Gas relief for babies: What you should know

5 min. read time

Dealing with a gassy baby can be distressing for any parent. In this guide, we’ll explore the common reasons behind baby gas, and provide straightforward, trusted gas remedies for newborns. From feeding adjustments to soothing exercises, you’ll soon know how to calm your little one without any fuss.

Gassy newborns: understanding why

The gurgles and toots coming from your baby might be cute at first, but they’re often signs of an immature digestive system struggling to pass gas efficiently. Whether breastfed or bottle-fed, feeding times can introduce pesky air bubbles into your infant’s tummy, leading to that all-too-familiar baby gas.¹

When your little one starts to exhibit tell-tale signs like crying, mood changes, or physical clenching, it’s clear they’re experiencing gas discomfort. While it’s usually a normal part of growing up, persistent gas pain can affect your baby’s overall wellbeing, disrupt their sleep, and cause restlessness.

Remember: if these symptoms become a regular affair, it’s important to consult your baby’s doctor to rule out anything more serious.

How to soothe newborn gas

Not sure how to soothe newborn gas? From mastering the art of getting a good burp from your baby to engaging in tummy time, there are several strategies and positions which can help your baby pass gas quickly and effectively:

Tummy time. Tummy time is not just beneficial for their neck strength, it’s also great for baby gas relief. The gentle pressure it places on their tummy helps break up those troublesome gas bubbles. As your little one reaches and wiggles for toys during this essential playtime, their movements encourage the passing of gas. Allowing your baby to engage in ‘hip rolls’ or to simply squirm and stretch during tummy time can naturally relieve gas, ease stomach discomfort, and promote healthy growth.
Burping. When figuring out how to help a newborn with gas, many parents become a burping connoisseur in their quest to relieve their baby’s discomfort. The act of burping helps release gas bubbles that may arise if your baby swallowed air while feeding. By holding your baby upright and gently patting their back, you encourage air to rise and make its great escape.² While burping is common after feeding, don’t hesitate to pause a breastfeeding session every so often to coax out a good burp, preventing gas pain from building up. And if the initial attempts don’t pay off, laying your baby down briefly before trying again can be surprisingly effective.
Leg exercises. If you’re wondering how to get rid of baby gas fast, consider trying out some leg exercises with your little one. The ‘bicycle motion’ is a classic move, where you gently cycle your baby’s legs to mimic pedaling, helping them pass gas and alleviate discomfort. Combining this with a gentle belly massage can further assist in expelling gas, providing a soothing touch to your baby’s tummy. For a change in tempo, the ‘criss-cross sitting’ technique positions your baby against your abdomen, with legs elevated, helping to move gas through more effectively
Sleep positions. It’s important to ensure your baby sleeps safely and comfortably, particularly when they’re experiencing gas. The gold standard for sleep safety is placing your baby on their back, which also happens to be the best position for gassy babies.³ To aid gas relief during their waking hours, remember to incorporate some tummy time, which can help minimize gas buildup and contribute to a more peaceful sleep. Additionally, a warm bath before bedtime or a soothing massage can help to ease stomach discomfort and promote better sleep for your infant.
Soothing strategies. Often, figuring out how to soothe newborn gas requires simple, time-tested techniques that go beyond merely relieving gas. Gentle touches like rubbing your baby’s back while they’re on their tummy or swaddling them can provide much-needed comfort.

Top tip: the natural soothing effect of a pacifier, such as the Philips Avent Ultra Air Pacifier can help tackle discomfort caused by gas. With its rounded, breathable design, the Ultra Air Pacifier allows for maximum air flow providing light, self-soothing relief for your baby.
Feeding strategies. Feeding is a fundamental part of your baby’s day, and refining this process may reduce gas issues. Whether you’re breastfeeding or using a bottle, certain techniques and adjustments can help your baby ingest less air and experience less gas:

How to help a newborn with gas when bottle feeding: choose a bottle with slow-flow nipple or vented designs that help limit air intake. The Philips Anti-Colic Baby Bottle with AirFree Vent is designed to draw air away from the nipple, keeping it full of milk. Even when the bottle is horizontal the nipple stays full so your baby can drink in an upright position, which can help reduce reflux and aid in digestion.*

How to help a newborn with gas when breastfeeding: adjusting your diet might be the key to baby gas relief when you’re breastfeeding. Common culprits like dairy, caffeine, and spicy foods are worth monitoring and possibly eliminating to see if your baby’s gas relief improves.⁴ It’s an investigation of sorts—remove foods one at a time and observe any changes in your baby’s gas troubles.
Gas drops. In terms of gas remedies for newborns, gas drops, often containing the active ingredient simethicone, may offer some relief. They work by breaking up the gas bubbles in your baby’s tummy, making it easier for them to pass gas.⁵ Administered orally, these drops can be added to breast milk, formula, or given directly. The timing is crucial, as they’re most effective when used about 30 minutes before feeding to help prevent gas issues. It’s recommended to wait until your baby is at least two weeks old before introducing gas drops. You should always consult your doctor first and make sure you use them according to the instructions on the packaging.
Probiotics. When it comes to nurturing a healthy gut, probiotics may play a role in your baby’s gas relief and overall digestive health. Found in certain foods and supplements, these beneficial bacteria could help reduce fussiness associated with gas, although more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in alleviating gas in newborns. Before starting probiotics, always consult with your baby’s doctor, particularly since the gut microbiome is complex and still not fully understood.⁶

What you need

ultra air pacifier

SCF244/42

Lets your baby’s skin breathe

6-18m

Orthodontic & BPA-Free

4-pack
4.6 (1438 reviews)

Overall rating 4.6 / 5

$13.89*
View product
Anti-colic bottle with AirFree vent

SCY701/04

4 Bottles

4oz/125ml

Flow 1 nipple

0m+
4.4 (94 reviews)

Overall rating 4.4 / 5
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Gassy baby: When gas points to a larger issue

Gas can sometimes be more than just a minor nuisance; it can be a signpost for bigger health concerns, such as colic.

If your baby has any of the following symptoms, it’s time to seek medical advice:

Difficulty passing stools
Bloody stools
Vomiting
Unrelenting fussiness that can’t be calmed

Keep an eye out for symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea accompanying gas, as these can be tell-tale signs of gastrointestinal viruses.⁷ And remember, a high rectal temperature in your baby, in conjunction with gas, should prompt you to seek professional medical care.

As we wrap up this guide, remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. From mastering tummy time to tweaking feeding techniques and recognizing when to seek medical advice, you now have an arsenal of newborn gas relief strategies to help ensure your little one’s comfort.

*At 2 weeks of age, babies fed with a Philips Avent bottle showed less colic, and significantly less fussing at night compared to babies fed with another competitor bottle.