Infants commonly experience gas issues, as noted by pediatricians and baby care specialists at Summer Health. When your baby begins to make grunting noises, burping, passing gas, and emitting an unpleasant odor, it may indicate gas passing through. Although passing gas is a normal occurrence, a buildup in the baby’s abdomen can cause discomfort, pain, or colic. Given our expertise in handling gassy babies, we aim to educate you on the triggers, identification, and methods for providing relief from gas, burps, and farts.
Written by Dahlia Rimmon, MS, RDN
Reviewed by Dr. Marcy Borieux, MD, FAAP
Overfeeding
Feeding your baby too much at once can overwhelm their digestive system, leading to gas and discomfort. Make sure to follow a feeding schedule and pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues to prevent overfeeding.
Poor feeding position
The way your baby is positioned during feeding can impact how much air they swallow. Make sure your baby is in an upright position while feeding to minimize air intake and reduce gas.
Food in mother’s diet
If you are breastfeeding, certain foods in your diet could be causing gas in your baby. Common culprits include dairy, cruciferous vegetables, and beans. Keep track of what you eat and how it affects your baby’s gas levels.
Slow digestion
Some babies have a naturally slower digestion process, which can lead to increased gas buildup. Gentle tummy massages and leg exercises can help stimulate digestion and alleviate gas discomfort.
Other signs and symptoms of infant gas may include:
- Unsettled behavior, such as pulling legs up to chest or arching back
- Fussiness during feeding
- Burping or passing gas frequently
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent waking due to discomfort
- Changes in bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhea
- Inconsolable crying episodes
If you suspect your baby is experiencing gas discomfort, it is important to try techniques such as burping during and after feedings, gentle tummy massages, and ensuring proper positioning during feeding to help alleviate symptoms. Consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s gas or if symptoms persist.
10. Comforting techniques
Try gentle rocking, swaddling, or using a white noise machine to help soothe your gassy baby and provide comfort.
11. Check for tight clothing
Make sure your baby’s clothing is not too tight around the abdomen, as this can contribute to discomfort and gas build-up.
12. Keep baby upright after feedings
Try to keep your baby upright for about 30 minutes after feedings to help prevent and alleviate gas.
13. Warm baths
A warm bath can help relax your baby’s muscles and provide relief from gas pains. Make sure the water is comfortably warm, not too hot.
14. Stay hydrated
If you are breastfeeding, make sure to stay hydrated yourself. Proper hydration can help in milk production and digestion, which can in turn help prevent gas in your baby.
15. Seek support
Don’t hesitate to reach out to other parents or support groups for advice and reassurance. Dealing with a gassy baby can be challenging, but you are not alone!
If you have any concerns about your baby’s gas or overall health, consult with a pediatrician for personalized guidance and recommendations.
What causes gas in newborns and infants?
Swallowing air during feeding
Infants may ingest air while drinking milk from a breast or bottle, resulting in gas accumulation. To minimize this, opt for anti-colic bottles, burp your baby during feeds, eliminate any bubbles in the formula, and ensure a proper latch during breastfeeding.
Immature digestive system
Due to the ongoing development of a baby’s digestive system, certain processes may not be fully developed, leading to trapped or excess gas in the stomach and intestines that need to be released.
Sensitivities or intolerances
Your baby might be sensitive to components in breast milk or formula, which can lead to excess gas. Some babies may struggle to digest large proteins found in dairy and soy, resulting in gas-related discomfort.
Other signs and symptoms of infant gas can include:
- Fussiness during feeding or difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle
- Arching of the back during or after feeding
- Pulling legs up to the chest in an attempt to relieve discomfort
- Passing excessive amounts of gas
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
If you notice any of these signs in your baby, it may be helpful to try different feeding positions, burping techniques, or incorporating gas-relief drops recommended by your pediatrician. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about your baby’s gas or discomfort.
Additional tips for helping babies with gas
Here are some more ways to help relieve gas in babies:
10. Use a warm compress
Applying a warm compress to your baby’s tummy can help relax the muscles and ease gas discomfort.
11. Try infant probiotics
Discuss with your pediatrician about using infant probiotics to help balance your baby’s gut flora and reduce gas.
12. Consider a different feeding position
Experiment with different feeding positions to help prevent excess air intake and aid in digestion.
13. Use a white noise machine
Gentle white noise or rhythmic sounds can help soothe a gassy baby and promote relaxation.
14. Monitor your baby’s feeding schedule
Keep track of your baby’s feeding schedule and observe if certain times or patterns of feeding contribute to gas issues.
Gassy foods to avoid
Avoid feeding your baby foods that are known to cause gas, such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and onions.
By incorporating these additional tips and being mindful of gassy foods, you can help alleviate gas discomfort in your baby. For personalized advice and guidance, consult with a pediatrician at Summer Health 24/7.
Summer Health provides reliable pediatric urgent care and online consultations with expert doctors for all your baby’s health needs.
Gas in Babies and Toddlers: What’s Normal, Common Culprits and What to Do!
Gas is a natural aspect of a healthy digestive system, with individuals passing gas anywhere from 6 to 20 times daily. Given the developing digestive system of infants, gas issues are common among them.
What are Common Symptoms of Gassiness in My Baby and Toddler?
Typical signs of gas problems include flatulence, bloating, belching, and irritability. Recognizing the difference between painful and benign gas is crucial, intervening only when necessary.
Infants often experience more gas due to their developing digestive system. Implement activities like tummy time or leg cycling to aid in gas release.
Gas When Starting Solids
Introduce solid foods cautiously to pinpoint foods causing increased gas. Beans, cruciferous vegetables, and high-fiber foods can contribute to gas-related issues.
Seek medical advice if your baby displays signs of food sensitivity, allergies, or severe abdominal discomfort.
Gas in Older Babies and Toddlers: Common Culprits and What to Do
Identify culprits like juice, fried foods, beans, and specific vegetables and fruits that can increase gas in older children. Keeping a food journal can help in managing symptoms.
Consult a healthcare professional before administering over-the-counter remedies for gas relief in children. Adjusting the diet, staying hydrated, and regular exercise can alleviate gas symptoms.
Always seek advice from a pediatrician regarding health and feeding concerns for your child’s well-being.
Alleviate tummy discomfort with Earth’s Best’s Organic Gentle Infant Formula with Iron.
Stomach pains in toddlers are common, and in most cases, do not necessitate medical intervention. However, persistent stomach pain should prompt a conversation with your child’s healthcare provider.
Some other common culprits of stomach pain in toddlers include constipation, food allergies, and stress. It’s important to monitor your child’s symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary.
Types of Stomach Pain in Kids
Toddlers experience tummy aches, which is a typical part of toddler life. Stomach pain may manifest in various ways, providing insights into the underlying issue. Different types of stomach pain in kids include:
Generalized pain: If your toddler is unable to pinpoint their discomfort or indicates pain in over half of the abdomen, they likely have generalized pain not localized to a specific area. Common causes include indigestion, gas, constipation, or a stomach virus.
Localized pain: If your child points to a specific area of the belly, it could indicate localized pain, suggesting a larger issue like problems with the appendix, gallbladder, ovaries, testicles, a hernia, or stomach ulcer.
Cramp-like pain: Children experiencing cramp-like stomach pains often have gas or bloating, potentially followed by diarrhea.
If your toddler displays symptoms like loss of appetite or pulling legs towards the belly, they may be experiencing stomach pain or a tummy ache.
Possible Causes of Stomachache in Kids
Abdominal discomfort in children is usually not a cause for alarm. It is advisable to seek advice from your child’s healthcare provider to identify the root of their stomach issues. Below are common reasons for stomach pain in children and tips on how to recognize if it is a serious concern:
Constipation
One of the primary reasons for stomach pain in children is constipation. Various factors like diet and toilet training can contribute to constipation in toddlers.
Diet. Make sure your child consumes adequate fiber and liquids to prevent constipation.
Toilet training. Challenges during toilet training can lead to constipation in children.
Other causes of constipation in children include alterations in routine, food allergies, or underlying health conditions.
Contact your child’s healthcare provider if constipation persists or if additional symptoms like blood in stool, fever, or loss of appetite appear.
Food Allergies and Intolerances
Stomach pain in children can also be triggered by food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities. Common allergenic foods for children include milk, eggs, soy, wheat, nuts, fish, and shellfish.
If you suspect food allergies or if symptoms continue after consuming specific foods, contact your child’s healthcare provider.
Stomach Flu or Food Poisoning
Stomach flu and food poisoning are other potential causes of stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting in children. Typically, these symptoms resolve within 48 hours.
If symptoms persist or signs of dehydration emerge, consult your child’s healthcare provider.
Strep Throat or Mononucleosis
Certain illnesses like strep throat and mononucleosis can lead to abdominal pain in children.
If you suspect strep throat or mono, contact your child’s healthcare provider.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can also trigger stomach pain in children. Identify stressors and seek advice from your child’s healthcare provider on stress management techniques.
Appendicitis
Although rare, appendicitis can be a reason for stomach pain in children. Notify your child’s healthcare provider if you suspect appendicitis.
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a condition that can cause stomach pain in young children. Contact your child’s healthcare provider if a rash develops.
Home Remedies for Stomach Pain in Kids
If looking for home remedies for stomach pain in children, seek guidance from your child’s healthcare provider to determine the cause. Follow strategies recommended by the provider to alleviate stomach discomfort.
When to Contact Your Child’s Healthcare Provider
In addition to the mentioned causes of stomach pain in children, be alert for signs that require immediate action. Contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if stomach pain is accompanied by vomiting without bowel movements.
If you observe blood or pus in stool or vomit, dark or tarry stool, or green or yellow vomit, feel intense abdominal pain, have a firm, swollen abdomen, struggle to breathe, or have recently sustained an injury, seek medical attention promptly.
If you are receiving treatment for a severe medical condition such as cancer, it is crucial to have regular consultations with your healthcare provider.
Other symptoms that warrant a visit to your healthcare provider (rather than the emergency room) include persistent stomach pain lasting more than 24 hours, or continuous vomiting for over 12 hours, particularly if the pain is worsening.