Gas – the inevitable challenge that comes with welcoming a newborn into your life. Suddenly, those tiny burps and adorable baby farts become a significant concern for new parents. If you find yourself wondering why your little one seems gassy, you're not alone. According to pediatricians all babies experience gas in their first two months of life.
Why So Gassy?
Newborns, fresh from their nine-month stint in the womb, have never encountered air until their first breath. When they cry or feed, they may swallow air, leading to burps. On the other hand, farts, expelled from below, signify the awakening of their digestive systems. As liquid in their intestines interacts with gut bacteria, gas is produced. However, these little ones are not adept at getting it out, leading to some adorable but distressed moments.
Gas is a Part of Life
If your baby is thriving – feeding well, gaining weight, and passing normal stools – the gas-related antics are usually harmless. Yet, it's tough for parents to witness their infants in discomfort. Thankfully, pediatricians offer valuable insights and tips to help ease your newborn's gas troubles.
Tips to Help Your Baby with Gas:
Timely Feedings: Start feeding before your infant becomes excessively hungry to minimize air swallowing during frantic feeding sessions.
Burp Effectively: After feeding, burp your baby by holding them upright, allowing air to escape. For breastfeeding, switch breasts only after your baby is done feeding.
Bottle Feeding Techniques: Hold your baby upright after bottle feeding to encourage burping. Experiment with different nipples and bottle shapes to find what works best.
Positioning Matters: Help your baby change positions to aid gas expulsion. Feed them as upright as possible, lay them on their back and pedal their legs, or place them on their belly when awake after a feeding.
Tummy Time: Increase tummy time during your baby's awake hours to encourage gas movement.
Common Gas Questions & Answers:
Q: Will changing a breastfeeding mother’s diet or trying formula changes help decrease a baby’s discomfort from gas?
A: While there's no absolute correlation, a nursing mom may find certain foods "gas-inducing." For formula-fed babies, try changes but revert if no improvement is observed.
Q: Do gas drops help? (And are they safe?)
A: Simethicone drops can be used if they help with farting, following the label instructions. If no improvement is seen, discontinue use.
Q: Do probiotics help?
A: Limited data exists on using probiotics for infant gas. While mostly harmless, they haven't shown significant effects.
The Light at the End of the Gas Tunnel
The discomfort from gas is a passing phase, typically peaking at six weeks and significantly improving by three months of age. Even the fussiest babies tend to settle at this point, bringing relief to both infants and their loving parents.