Gassy Babies And Sleep
While the best sleep position for a gassy baby is still on their back, sometimes, gas pains make it harder for your little one to sleep. If this is the case, you may find that swaddling your baby before bedtime will keep them warm and comfortable during the night, as well as reduce any discomfort.
If your baby has fallen asleep while nursing, you’re likely to face the following dilemma: You want to burp your baby before putting them down to avoid any gas bubbles, but you don’t want to rouse them from their sleep.
If this is the case, use the following strategies to help release any trapped air before laying your baby down on their back:
- Prop baby up Hold your baby semi-upright against your chest, so that their head can rest on your shoulder. Your body should provide enough pressure on their tummy to encourage a burp.
- Rock baby back and forth Place their belly down over your arm so that their legs dangle on either side and their head is supported in the crook of your elbow. Then, gently move your arm from side to side while you pat their back.
- Lay baby down Lay your baby belly down over your lap so that their stomach is on your knees. Then, rock them by moving your legs side to side and gently rubbing their back.
Burp Baby After Feeding
Its best to try to keep your baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes after a feeding. If theyre still gassy, burping can help release any gas pockets from your baby swallowing too much air. Gently pat your baby, starting at the lower back and working your way up. There are a few different ways to help make your baby burp, so try one of these burping positions:
- Hold your baby against your chest . Ensure their head is on your shoulder. Then pat and rub their back.
- Have your baby sit on your lap. Support their chest and head with one hand while patting their back with the other. Make sure youre holding your babys chin and not their throat.
- Lay your baby flat against your lap with the belly face down. Support your little ones head and make sure its higher than their chest. Gently rub or pat their back.
If you cant produce a burp in your baby with one position, then try another. Youll probably find that one position works best for your little one.
What Causes Baby Gas
There are several possible causes for infant gas. Some believe that breastfed babies can get the effects of gaseous foods from their mothers breast milk. Others feel that acidic foods and excess dairy products in their diet also seem to worsen their babys fussiness.
But what mom eats isnt the only possibility.
If your babys bottle-fed, they could be having a reaction to their formula. Food intolerance often shows up as gas and bloating. If this is the cause of gas, youre also likely to see other digestive problems like diarrhea.
One of the more common causes is swallowing too much air while eating whether breastfed or bottle-fed it can cause gas.
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What Can I Do To Help My Baby With Gas
- Make sure your baby has a good latch so he doesnt swallow too much air.
- Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas.
- Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly.
- Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet. Try to learn which foods work and dont work for you and your baby, and remember, each baby is uniquely different.
- If you have further concerns regarding your babys feeding, infant gas or increased fussiness, be sure to discuss these with your babys pediatrician and/or a lactation consultant.
Each year during the first week of August, over 120 countries across the globe come together to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. During this week, public health organizations work to publicly encourage breastfeeding in an effort to improve the health of babies around the world. This years theme is BREASTFEEDING: Foundation of Life.
To learn more about Texas Childrens Lactation Support Services, Milk Bank Services or breastfeeding services offered at Texas Childrens Pavilion for Women, please follow the respective links.
When Should You See A Doctor About Your Babys Gas
In eight out of 10 cases, your baby will get better with time. Gas is common among newborns and usually gets better over time as their digestive tract grows. However, if you see the following signs, you may want to call your pediatrician:
- You notice that your baby isnt gaining weight.
- Your baby cries uncontrollably every day.
- Your baby hasnt passed stools or has regular episodes of constipation.
- Your baby refuses to feed.
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Signs And Solutions For Gassy Breastfed Babies
What are some common culprits behind your baby’s gassiness? Learn the signs, foods that may cause gassiness in your baby, and how to soothe and relieve his or her symptoms.
As a new parent, it can be stressful and upsetting to see and hear your baby cry. Thats especially true if you’ve checked off all the usual suspects dirty diaper, empty belly, discomfort, or over-tiredness and you still cant seem to soothe your little one.
Gas is something that many newborns experience, and it can be painful for them! It isn’t always the first thing that parents remember to consider, since it’s not something easily visible.
When Should I Contact A Health Care Provider
Gas is common with infants. Reach out to your babys provider with any concerns about your babys increased fussiness to see if there could be additional causes for their excessive gas, including constipation, cows milk protein allergy or acid reflux.
For additional help or questions, you can call Banner Nurse Now, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for free advice at 844-259-9494.
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Is Your Baby Screaming In Pain From Gas Or Something Else
When an adult has gas, it can be an uncomfortable experience. But most of us dont holler at the top of our lungs because of it.
Babies, on the other hand, cant explain their feelings, so crying and screaming are the only tools they have to tell us that something is wrong.
Babies cry for a variety of reasons, so its important to be sure that your child has gas before you attempt to source a remedy.
According to some experts, babies just like adults and children are constantlypassing gas. In a healthy baby, gas is usually caused by swallowing air and shouldnt be a source of pain or distress.
However, babies have new and somewhat immature digestive systems. This means that from time to time, things might not move as smoothly as they should. The result can be a bit of uncomfortable gas.
Gas can happen at any stage, but its incredibly common in the first 3 months of life . Gassiness usually subsides with time.
Some babies may also be born being extra sensitive to gas, which could make it more uncomfortable for them. This can occur in both formula-fed and breastfed or chestfed babies.
Your baby may get gas as a result of something in your diet if youre nursing.
While crying can be a telltale sign, there may be other signs that your baby is experiencing gas.
For example, they may:
- become red in the face or seem like theyre in pain when crying
- be very squirmy and pull their legs up to their chest
Signs Your Baby Has Gas And How To Treat It
Babies are naturally gassy, but you can take preventive measures to keep your little one comfortable. Here, experts share what to do for a gassy baby.
New parents are often surprised at the big noises that come out of a small baby. Newborns can be quite the audible orchestra, and gas is often part of the repertoire. Gas is a normal part of the digestive process, but its also involved in most intestinal complaints, says Jeremiah Levine, M.D., director of pediatric gastroenterology at NYU Langone Health. Too much gas is usually a symptom that something else is going on. Heres how to recognize the signs of a gassy baby and help them pass it.
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Is Gripe Water Safe For Newborns
It depends on the specific brand and ingredients. You should always ask your doctor for a recommendation for gripe water and any other remedy you’re thinking of giving your baby.
Gripe water made with alcohol definitely isn’t safe, and other formulas, including those labeled “natural” or “homeopathic” , contain a variety of other ingredients that may be unsafe or untested.
Gripe water made with sucrose, while not dangerous, might not be the best choice either. Sugar has the potential to harm your baby’s gums or emerging teeth. Plus, you don’t want to get your baby used to being soothed with sweets. So always check with the doctor first about a specific type of gripe water. If it doesn’t work, let him or her know.
And remember, even if you do try gripe water as a remedy for digestive troubles with your pediatrician’s approval, it should never be given in large quantities to a baby or used as a dietary substitute. Infants this age should be fed breast milk or formula exclusively.
Try A Gentler Formula
Enfamils Gentlease, a gentler formula, may help cut down on gas in formula-fed babies with sensitive tummies. If baby is often gassy when they consume standard formula, Gentlease can help cut down on gas, fussiness and colic in as few as 24 hours — and it costs nearly the same as standard formula. Thats because the milk proteins in Gentlease are somewhat smaller than those in standard formula.
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Burp Your Baby Correctly
We cant stress enough that your babys digestive system is still developing so dont skip the burping stage! In some cases, you might want to burp them twice.
This means that midway through a feeding session, let them take a break and burp them. Then you can continue feeding them, and burp again once youre done. Be sure to follow different positions for burping and always work the gas from the bottom up.
If youre breastfeeding or chestfeeding, you may not need to burp your baby as frequently, since nursing babies usually swallow less air which results in less gas. Babies with lots of gas may need to burp more often.
Q: Is It Okay To Put My Baby Down To Sleep Without Burping Them
A: It’s generally best to burp your baby after feedings to release gas and prevent spitting up.
If your baby falls asleep during a feeding, try patting or rubbing their back very gently to try to release a burp before putting them down. They’ll likely sleep through it!
As they get older, your baby may not always need to be burped or may be able to sleep through a bit of discomfort. If this is the case, it’s probably okay to put them to bed without burping them first.
However, if you notice that your baby wakes in discomfort or spits up, then it’s still a good idea to try burping before putting them down.
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What Is A Proper Breastfeeding Latch
It’s a myth that babies are born knowing how to latch on and breastfeed correctly. The proper latch often takes time, trial and error, and yes,sore nipples.
The ideal latch encompasses both the nipple and the surrounding areola, the pinkish-brown flat circle that became darker during pregnancy. Ever wonder why areolas darken during pregnancy? Mother Nature wisely designed them to serve as visual cues for your newborn so she’ll close her mouth on the areola and not on the nipple alone.
Though breast milk comes out of the numerous tiny openings in the nipple, your baby’s gums need to compress the areola and the milk sinuses located underneath it to actually start the flow. If not, your milk won’t let down and new milk won’t be produced.
Bicycle Your Baby’s Legs
Along the same lines as tummy time or the colic carry, gently holding a baby’s legs and pulling them in and out in a bicycling motion can solve the problem mechanically by making the gas move through their bowels. You can sporadically push both legs into their tummy, slowly but firmly, and the farts should fly.
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When To Talk To Your Pediatrician About Your Babys Gas
Dr. Sniderman says you should consult your babys doctor if gas is keeping your baby from doing their happy baby things.
If gas is interrupting your babys ability to have a bowel movement or its interrupting their sleep or their feeding, then its a problem, and its time to reach out to your doctor, Dr. Sniderman says.
When you were pregnant, you probably daydreamed of the special moments youd spend with your baby feeding them, bathing them, snappy share-worthy snuggly newborn pics. You probably thought less about the joys brought on by a thunderous burp or a noisy fart. Soon, youll see, though, that when your baby is happy and feeling relieved, those post-gas smiles may just be some of their cutest moments. Get your camera ready.
What About Gripe Water
Gripe water is a liquid herbal remedy for infant gas. As a natural remedy, the FDA doesnt regulate it. Dr. Sniderman also cautions that its safety and effectiveness have not been well researched.
There are a lot of families who use it, and I havent personally seen any problems with gripe water, but I generally dont recommend it, she says. Without solid research to back it up, I cant confidently say, Yes, thats fine.
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When To Speak With A Doctor
While most baby gas cases are fairly harmless, there are times when you should seek professional help.
If your baby exhibits excessive crying, has long crying bouts three or more times per day, or just recently began crying after reaching their first month, contact your pediatrician.
Also call the doctor or seek medical help if your little one isnt eating, peeing, or having regular bowel movements.
Babies Are Naturally Gassy But You Can Take Preventive Measures To Keep Your Little One Comfortable Here Experts Share What To Do For A Gassy Baby
New parents are often surprised by the big noises that come out of a small baby. Newborns can be quite the audible orchestra, and gas is often part of the repertoire. “Gas is a normal part of the digestive process, but it’s also involved in most intestinal complaints,” says Jeremiah Levine, M.D., director of pediatric gastroenterology at NYU Langone Health. “Too much gas is usually a symptom that something else is going on.” So what causes baby gas and what are the signs of a gassy baby?
Learn more about what causes babies to be gassy, how to know whether your baby’s gas is normal or a cause for concern, and how to help your little one cope with gas-related discomfort.
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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.
When A Burp Is More Than A Burp
Your baby’s digestive system is still developing, so it’s completely normal for them to spit up sometimes when they burp.
However, if your baby is experiencing excessive spit up or projectile vomiting, this may be a sign that they are suffering from infant reflux or are sick. Consult with your pediatrician promptly.
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Perform Infant Exercises To Get Things Moving
Does your baby need a workout? Not quite. There are, however, some exercises that you can do to help your babys gas move through the digestive system. We recommend the following exercises to reduce discomfort associated with gas:
- Bicycle legs: Place your baby on its back on the upper portion of your legs . Slowly and gently bring the babys knee toward the chest and then bring it back down. Alternate the babys legs so that as one leg goes up, the other is coming down.
- Tummy massage: A baby who is struggling with gas might have a belly that feels slightly firm. You can help break up the gas by gently moving your hands in a circular motion around the infants stomach while the baby is on its back. We suggest you go clockwise as this follows the natural pattern of the digestive system!
- Lifted feet: Bringing your babys feet up above the belly button when he or she is reclining can help relax the pelvic floor. This is why many women choose to give birth in this position! As the pelvic floor relaxes, it more easily allows for gas to escape.
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