This is all perfectly logical but easy to forget when you’re face to face with an unhappy, gassy baby. She can’t tell you what’s wrong or how to fix it. That’s why we put together the following information: to help you understand what might be happening, what might be causing it and how you can help your little one feel more comfortable.
WHAT causes excess gas in babies?
Gas is normal and usually not anything to worry about. (It’s something we’re all familiar with!) There are various causes of excess gas in babies and newborns but the main reason this happens is a result of excess air being taken in during feedings.
In some cases, rare allergies could be the culprit so it’s good to monitor and reach out to your doctor if you’re concerned. If you and your doctor rule out a severe allergy to formula or breast milk, it’s time to look at the bottle and nipple you’re using as well as how you’re feeding your little one. Funny enough, if you are breastfeeding and pumping, what YOU eat could also have an effect on your baby!
Most newborns will experience gas before, during, or after feeding. But there are ways to help minimize gas from occurring if it’s causing your baby discomfort.
Causes of Gas in Babies:
- Swallowing to much air when feeding
- Breathing excessive air when crying
- Food sensitivities or allergies
Signs that your baby’s discomfort is gas related
- Your baby refuses to eat, or you have trouble getting your baby to eat
- Crying excessively, for no obvious reason, and becoming flush in the face
- Raising knees to their chest when laying down on their back
- Difficulty getting your baby to sleep for a nap or at bedtime
How can I help minimize gas?
Excess air ingestion during bottle feeding is the most common cause of gas in newborns and can be easily prevented. If your baby doesn’t have a secure latch with the nipple, or if the flow rate is not right for them, the chances of swallowing air while feeding increases.
Here are some suggestions you can try during and after bottle feeding to help relieve gas that your baby may be experiencing:
- Look for an anti-colic nipple designed to guide air away from nipple
- Choose the flow rate that supports your baby’s feeding skills
- Ensure baby has a secure latch on the nipple so air is not entering through the side of their mouth.
- Pay attention to your baby’s body position during feeding, hold him so his head is higher than his tummy and he is actively nursing – not gulping.
- Burp your baby more than once while feeding
The following video explains in more detail how to get those burps out!
Chicco How to Burp Baby
Video courtesy of Valerie Trumbower, DONA Certified Postpartum Doula (PCD) and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)Chicco is on a mission to bid the baby bottle blues goodbye!
We’ve researched, developed and tested our bottles, nipples and pacifiers to optimize baby’s comfort and parents’ peace of mind. Our Intui-latch® anti-colic nipple is made of soft silicone with a natural, skin-like feel and texture that’s familiar to baby and provides a secure latch. It’s shaped to naturally position the tongue and lips for an intuitive latch and features an anti-colic valve for less air ingestion1 and more feeding comfort2. The breast-like, slow flow is just right for newborns and achieved a 9 out of 10 acceptance2 rating when tested with babies 0-6 months old.
Footnotes
1. 2018 consumer test in Italy on 246 babies, 0-4m
2. 2018 consumer test in Italy on 446 babies, 0-6m