Have you been struggling with your baby’s behaviour lately? Do you think your baby is often grumpy and moody? Though such behaviours can happen occasionally, a baby constantly feeling uncomfortable will make you worry and keep you on your toes all the time.
But what if your baby is like this because of gas issues? Even though it is a bit challenging to dig the exact point of contention in babies in the early months, some signs can help you figure out the specific problem for sure.
As for this article, we’ll be going through some tips and tricks that can aid you in giving your baby the relief that he should have.
Causes That Lead To Gas In Babies
Before we jump into the tips to help a gassy baby, it is essential to know that such problems are common in occurrence. Since the baby’s digestive system has just begun developing, having gas issues is 100% normal.
The passing of gas is a normal human phenomenon; hence a gassy baby isn’t much worry. However, when the gas in the body is unable to pass, it gets collected in the digestive tract, thus causing bloating and irritation in a baby.
Anyhow, it will probably be more fitting if we go through the signs first. That can let you know whether your baby has a gas problem or not.
Some typical signs of babies with gas problems are:
- Crying for elongated periods.
- Sulky and sad mood.
- Improper sleep and food cycle.
- Discomfort overall.
- Bloating and Farting.
The signs mentioned above can happen due to various reasons. For example, one of the reasons why babies produce more gas than adults is because of constipation. Other reasons could be the incorrect way you are making your baby burp, the baby’s position, and the sucking of your baby through a pacifier.
Quick Tips To Help A Gassy Baby
Once you have made sure that your baby indeed has gas issues, the tips mentioned are going to prove quite helpful.
You’ll realise that most of these tips are common, and it could be that you indeed do them. But from now on, it will be better if you pay more attention to these and carry them out properly.
1. Check The Position Of Your Baby
During feeding sessions, ensure that your baby’s head is kept higher than its stomach. That way, the milk shall go down your baby’s stomach and the air upwards.
You can also use a pillow while feeding. Please don’t make your baby lie down as that will cause more gas. If your baby is bottle-fed, go for bottles with nipples that help regulate air and liquid.
For those who breastfeed their babies, you must consult your doctor about your diet, as peculiar foods might be causing that painful gas in your baby. Some food items that can cause gas are caffeine, dairy products, vegetables such as broccoli, etc.
2. Make Your Baby Burp
One of the easiest ways to alleviate trapped gas or relief gas, in general, is to make your baby burp during the feeding session and after it.
You can also gently pat your baby on the back after the feeding, or you can make them lie down on their backs, too, if they don’t burp right away. If your little one lets go of the nipple only a few minutes after you start feeding, then that could be a sign to make your baby burp instead of thinking it’s full.
Frequent massages can also be effective for babies to easily digest their food and have a happy and energetic mood overall.
3. Make Your Baby Ride A Bicycle
No, this does not mean that you get your baby to bicycle and neither does it require any hardcore effort from your side.
All you have to do is lie your little one down on its back and slowly move the legs back and forth in a bicycle motion. This can aid in the release and push that gas out. You can also push your baby’s knees to his tummy and hold it for a good 10 seconds.
Repeat these minor but productive exercises to relieve gas quickly!
4. Do The “I Love You” Massage
Most of you must be thinking that we are making this up, but no. Usually, the nurses teach the technique of the “I love you” massage to new moms before leaving the hospital.
The steps included are as stated. Lie down your baby on its back and start rubbing the tummy in circular motions with a gentle hand. Start stroking the words “I”, “L”, and “Y” with three fingers on the baby’s belly. Next, spell the words around the entire belly smoothly.
By doing this, you are helping the gas in your baby’s digestive tract to pass out without any discomfort – Isn’t that a fun yet easy exercise to do with your baby?
5. Don’t Skip Feeding Sessions
If there is one thing that you should never do, you must never skip your baby’s feeding time or wait for a specific time to roll around.
Purposefully waiting for a temper tantrum or meltdowns is like adding fuel to the fire. Babies, especially newborns, are hungry all the time. Moreover, while crying, they are simply chugging air down their throats. This can highly contribute to that terrifying gas episode.
Since crying is unpredictable primarily in infants, it is better to keep them well fed to avoid unexpected waterworks.
6. Experiment And Encourage Baby Drops
Though it might not be ideal for dabbling around and experimenting, trying formulas that tone down that gassiness can be a good thing.
Apart from testing new formulas for your baby, you can also try baby drops. They are not helpful for all babies, but they don’t cause harm either.
Note: Talk to your doctor before you try or give anything to your baby. The last thing you would want for your baby is to be in pain and discomfort.
Conclusion
Here are all the tips and techniques that you’ll need to help a gassy baby. Remember, newborns are pretty sensitive, and almost anything can trigger them. Therefore you must be aware of the signs, causes and remedies related to gassy babies. Not only will that keep you prepared but also you’ll be able to solve the issue yourself!
Recent Comments