How to Stop an Infant Gas Problem
When an infant cries, it doesn't always mean she needs to be changed or fed. Instead, your baby may be uncomfortable due to the amount of gas in her stomach. According to "The Everything Baby's First Year Book," air can accumulate in your baby's stomach during an improper feeding, crying or while she has a gastrointestinal infection. There are a number of ways to stop your infant from producing excess gas, such as dietary changes, medication and feeding style adjustments.
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Instructions
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Adjust your feeding position. When breast-feeding, your baby may attempt to receive the milk quickly, which can result in swallowing large amounts of air. Reduce the amount of air swallowed by lying down while feeding her, according to "The Everything Baby's First Year Book."
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Change the bottle's nipple. The current nipple used during feeding can cause your baby to swallow air. Switch the nipple, then test it on your baby. The best bottle nipple for your baby can be found through trial and error, and it may take a few feedings before you find the most suitable one.
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Improve latching for feeding. Excessive gas may be caused by your baby improperly latching on to your nipple. Lay your baby on her side so that she is facing you, then place your fingers and thumb around you areola, according to FitPregnancy.com. Tickle her lips with your nipple, which causes her to open her mouth. Place her lower jaw on the breast, followed by tilting her head forward until she has the entire nipple and 1 1/3 of the areola in her mouth, according to FitPregnancy.com. If you feel your baby is not latching on properly, then contact a lactation consultant.
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Adjust her diet. If you are feeding your infant solid foods, then there may be some foods that upset her stomach. Remove or replace certain foods from the baby's diet for one week to determine which food causes excessive gas. Feed milk to your baby 15 minutes before giving her solid foods to cut down on gas production, according to "The Everything Baby's First Year Book."
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Visit your doctor for medication. Your doctor may prescribe oral drops to help break down the gas in your baby's stomach. You can also find gas relief drops at your local pharmacy or drugstore available for purchase without a prescription. Follow the medication's directions carefully to avoid overdose.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult your doctor if gas problems continue for more than four days, as it may be a symptom of a serious health condition.
