How To Help A Gassy Baby

11 Apr How To Help A Gassy Baby

While there are lots of different types of babies and lots of different parenting styles, there is one thing every parent can agree on: babies can be gassy. This is normal, as newborn babies have immature GI systems and gas is a normal byproduct of this immature system. While this may not be the most glamorous part of parenting, it is a reality for most moms and dads.

However, there are different levels of “gassiness” and if you have a particularly gassy baby on your hands, and it seems to be causing them discomfort, there are a few things you can do to help them. Babies notoriously struggle to coordinate their abdominal muscles to pass gas or poop and often need help with burping because they spend so much time on their backs.

If you’re dealing with a gassy baby, here’ show to help:

• Burping: This is a move most parents are already familiar with. Not every baby needs to be burped, but those who have gas and reflux tend to feel better when they’re burped. It is important to remember while burping that gas and colic are not the same.
• Bicycling the Legs: This is an easy exercise that you can do in order to promote gas release in babies. If your baby hasn’t figured out how to contract their abdominal muscles to release gas, bicycling their legs can help. Bring the knees to the belly and pedal the legs if absolutely needed.
• Tummy Time: Babies need to sleep on their back to reduce the chances of SIDS. However, babies also need to spend time on their stomach, or have “tummy time.” Tummy time is important for a number of developmental reasons, but can also promote a natural gas release.
• Massage: Infant massage is shown to decrease the duration of colic and crying and can help get things moving in your baby’s system. Infant massage should be gentle and comfortable for your baby and focus on their tummy areas.

When you have a gassy baby who is really fussy, it can be frustrating. After all, no parent wants to see their baby fussy or upset. If you have major concerns about your baby’s gassiness and feel as though it is above and beyond normal gassiness, always contact your pediatrician with questions.

Here at Continuum Pediatrics, we are always available to answer any questions that you may have. You can schedule an appointment by calling our office directly at 817-617-8600 and talking to our team today.