Soothing a gassy baby
Dealing with a gassy baby can be distressing, but there are several techniques you can try to help soothe their discomfort.
Burping:
Make sure to burp your baby frequently during and after feedings. Burping helps release trapped air from their stomach, reducing the likelihood of gas pains.
Gentle massage:
A gentle tummy massage can help relieve gas and discomfort. Use your fingertips to gently massage your baby's belly in a circular motion, moving from their right hip to their left hip.
Bicycle legs:
Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycling motion. This can help stimulate bowel movements and relieve gas.
Tummy time:
Encourage your baby to spend some supervised tummy time each day. This position can help put gentle pressure on their abdomen, which may help release gas.
Warm compress:
Applying a warm compress to your baby's tummy can help relax their muscles and relieve gas pains. Make sure the compress is not too hot and always test it on your own skin first.
Change feeding position:
If you're breastfeeding, try different nursing positions to see if any are more comfortable for your baby. If you're bottle-feeding, make sure the bottle nipple is the right size and that your baby isn't swallowing too much air while feeding.
Use gas drops:
Over-the-counter gas drops containing simethicone can help break up gas bubbles in your baby's stomach, making it easier for them to pass gas. Always consult with your paediatrician before giving your baby any medication.
Check for food sensitivities:
If you're breastfeeding, certain foods in your diet could be causing gas in your baby. Pay attention to your diet and see if there are any patterns between what you eat and your baby's symptoms. If you're formula-feeding, talk to your paediatrician about trying a different formula.
Consider probiotics:
Some parents find that probiotic supplements can help regulate their baby's digestion and reduce gas. Talk to your pediatrician before giving your baby any probiotic supplements.
Comfort measures:
Sometimes, simply providing comfort and reassurance to your baby can help calm them down and ease their discomfort. Hold them close, sing to them, or use a pacifier if they find comfort in sucking.
Carry baby in a colic hold:
The colic hold, also known as the "tiger in the tree" hold, is a technique used to soothe babies who are experiencing discomfort due to gas or colic.
To perform the colic hold:
- Lay your baby face down along your forearm, with their stomach resting on your arm and their head supported by your hand.
- Keep your baby's head higher than their stomach to help reduce discomfort from gas.
- Gently pat or rub your baby's back to help release trapped gas and provide comfort.
This position can help relieve gas by putting gentle pressure on your baby's abdomen and encouraging the release of trapped gas. It may also help to calm your baby and provide relief from colic symptoms.
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Remember that every baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to find out what works best for your little one. If you're concerned about your baby's gas or if they seem to be in a lot of discomfort, don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician for advice. You may also seek our Lactation service to help you with breastfeeding issues.