During the first few months of life, it is very common for babies to have gas1. This can occur in the stomach or intestines, and often happens during breastfeeding when air is swallowed, or even while crying when air is ingested. Sucking on a pacifier or finger can also lead to a buildup of gas.
Babies suffering from gas usually experience intense episodes of colic, and this discomfort causes parents a lot of worry, as well as sleepless nights. Baby gas is a natural occurrence in the first few months of the newborn‘s life. Some babies are better at releasing it through burps and “toots,” but some need help.
Does the Mother’s Diet Cause Gas in the Baby?
Breastfeeding mothers should pay attention to their diet since everything they eat is transmitted to the baby through breast milk. Through this transfer, gases can develop in the baby and may even trigger some allergic reactions2.
Some foods are especially rich in fiber and carbohydrates, which end up fermenting and resulting in baby gas, and this whole process can affect the baby’s health. Certain teas like fennel, chamomile, and anise can help reduce gas in both mother and baby.
Usually, the foods most likely to produce gas in babies and cause colic are: onion and garlic, legumes (peas, beans, lentils, and chickpeas), eggs, foods with lactose (milk and dairy products), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts), starchy foods (corn, pasta, and potatoes), as well as whole grain foods (oat flour, whole wheat, and brown rice).
These are some foods that can cause gas in babies, but this can vary between individuals. It is recommended to observe which of these foods, when consumed, cause gas in your baby. This way, by reducing their intake and keeping a balanced diet, you can help lessen discomfort for the breastfed baby.
Taking Care of the Baby’s Diet
If the baby is not breastfed and is taking formula (powdered milk) or has started on solid foods, it is important for the mother to encourage the child to drink water. Constant water intake not only hydrates but also helps the baby eliminate gas and have easier bowel movements3.
It is also important to offer foods that are high in fiber and other nutrients, to support healthy functioning of the child’s digestive system.
When feeding the baby, they should be properly positioned for breastfeeding to avoid gas buildup, whether at the breast or with a bottle. Ideally, the baby should always be in an upright position. The correct positioning helps to balance the amount of air the baby swallows during feeding.
Why Does Gas Cause Pain in Babies?
Many mothers feel guilty for their baby’s intense colic nights and seeing their little ones in pain. But in reality, gas is not always caused by the mother’s poor diet, but by the baby’s immature digestive system.
Another factor that contributes to air buildup is incorrect latching during breastfeeding, in which the baby swallows a lot of air and cannot easily release it. Other causes of gas formation include bottle and pacifier use, as well as swallowing air when crying.
The baby’s digestive system in the first thirteen weeks of life outside the womb is still learning to function. The digestive muscles are not yet able to properly move food to the intestines, and during this process, gas and even stool can accumulate (constipation).
All moms suffer along with their babies when they have gas. Often, the baby twists in pain while crying and only gets better when they can release the gas. The problem is, the more they cry, the more air they swallow, increasing their discomfort.
Gas causes pain in babies because it gets trapped in the upper and lower parts of the intestine, disrupting the normal flow of gastric juices and causing great pressure and abdominal bloating.
Treatment of Gas in Babies
Treatment for gas in babies is simple, such as always burping the baby after feeding, reducing the amount of swallowed air in the stomach to prevent it from traveling to the intestines. Other therapies can relieve this uncomfortable (and often painful) state, such as gentle massage to help the baby release gas.
You can help your baby by applying gentle pressure to their tummy with your hand, or by massaging with circular movements to help soothe the baby. Another helpful position is to lay the baby on their stomach and massage them with one hand on the tummy and the other on the back.
Another massage method recommended for treating baby gas is to bend the baby’s knees and bring them up to the tummy, which puts pressure and helps release gas, as if they were pedaling a bicycle. A warm bath also helps, combined with gently flexing their legs. But be careful, these movements should be as gentle as possible.
When to Seek Medical Treatment?
If you have tried all forms of relieving your child’s discomfort and nothing has worked, it is best to consult a pediatrician who can prescribe proper medication or treatment. Remember, you should never medicate a baby on your own.
Your baby is in a period of adjustment outside the womb, and as they grow, their digestive system will mature. Over time, it will function better and the gas problem will decrease until it disappears completely.
See Also: Prune Water for Babies – A Home Remedy for Constipation Relief
Photo: TaniaVDB
