Why Is My Newborn So Gassy?
For the first four to six months, it’s normal for most babies to experience gas. Whether released as a burp or flatulence, gassiness is a sign of a maturing digestive system. Here are the most common reasons your baby might be gassy:
Underdeveloped digestive system:
A baby’s digestive system is more sensitive in the early months. Gas is produced as the small intestine digests nutrients and bacteria in the large intestine break down food matter. If your baby frequently spits up, has loose stools or explosive bowel movements, consult your doctor.
Swallowing air when crying or feeding:
Gas can result from swallowed air, whether ingested while crying or retained in certain baby bottles. The Emulait bottle is designed to regulate pressure, reduce air swallowing, and minimize gas.
Food sensitivities:
Your baby’s digestive system takes time to adjust, and you may detect food sensitivities or intolerances. Dairy is the most common sensitivity for babies. If your baby is using formula and seems overly gassy, you might need to try different varieties. Consult your baby’s healthcare provider if you’re concerned.
Milk oversupply
An oversupply of breast milk can cause gassy symptoms due to very fast milk flow. Consult with a lactation consultant if you think this might be an issue, as correcting oversupply needs to be done carefully.Signs of a Gassy Baby
Besides burps and flatulence, here are other symptoms of a gassy baby:- crying and fussiness: Your baby may cry or be more irritable than usual.
- not sleeping or eating: Gas can cause cramping and bloating, affecting appetite and sleep.
- drawing legs in: Babies might try to relieve abdominal pain by drawing their legs in and writhing.
How to Help Your Gassy Baby
Apply gentle pressure
Lay your baby tummy-down across your knee and gently massage their back. Alternatively, try the “airplane hold” by placing your baby along your forearm. Gently cycling your baby’s legs towards their tummy while they’re on their back can also help relieve trapped air.Adjust your feeding technique
Ensure your baby isn’t swallowing too much air while feeding. Factors like poor latch and fast flow can introduce air. Hold the bottle so the nipple fills with milk to prevent air swallowing.Rest your formula
Let your formula rest after shaking to avoid air bubbles. If you think your baby might have a formula intolerance, consult your healthcare provider.Choose a bottle that reduces air swallowing
Many bottles claim to be anti-colic, but gas results from ingested air and gas produced in the digestive system. The Emulait bottle is designed to replicate a mother’s nipple, reducing air intake.Are Gas and Colic the Same Thing?
Gas may contribute to colic, but they’re not the same. Colic is defined as any crying by a baby under three months lasting more than three hours a day, more than three days a week. Colic involves intense and prolonged crying, often with a red face, clenched fists, and drawn-in legs.Many tips for gassy babies are useful for colic, but you should also:
- ensure your baby isn’t hungry.
- distract your baby with interesting sights or touches.
- talk, rock, or walk your baby, or go for a drive.
- swaddle your baby or hold them close.
- use a pacifier to soothe. Emulait’s pacifier emulates the softness and texture of a nipple.
- If the crying is especially stressful, ask a family member to help during difficult hours, often in the evening.
