Baby gas - finding baby gas relief

What causes baby gas?

Most small babies have some form of baby gas, which generally peaks around 6- 8 weeks and subsides around 3 to 4 months. It is common in both breastfed and formula fed babies. Most babies will turn red in the face and strain, grunt or cry with gas pain. Baby gas can be caused by any number or combination of the following:

  • something in the mother's diet the baby has sensitivities to

  • too much foremilk in the breastmilk

  • overactive letdown of breastmilk that makes it difficult for baby to swallow and thus he takes in a great deal of air when nursing

  • something in the formula that baby has sensitivities to

  • too much air in the bottle if formula feeding

  • poor positioning during nursing or bottle feeding causing baby to swallow air

Getting baby gas relief - eliminating baby gas

If mom is breastfeeding she should investigate the possibility of overactive letdown and foremilk/hindmilk imbalance and consider an elimination diet. If formula feeding consider trying different formulas to reduce baby gas. Give each different formula at least several weeks before switching to see real baby gas relief. Try Dr. Brown's bottles, which prevent baby gas by use of an internal straw that eliminates excess air in the bottle.

For both breast and bottle feeding, positioning can make all the difference when it comes to baby gas. A feeding wedge will put your baby in an upright position with a straight spine and help eliminate baby gas by making it easier for him to swallow during feeding. Be sure his head is not turned, which can also make it difficult to swallow and increase baby gas.

Always burp him thoroughly, both during and after feeds and any time you see him straining with baby gas or hiccups. The action of sucking can help him to pass baby gas as well so allow comfort nursing on the empty breast (so as not to increase milk supply which can aggravate baby gas) or offer a pacifier.

What about baby gas drops, simethicone and gripe water?

Many products on the market today that are marketed for relieving baby gas have not been tested on infants nor have they been clinically proven to be effective. In addition, there have been recent FDA recalls and some have been linked to infant illnesses. Before introducing a foreign substance into your baby's delicate system try the natural techniques for baby gas relief we have offered.

What to do right now for baby gas pain

It can take several days or even weeks for these natural baby gas remedies to take effect. In the meantime keep your baby as relaxed as possible. The movement of baby wearing can help speed up his system and provide baby gas relief. Try plenty of warm baths to relax his abdominal muscles. When he is not in the bath warm up one of our specially designed tummy packets and place it directly on his abdomen, then tightly swaddle him to hold it in place. The combination of warmth and pressure is an age-old remedy for baby gas.

Looking for products to relieve baby gas?

Visit our online store for items to improve your baby's digestion and help him pass gas naturally. We have feeding wedges, Dr. Brown's bottles, tummy warmer packets, and self-closing pacifiers to prevent your baby from swallowing air and help him eliminate it without the use of questionable simethicone drops or gripe water. Pollywog Store

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More information:

Feeding positions to improve digestion
Getting baby calm - and keeping him that way
Tips for keeping caregivers sane

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