Gas is simply air inside the stomach or in the intestines however for babies it can cause pain.
- Gas is normal for infants and generally will go away by itself.
- Babies may experience gassiness when they swallow air during crying or eating.
- Simple home remedies like elevating their legs or moving their head can soothe the gassy baby.
If a baby is suffering from gas, little bubbles form in the stomach or intestines. Sometimes, they cause discomfort and pressure in the stomach.
Most gassy infants are not affected by gas. However, some are restless and can’t sleep until they have exhausted their gas. Some babies can cry for long periods.
Causes
Almost all babies get gas. Gas is a result of air getting through the stomach, like when a baby suckers on an empty bottle and consumes air. The term “gas” does not necessarily mean there is something wrong.
Some of the reasons why a baby could develop gassiness include:
Swallowing air
Babies may take in air if they can latch to the breast in the wrong way or if they breastfeed or drink from bottles in certain positions. They may also be able to swallow air by the habit of babbling.
Crying too loud
Babies are known to swallow air whenever they cry. If this causes them to experience gas, they could have to swallow it in the course of crying.
Minor digestive problems
Babies can experience gas when they’re constipated.
In rare cases, gas can be a sign of a digestive issue that can be a sign of acid reflux. One can speak to a pediatrician about the baby’s gas levels, particularly when the gas occurs often or is very extreme.
New food items
For older infants who consume solid foods, new foods can trigger gas. For certain babies, gas-like episodes can be an indication of food sensitivities.
Home remedies
A few simple home remedies could calm a baby and assist in moving gas bubbles more quickly from the body.
The baby should be placed to ensure the head of the baby is over the stomach could assist.
Other methods can assist in relieving gas for the infant:
Move their feet around in circles
The person could lay the infant flat on their back and then lift their legs while keeping their knees bent. The legs can be moved in a bicycling movement could aid in the release of gas trapped within.
Heads up
The baby’s head should be elevated over the stomach can help relieve gas. It can also help in maintaining them in an upright position to allow for burping.
Swaddling
Baby and newborns can be swaddled. This can aid in reducing gas. But some babies do not like this.
Crashing them facedown
One can try holding infants in arms, however, face down instead of face up. It is essential to hold the baby’s head and raise it a bit, making sure that nothing touches the baby’s nose or face.
Massage their stomachs
A gentle rub on the baby’s stomach can help relieve gas. One can try pressing down with gentle counter clockwise or clockwise movements and let the baby’s responses determine the pressure.
What happens to the baby’s diet impact gas?
It is the natural normal food source for infants and is generally the most healthy option when it is available. There is no reason to stop breastfeeding if the baby is gastric.
Infant formula could also cause gas. Mixing formula for infants can create air bubbles in the baby’s food, which can increase the likelihood of gas. Try a premixed liquid formulation instead or allow the formula to have some time to settle before feeding your baby.
It is recommended to talk to a pediatrician before changing the baby’s formula.
As babies begin eating solids and start to eat solids, keeping a food diary will help in identifying food sensitivities that cause gas.
When should you call the doctor?
There’s no need to visit a physician for minor gas, but it is essential to talk about any symptoms with your newborn’s next appointment.
The gas of a baby will typically disappear by itself. However, parents or caregiver needs to consult a pediatrician if the child is experiencing one of the following issues:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- Blood in their stool
- The fever
- vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- weight loss
Read More: MODALERT CAN REDUCE DAYTIME TIREDNESS
Prevention
Strategies that can aid in preventing gas emissions include:
- Change the position of feeding:Â Try changing the baby’s feeding position to make sure their head is slightly higher than their belly.
- Improved latch A weak latch can cause a baby to take in excessive amounts of air. It is possible to talk to an expert in lactation when breastfeeding is difficult or the baby is upset or the baby regularly takes off the latch away from its breast. Attending a La Leche League meeting can assist.
- Slowing down feeding the slowing down of the pace at which babies are fed formula might assist. Certain babies drink their bottles extremely quickly, leading them to take in air. Try a slow-flow nipple. You can search for various brands on the internet.
- Test other bottles Certain babies experience less gas they use different-shaped bottles, for example, curving bottles. Whatever the shape of a bottle, it’s essential to keep it upright enough so that the bottom inside the bottle is filled with milk, not air.
- The baby should be burped more frequently:Â One might consider having a break during each meal to burp your baby. Burp the baby after every meal, too.
Gassy and breastfeeding baby
Many mothers are concerned that their diet could be the cause. There isn’t any research-based evidence Trusted Source that a breastfeeding mother should not avoid certain gas-causing food items, like broccoli, beans, and cabbage to avoid a gassy baby. The gas and fibber that result from the foods that parents eat do not get into the breast milk.
The process of breastfeeding can trigger gas in the baby’s mouth if air gets into the baby’s mouth because of the following reasons:
- A loose latch on the finger
- Then gulping
- crying
Summary
Although many babies don’t appear to be bothered by their gas intake, for some gas can be an issue and can be a cause of stress for both the infant and their caregivers.
If a child doesn’t rest well, constant crying can become difficult and exhausting. Gas is, however, an inevitable part of babyhood that typically goes away by itself.