In order to alleviate infant gas, parents and caregivers can employ various strategies. As a baby's digestive system develops, they tend to pass gas frequently, which can be surprising or concerning for those caring for them. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons for gas in infants, techniques for preventing digestive distress, and tips for soothing fussy babies.
Common Causes of Infant Gas
When a baby experiences gas, it typically means that their stomach has become inflated with air. This can happen because of the immaturity of a newborn's digestive system or if the baby has swallowed air while feeding.
Drinking Too Quickly
If a baby drinks too quickly from a bottle or breast, they may gulp down air along with their milk, causing gas. This can occur if the nipple on the bottle is too fast, or if a breastfeeding mother has an overactive milk supply.
Drinking Too Slowly
If a baby has to work too hard to get their formula from a bottle with a slow flow, they may end up taking in too much air and experiencing gas.
Formula With Air Bubbles
When preparing powdered formula, it's important to let the mixture settle for a few minutes before feeding the baby. Otherwise, air bubbles may form in the milk, leading to gas. Stirring the formula can also help to prevent bubbles.
Extended Crying
Babies may swallow air when they cry, so prolonged crying can lead to gas buildup and discomfort.
Formula Intolerance
Gas could be a sign that the baby is not tolerating their current formula well and may be sensitive to the lactose in it.
Gas-Inducing Foods
For babies who receive European formula as a supplement to breastfeeding, gas can occur if the mother eats something that makes its way into the breast milk.
Signs of Infant Gas
Gas and related issues can begin with the first feedings and continue through the toddler stage, typically peaking between 4 to 12 weeks old. During this time, babies may experience significant tummy trouble and be very fussy. However, as their digestive system matures, they typically become easier to soothe and less prone to discomfort. Since infants communicate mainly through crying during the first few months, it can be challenging to determine whether gas is the culprit. However, there are some common signs to look for that may indicate gas in the baby's digestive system.
Here are some signs to look for in babies that may indicate the presence of gas in their digestive system:
- Crying excessively
- Clenched fists
- Bloating
- Squirming after feeding
- Bending knees towards the belly
- A red face
- Passing gas
Ways to Prevent Baby Gas
Babies tend to swallow air frequently throughout the day and night, leading to gas pain. Therefore, it's crucial to prevent the buildup of gas in their digestive systems to avoid discomfort and worry for caregivers.
Soothing Baby
Crying babies often swallow more air, which can exacerbate gas pain. To calm a crying baby, it's essential to identify the cause of their distress and address it promptly.
Effective Bottle Feeding
To minimize the amount of air your baby swallows during bottle feeding, you can follow these tips:
- Experiment with various bottle sizes and nipple types.
- Hold the bottle at a 30 to 40-degree angle, allowing air to rise to the bottom of the bottle.
- Ensure your baby's lips cover the wide base of the nipple and not just the tip.
- Allow the formula to settle for a minute or two after shaking or mixing it.
Sitting baby upright for feedings
Keeping your baby upright during feedings can help reduce the amount of air they swallow. Aim for a 45-degree angle, and consider keeping them upright during burping and for 30 minutes after feeding to reduce gas.
Burping
Burping is also an effective way to alleviate gas in infants. Here are four steps to follow for burping your baby:
- Hold your baby upright on your shoulder and pat their back.
- Sit your baby upright on your lap and lean them forward slightly while rubbing or patting their back.
- Support your baby's chest and head by placing your hand under their chin.
- Lay your baby on their belly across your lap with their head slightly elevated and rub and pat their back.
Avoid extensive sucking
While sucking can be a soothing activity for babies, it can also lead to gas problems if done excessively. It's important to avoid letting your baby suck on a pacifier too vigorously and too often. Additionally, avoid giving your baby empty bottles or unattached nipples as these can lead to painful bloating and digestive distress.
Relieving Gas in Babies
It can be heart-wrenching for caregivers to see a baby in pain from gas, but thankfully there are several options available to alleviate the discomfort and built-up gas.
Stimulate Movement
In cases of severe discomfort, simple exercises such as the "baby bike ride" can help physically move gas along.
Lay the baby on their back and gently move their legs in an up-and-down pedaling motion. This helps physically move gas along and can also soothe and calm nerves in the intestines.
Massage the Tummy
Using small circular motions, rub your thumbs on your infant's belly just under the ribcage. This easy technique can help move gas bubbles through the intestines.
The Colic Carry
Lay your baby tummy-down across your knees or hold them under their belly with your forearm, and gently massage their back. The pressure on the baby's tummy can help relieve the pressure from gas.
Infant Gas Drops
Consult your pediatrician about using natural infant gas drops or gripe water. There are many organic brands that are generally considered safe for newborns and older babies.
Tummy Time
Gentle pressure on the baby's tummy can help relieve gas. Wait at least 20 to 30 minutes after feeding before starting tummy time to let the baby formula settle and keep the baby from spitting up. Always supervise your baby during tummy time and never let them fall asleep on their stomach, as tummy-sleeping increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Probiotics / Prebiotics
A newborn's digestive system can often be sluggish and prone to building up gas due to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which is a collection of beneficial bacteria in the gut. By providing infants with probiotics and prebiotics to help correct this imbalance, caregivers can help reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.
After consulting with your baby's pediatrician, over-the-counter probiotics and prebiotics specially made for infants can be added to their diet in liquid or powdered form.
Caregivers often choose European baby formulas such as HiPP Dutch and HiPP German, which are specially designed to perfectly balance your baby's gut flora and mimic the nutrition found in breast milk. These nutritionally exceptional baby formulas contain both prebiotics and probiotics as standard ingredients.
Gas Reducing Formula
European infant formulas offer specialized nutrition for various ages, stages, and digestive issues, including gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort in infants. The most commonly used formula options to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms are those that are hydrolyzed, hypoallergenic, and A2 milk-based.
Holle and Kendamil, two leading European baby formula brands, offer safe and complete nutrition with gentle proteins. Unlike traditional cow's milk-based baby formulas that may not be well-tolerated by some infants, these formulas are free from soy and provide relief for gastrointestinal symptoms.
When considering goat milk-based formulas like Holle and Kendamil, it can be difficult to make a decision. Our team is available to assist you with research and answer any questions you may have.
Infant gas is a common issue and can be alleviated with a gentle touch and 100% organic nutrition, as a new baby's digestive system is immature. At My Organic Company, we understand that families need support too. That's why we have a community of parents, caregivers, and European baby formula experts available to provide advice, lend an ear, or share a smile. We welcome you to join us!
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