4 Ways to Help Your Baby with Gas Pain
"Got Gas? Let’s Pass It!"
Hello, amazing mamas and papas! Dealing with a gassy baby can feel like defusing a tiny, ticking time bomb—handle with care, or there will be tears (and not just from your little one)! Before you suit up for another long night, let's talk about some gentle, tried-and-tested strategies to soothe your baby's tummy troubles during the day or the night! Isn’t it insane what kind of questions you google now that you're a parent!? But here you are! And I am so glad you got to my blog, because I have the answers for you!
Let's talk about WHY….
Why do babies get gas? Did you know that almost ALL babies get gas! It’s crazy. Gas happens when air is trapped within one’s digestive tract. Oftentimes with babies it can happen because of a gastrointestinal tract that is not fully developed, digestive issues or even the baby's diet! Babies may be extra sensitive to something in their breastfeeding mother’s diet or when they start to eat solids, they can be sensitive to a new food they try. Also, when babies drink from a bottle, they can swallow air, which leads to gas! This can happen if the nipple size is too fast, during the process of mixing the formula (can create air bubbles) or jut swallowing air from the act of sucking on a bottle, a breast or even a pacifier!
COMMON SYMPTOMS INDICATIVE OF GAS PAIN..
There are a lot of symptoms that can indicate gas pain in babies. I want to share the most common ones for you to look out for.
Arching of the babies back or crying/fussiness, especially during the eating process.
A stomach that feels bloated or hard can indicate air trapping/gas that needs to be released.
Baby passing gas or constant burping, especially after feeding.
SO WHAT DO WE DO!?!?
Whenever my babies cried, especially 0-3 months old, I always was worried about gas pain. I instantly would go to the store and buy all the anti gas drops I could find for the baby. I was even gifted a ton of these before my baby was born.. So I always assumed it must solve the problem.. Right!?!? Guess What… they didn’t work much! So I did a lot of research and spent a lot of time working with a doula, and we came up with 4 proven ways to help babies get relief from gas/gas pain! I’v had hundreds of clients use these methods and have not heard of one client not having success. So please SAVE THIS BLOG, and utilize these strategies!!
Exercises: There are a few exercises that you can do gently with your baby that help to massage and loosen the digestive tract. You can start with a gentle massage of the tummy, you can go both clockwise as well as counterclockwise. The purpose here is to loosen the belly and move the air around. After a few minutes, you would move into bicycle legs, so we can “pedal away the pain!” Gently moving your babies legs in a bicycling motion can help release trapped gas. Lay your baby down and gently hold their legs in a half-bent position. Cycle them slowly as if they’re pedaling. This exercise can be a fun game that not only relieves discomfort but might even pull out a giggle or two! After bicycles, you can take each knee and gently press it into their stomach. You can do one leg at a time and then do both legs together.
Believe it or not… tummy time can help! Yes, usually its touted for developmental milestones, but it’s also fantastic for helping babies relieve gas naturally! Place your baby on their belly on a safe, flat surface. Always keep an eye on them during tummy time. The gentle pressure on their abdomen can help push out the bubbles of gas, and it strengthens their neck and shoulders too! Talk about multitasking!
Warm Bath can help soak the sobbing away! If your baby is fussing with gas, a warm bath can work wonders. It not only distracts but also relaxes their little body, which can help the gas pass more easily. Add some gentle, bubbly bath toys, and you've turned pain relief into playtime, double win!
Diet Check… As we stated above.. If your breastfeeding or baby is starting solids.. The menu matters! Foods that are known gas culprits for you can potentially be causing discomfort to your little one too. Try keeping a food diary to see if eliminating foods like dairy, caffeine, or broccoli helps. If your baby is formula-fed, talk to your pediatrician about trying a different formula that's easier on tiny tummies.
So let’s Wrap-Up here and let’s kick out that gas!
Handling a gassy baby can be tough, but remember, you’re not alone in this and eventually your baby's belly will learn to work through these sensitives! But in the mean time… use these tips to help and comfort your little one! Every burp and toot is a victory in the gas wars! Here's to fewer frowns and more sleeping baby sounds!
Oftentimes gas and colic babies can lead to sleeping issues. Please reach out and I can help you incorporate these tips as well as build the perfect feeding/sleeping schedule and routine to reduce the signs/symptoms of gas and colic.
Ready to gain control over all of this!? Schedule your free call with me today, and let's make sleep and naps COOL again.
You've got this, parents!
Raz Franklyn ,
The Rested Mama
