Infant Gas: How to Prevent and Treat It?

What Is Infant Gas?

Gas in a newborn does not necessarily indicate a problem. Gassy babies might occasionally appear to be extremely unhappy or in pain. Identifying the reason for a baby's discomfort might be challenging.

Newborn gas problems make the babies agitated as they try to find comfort. They could cry and fuss more than usual, kick and raise their legs to their breast, or have problems falling asleep.

Infant gas is produced in the digestive tracts of all people. Some infants might require assistance exhaling the gas. It requires preventative and therapeutic measures to lessen their discomfort, but certain straightforward actions can make a huge impact.

What Causes Infant Gas?

You will notice that your kid appears to be feeling better after passing a lot of gas. Babies are frequently gassy because of their undeveloped digestive systems and tendency to swallow air during feedings. Some infants could be sensitive to specific formula types or a nursing mother's diet.

Gaseous meals, such as some vegetables and beans, might impact breastfed infants. Others believe that eating too much dairy and acidic meals contributes to their baby's fussiness.

Gas and bloating are frequent symptoms of food intolerance, and you can also experience other gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhoea if this is your gas source.

Signs and Symptoms of Infant Gas

Newborn gas is one of the common problems. However, check out for these warning signs and symptoms of unusual baby gas:

Your Infant Cries and Fusses for an Hour a Day

This might be a symptom of newborn gassiness, which is common due to their small, immature digestive systems.

Your Infant Is not Eating Enough Food or Getting Enough Sleep

Infant gas could be among the causes of difficulty sleeping or eating, particularly when there are other symptoms.

Your Infant Appears to be Sad Most of the Time

This may mean that your gassy infant needs a little more assistance.

How to Prevent Infant Gas?

You may do various actions before, during, and after feedings that could reduce your baby's fussiness.

Tilt the Bottle:

Bottles provide a special chance for air intake. When feeding, tilt the bottle up to roughly a 30 or 40-degree angle so that the air sinks to the bottom and the milk is only visible at the bottle's bottom, close to the nipple.

Burp the Infant:

Both before and after feeding, remember to burp your infant. Even if your baby is hungry, they might not appreciate this. Still, by removing the air halfway through their feeding, you lower the probability that it will enter the digestive system.

Eat in a Different Way

Suppose you're nursing, and your infant appears especially irritable after you consume a certain item. In that case, consider reducing the quantity of gas-producing foods you consume. Milk and other dairy products and root vegetables like broccoli are frequently included.

Try reducing the air inhaled by newborns to avoid infant gas. This means checking whether their lips are sealing the areola during breastfeeding.

Infant Gas Treatment Options

You can take care of your gassy infant in several ways. Following are some possible treatments for them:

• Keep your infant upright straight away after feeding. They will be able to burp more easily as a result.
• Try placing your infant on their back while moving their lower body in cycling if they already feel uneasy.
• Give your infant some time on their stomach as a backup. The gas should be easier to expel if they are lying stomach-down.
• Place the infant in a "football hold." As if rushing them onto the field for a touchdown, you would place your baby facedown over your shoulder, with their legs riding it and a part of their head in your hand.
• If natural methods are unsuccessful, consider simethicone gas drops. This should be considered an extreme option because they are not beneficial for all babies.
• Gently massage your baby's back while holding him beneath his belly with your arm or while lying on his stomach across your knees. The pressure on his stomach may reduce gas pressure.
• Some infant formulas are promoted to reduce newborn gas. Consult your doctor to determine whether trying a new formula is worthwhile.
• Consult your baby's paediatrician before doing this, although some experts advise giving your infant chamomile tea with a dropper while it's still lukewarm or warm (not hot).
• Baby gripe water, often a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and herbs (commonly fennel and ginger), may ease flatulence and calm restless infants.

What Infant Formula Works Best for Gassy Babies?

Some infant formulas, such as those based on protein hydrolysate, those with lower lactose content, or those using whey or soy instead of cow's milk, promise to lessen gas in newborns.

Some children absorb hydrolysate formulas containing partially or broken-down milk protein more easily. Probiotics are present in several other anti-gas formulations, but consult your doctor before switching. The blends without lactose are ones that you should probably avoid.

When to Call the Doctor for a Gassy Baby?

Infant gas is often common and curable. But on occasion, it could be the first indication of a more severe digestive issue. To rule out any serious medical concerns, you should search for a paediatric gastroenterologist near me about your gas if:

• Your infant is not putting on weight.
• Your baby regularly refuses to eat or is challenging to feed
• Your infant has trouble pooping or appears to be constipated.
• They are feverish. A rectal fever of at least 100.4 F necessitates a physician ruling out infection. Take them straight away to the doctor if they are younger than three months old.

Conclusion:

It may be challenging to calm a fussy infant, especially when unaware of their discomfort. You'll probably only need to wait it out if your kid is feeling gassy yet gaining weight and behaving properly for his age in terms of urinating and pooping. Babies grow out of it! Since newborn gas is common, understanding a few simple strategies to lessen the inconvenience might make everybody in the home slightly happier.