bicycle kick is just when you move your babys legs as if they were pedaling a bike. This movement can also help loosen those gas bubbles and help your baby pass gas!
Be Mindful Of Feeding Times
Try to feed your baby before you start hearing her hungry cries. This can help her eat at a leisurely pace and not gulp down her breast milk or formula too quickly. If youre a breastfeeding mama and your milk lets down quickly, you may want to unlatch baby for a moment and then re-latch. That can help her manage your milk flow more easily.
Do you have tried and true tricks you use to soothe your gassy baby? Let us know in the comments section on the page.
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How To Burp Your Baby
- Donât try to burp your baby when they are feeding greedily. That is likely to upset them, make them cry, and cause them to swallow even more air. Pick a time when they slow down or are taking a break.
- Use the burping position they appear most comfortable with. There are three basic positions in which to gently pat and rub your babyâs back:
- Sitting on your lap, facing out or to the side
- Lying face down on your lap
Cautions With Other Medicines
Simeticone is generally safe to take with other medicines. However, talk to a doctor or pharmacist before you use simeticone if you are taking:
- levothyroxine for thyroid problems. Simeticone might stop levothyroxine being absorbed properly, meaning it will not work as well.
If the medicine contains other ingredients with simeticone, read the leaflet or talk to a doctor or pharmacist to make sure it is suitable to take with other medicines.
Taking simeticone with herbal supplements
There are no known problems with taking herbal remedies and supplements with simeticone.
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How Many Calories Do You Need When You’re Breastfeeding
Your body generally burns around 300 to 500 extra calories a day while you’re breastfeeding depending on whether you’re nursing exclusively or not. If you are, it’s typically up to 450 to 500.
So while you don’t need to be hyper-vigilant about counting calories and consuming more, definitely keep your extra nutritional needs while nursing in mind. If you stayed within your doctor’s recommended weight gain during pregnancy, you shouldn’t have to take in any more or less than that, but check with your practitioner if you’re not sure.
See If Foods You’re Eating Could Be Making Baby Gassy
If youre nursing, certain foods youre eating may also make baby gassy, because they create gassy breastmilk
Beans, onions broccoli, brussel sprouts and cabbage are common culprits, as are other green vegetables. But fruits and fiber-rich foods can also be culprits.
If you suspect that breastmilk is making baby gassy, keep track of the foods you eat. . Then, ask a doctor or lactation consultant if certain foods youre eating may be causing your babys gas.
Only cut out foods from your diet, though, if your doctor or lactation consultant
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Move Those Little Legs
If your baby is lying on her back, gently move her legs back and forth to imitate riding a bicycle. This exercise helps with intestinal motion and can expel trapped gas. You can also bend her legs and gently push her knees up towards her tummy. If shes on her tummy, you can help ease into Childs Pose and that motion will have the same effect.
Why Is My Newborn So Gassy
There are several reasons why newborns can get gas pains. We spoke to Dr. Jackie Schwarz, a pediatrician with Arlington Pediatrics, Ltd in Arlington Heights, IL who gave us some insight. Some babies arent great at burping and some take in excess air while feeding, which turns into excess gas, Schwarz told Scary Mommy. Some may need more time for their bodies to learn how to digest.
But how do you know if your baby needs gas drops and not just a good burp or fart? When a baby is gassy or seems to have digestive discomfort, I give parents many suggestions, Dr. Schwarz said. First, I show parents how to burp their baby, feed their baby slower if they are bottle-fed, and do some leg bicycling or tummy time to get out the gas. If nothing is working, I recommend gas drops, gripe water, or baby probiotic drops as a next step.
If youre overwhelmed with the thought of administering medication to your tiny baby, the easiest way to do it is by putting the dropper in your infants mouth while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
Below youll find the most highly recommended gas drops, probiotic drops, and gripe water options for newborn gas relief and colic, according to parents and pediatricians. Before you give any supplements, medications, or treatments to your baby, check in with your pediatrician first.
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What If Baby Still Seems Gassy
If you still cant pinpoint why babys so gassy, and youve tried other methods to help relieve gas, talk to a doctor. Theyll help you figure out whats causing babys discomfort. They may also recommend gas drops, which are generally safe for babies
One reassuring point to keep in mind: Babies are usually gassiest when theyre between 1 month old and 4-6 months old. If baby is gassy while breastfeeding or formula feeding, theyll often naturally become less gassy as they start to eat more and more solids, and as their digestive system matures.
This still varies from baby to baby, so you still might need to consult a doctor if baby remains very gassy between the 6-month mark. But time will often help when it comes to gas relief.
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All health-related content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your own pediatrician in connection with any questions regarding your babys health.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
See the FDA Peanut Allergy Qualified Health Claim at the bottom of our homepage.
All health-related content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your own pediatrician in connection with any questions regarding your babys health.
When To Call The Doctor
Once your baby’s feeding schedule has been established, her “special delivery” diapers may appear five or more times a day or as infrequently once every three days. That’s perfectly normal. As long as her stools are soft, she isn’t constipated. But you should call your doctor if:
- Your baby doesn’t poop for more than three days.
- Stools are hard and pebbly, or much thicker than peanut butter.
- Stools are thin or watery, or you see mucus in the diaper this may be diarrhea.
- Stools are red or black, which could indicate bleeding.
- Stools are white or clay-colored, which could be a sign of a liver problem. It could also be something less serious like a stomach bug or a specific medication she’s taking all the more reason to contact your pediatrician right away for a proper diagnosis.
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
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What A Good Breastfeeding Latch Looks Like
You’ll know you’ve got a proper latch if your baby’s chin and tip of her nose are touching your breast. You’ll also notice her lips flanged out instead of being tucked in. Let the feeding begin. Once you’ve got the proper latch, your baby will fall right into the rhythmic suck-swallow-breath pattern of suckling.
Does Massage Help With Baby Gas
Infant massage is another way to help your baby move tummy bubbles. Massage also supports bonding and sensory stimulation between an infant and parentZeevenhooven J, Browne PD, LHoir MP, de Weerth C, Benninga, MA. Infant Colic: Mechanisms and Management. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 15:479-496. .
Choose a time of day to perform infant massage, typically first thing in the morning or as part of the nighttime routine. Baby-safe lotions or oils can decrease friction during a massage, but are not needed. Move your hand across your babys tummy in a clockwise motion to push bubbles forward. You can also move your babys legs like theyre riding a bike to encourage gas release.
Infant massage should be pleasant and soothing. Watch your baby for any signs of increased distress, and stop if your baby seems uncomfortable.
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