Gas pain is very common in babies and can make yours (and you) uncomfortable. Gas usually arises when you swallow air from crying or feeding, or due to the process of digestion. Although gas can hurt your baby, gas is usually harmless. If you promote the release of gases and their prevention, you can alleviate them.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Releasing Your Baby's Gas
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of gas
There is no evidence of a relationship between infant colic (or excessive crying) and gas, but some people might link the two conditions. Identifying the signs of gas can help you comfort him quickly. Here are some symptoms of gas:
- pull your legs
- clench your fists
- squirm if uncomfortable
- cry much
- release flatulence
- burp
Step 2. Do the bicycle exercise with the baby
If the baby appears to be gassy, lay him on his back on a stable surface. Then he begins to move his legs as if he were pedaling a bicycle to make his intestines move and expel gas.
- Move your legs gently so as not to hurt him.
- Talk to him while moving his legs. This could distract you from the pain and also comfort you.
Step 3. Have him spend some time on his stomach
Every baby needs to spend time on his tummy to strengthen his upper body and prevent his head from flattening out. However, this time has the added benefit that it can eliminate the gas settling in your stomach.
- Make sure your baby is awake when you put him on his tummy and supervise him at all times.
- Place your baby face down on the floor or on your lap for a minimum of 20 minutes a day. You can do this more often if he has gas and is not fussy during this time.
Step 4. Massage her belly
It displaces the gases trapped in the baby's belly by massaging it. Not only can this relieve gas, it could also relax you.
- Rub her belly in a clockwise motion while lying on her back.
- Try a combination of massage and the bicycle movement to move and expel gas.
Step 5. Wrap it up
There is some evidence that swaddling a baby can help relieve gas. If your baby is less than two months old, swaddle him to comfort him and relieve gas.
- Do not swaddle him if he can roll over to minimize the risk of sudden infant death syndrome or suffocation.
- Follow the guidelines for swaddling your baby safely, which may help relieve gas and put your baby to sleep.
Step 6. Rock it, make it jump little and hold it
Some babies pass gas when you move around with them or hold them in a certain way. Rock him, give him small bounces, and hold him in a way that makes him release gas if he seems to have gas.
- To hold it in a way that releases gas, hold it securely on your arm and make it look down. You can rock it in this position delicately.
- Rocking him in a rocking chair or in your arms, which can displace and expel gas.
- Gently make him jump in little jumps. You can do this by standing or by sitting the baby on your lap and making him jump little.
Step 7. Pop the gas bubbles with medication
Studies suggest gas drops are not effective against them, but consider giving them to them. Doctors believe this treatment is safe up to 12 times a day, but keep in mind that the drops can be expensive.
- Look for anti-gas products that contain simethicone, such as Mylicon, Little Tummies, or Phazyme.
- Follow the directions on the package.
- Ask your pediatrician or pharmacist any questions you may have about the drops or their use.
Step 8. Consider probiotics
There is some evidence that probiotics (which help keep "good" bacteria in the womb) can ease colic, which can reduce baby gas. Experts don't recommend probiotics as a colic treatment, but you can give them to your baby to relieve and prevent gas.
- Talk to your baby's doctor before giving him probiotics for gas. Ask if they could help you.
- Look for products with the bacteria lactobacillus reuteri, as studies have shown that it greatly reduces colic and can help the baby take in less air, which causes gas.
Step 9. Go to the doctor
If moving and relaxing your baby doesn't seem to help relieve gas, make an appointment with your doctor. He will be able to rule out any intestinal illness or problem that could be the cause of persistent gas.
Tell your doctor what you have done to try to relieve gas and if it is effective. Give him all useful information about your baby; from eating habits to bathroom habits
Part 2 of 2: Prevent Gas
Step 1. Reassure the baby if he is crying
Crying can cause you to take in extra air, which can cause gas. Do your best to calm him down when he starts crying. Cradle him in your arms, pat him gently on the back, and speak in a soothing tone of voice.
You can also try to identify the reason for the crying. For example, he may cry because he's hungry, so feeding him a little earlier than usual might help
Step 2. Feed him effectively with a bottle
Bottle-fed babies are often more likely to develop gas, due to the air in the bottle and nipple. From holding the bottle at the correct angle to changing the feeding frequency, optimizing the experience of giving your bottle can help prevent gas.
- Feed your baby more often, but reduce the amount you feed so there is less pressure on her belly.
- Try different types and sizes of bottles and nipples. A different model can slow down the flow of fluid and the amount of air in your stomach.
- Tilt the bottle at an angle of 30 or 40 degrees, so that the air rises to the bottom of the bottle.
- Make sure your baby's lips are on the wide base of the nipple and not on the tip.
- Give him a different type of formula after checking with the doctor.
- Let the milk settle after shaking or mixing, or use ready-made formula to feed it.
Step 3. Optimize the breastfeeding experience
Breastfed babies may have less gas than bottle-fed babies, since the breasts do not hold air like a bottle. However, like bottle feeding, optimizing your technique could prevent gas in your baby.
- Breastfeed more often during the day to reduce the amount in the stomach.
- Make sure their lips form a seal as far away from the areola as possible.
- Determine what causes gas in your baby by eliminating certain foods for two weeks. Common problem foods include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans, cauliflower, cabbage, and onions. Return the food to your diet if you notice that it does not cause gas. For example, eliminate foods that are most likely to cause allergies, such as dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and fish.
Step 4. Hold it upright during and after meals
Keep the baby as upright as possible during their meals. Consider keeping him upright when he burps and for half an hour after his meal to minimize gas.
Hold it at a 45 ° angle if possible
Step 5. Burp frequently
Step up your efforts to burp him by trying during and after meals. This could remove any gas bubbles and prevent them from forming. However, you should be aware that you could cause discomfort if you interrupt their food. Try the following burping positions to avoid or relieve gas development:
- Place the baby upright on your shoulders and pat him on the back.
- Sit him upright on your lap and lean forward slightly while rubbing or patting his back. Place your hand under his chin to support his chest and head.
- Place the baby face down on your lap with his head slightly elevated, while rubbing his back and patting him.
Step 6. Avoid sucking for a long time
Many babies are soothed by sucking on a pacifier or the nipple of an empty bottle. Do not let him do it for long periods, this will prevent him from getting gas.