How to Soothe a Baby With Gas

Gas is one of the biggest causes of discomfort and crying in young babies, and it affects more than half of babies under 2 months old, according to BabiesToday. Most babies don't know how to expel gas on their own, so they need parents' help to relieve the pressure and pain of this common problem. There are many simple methods you can try at home to make baby more comfortable and encourage her to expel excess gas.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Washcloth or hand towel

1. Burp baby to rid her belly of swallowed air: hold baby upright against your chest with her head resting on your shoulder or on your knee with one hand supporting her front and the other supporting her back. Gently pat her back or rub in an up-and-down or circular motion. You can also burp her in a lying position by placing her face down on your forearm or across your knees.

2. Lay baby on his back and move his legs in a gentle bicycling motion; slowly push one leg up near his chest and pull it back while pushing the opposite leg up to the chest, then repeat.

3. Place a warm (not hot) washcloth or hand towel on baby's bare tummy and apply light pressure with your hands or by wrapping a larger towel around the first. This can help relax the stomach muscles, according to BabyFirstYear.org.

4. Hold baby in the football hold to make it easier for her to release gas bubbles: place her face-down on your forearm, with your elbow between her legs and your hand supporting her neck and chin. Gently pat or rub her back with your other hand.

5. If all at-home methods fail, call your child's doctor. He may recommend infant gas drops that can break up gas bubbles. Many infant drops are available over-the-counter, but you should always ask the doctor before trying them.

Tips & Warnings

• Excessive gas is sometimes caused by a baby's adverse reaction to something in the breast milk or formula she eats, according to BabiesToday. If you're nursing, keep track of what you eat and how baby reacts to see if there is a connection between her gas and certain foods. If you suspect an issue with her formula, speak with the doctor about switching to a different type. If bottle-feeding, use the correct nipple; one with a too-small hole will cause baby to gulp air, while a too-large hole will cause him to eat too fast. Burp baby every few minutes during feedings and look for signs of discomfort like squirming around or fidgeting.

References

• BabyFirstYear.org
• BabiesToday

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