If there’s one universal truth about newborns, it’s that they have a knack for making noises—from adorable coos to full-on cries. Somewhere in between are the burps, hiccups, and occasional grunts of discomfort caused by gas.
Baby gas is completely normal, but it can leave your little one feeling fussy and leave you feeling puzzled. Is it a burp they’re struggling with? Or could it be trapped gas lower down? In this post, we’ll explore the common signs of baby gas, why it happens, and tips for burping and soothing your gassy little bundle of joy. Spoiler alert: a happy baby is often just a good burp away!
Burps, Toots, and Fussiness: Identifying and Managing Baby Gas
Whether you’re bottle or breastfeeding, after-feeding burping can be critical. Try not to wait until baby is practically asleep; jarring her awake with a burping session will not be appreciated. When baby starts to slow down, or is no longer actively sucking and swallowing, gently bring her to whichever burping position is desired.
For breastfeeding babes, a good time to burp baby is when you are switching breasts. If baby typically only feeds on one breast, burp during the usual “halfway point” (ex: if you know baby’s usual feeding session lasts around 20 minutes, burp at the 10-minute mark).
When to burp during bottle feeding largely depends on the bottle you’re using. With non-vented bottles or bottles that can cause more air to build up, burping every 2-3 ounces consumed is a safe bet.
Burping Positions
Over-the-Shoulder:
Simply put, it’s gently placing baby over your shoulder and patting or rubbing her back to expel trapped air (drape a burp cloth over your shoulder to catch spit-up). Depending on who does this one, though, there can be a slight change in approach. Mom, lay baby in a way that positions her belly on your breast. This puts a padded layer of pressure into baby’s tummy that can facilitate release. Dad, bring baby a bit higher up so that her belly is resting closer to your shoulder for the same reason. Either way, don’t bounce her as you burp.
Face-Down on Lap:
Sit on a stable chair or couch with both feet on the ground. Lay baby tummy-down across your legs, one leg under his stomach and the other under his head, with his head turned sideways. Again with the burp cloth to avoid the dreaded “wet burp.” Use one hand to secure him and the other to gently pat or rub his back in a circular motion. When baby is a little older, some parents opt to lay on their side and place baby face-down over their hip to help burp them.
Sitting Up:
Sit baby in an upright position, lean her slightly forward, and use one hand to support her chest and head and the other hand to rub and pat her back. When baby has more head and neck control, consider what one mom did in a now-viral video. In the same position, she moved baby’s legs in, bent at the knee, and lifted baby’s arms in a 90-degree angle out from baby’s body.
When your baby has gas, you’ll notice that he becomes fussy after eating. This is because gas bubbles can be uncomfortable. Some other common symptoms of gas after eating include flatulence and your baby pulling his legs into his chest in an effort to relieve abdominal pain. A curled lying position could also point to discomfort after eating. Sometimes shrill, intermittent screams can also be an indication that a baby has gas, along with a bloated and hard stomach.
Cause
Several factors come into play when it comes to after-eating gas in babies. The main culprit for gas is swallowed air, which can occur if your baby cried before or during a feeding session. Too much air can also occur if your body lets down – releases initial milk flow -- too quickly, causing your baby to gasp while beginning to eat.
Try these steps to prevent and ease pains:
- Check feeding position - When you’re nursing or bottle feeding, try to keep the baby’s head higher than her stomach, that way the milk sinks to the bottom of the stomach and air goes to the top, and it’s easier to burp out. Tip the bottle up slightly so there are no air bubbles in the nipple and use a nursing pillow for support.
- Burp your baby – One of the easiest ways to ease gas pains is to burp your baby during and after she nurses. If she doesn’t burp right away, lay her down on her back for a few minutes and then try again.
- Change equipment – If you’re bottle feeding, switch to a slower-flow nipple.
- Work it out - Gently massage your baby, pump her legs back and forth (like riding a bicycle) while she is on her back, or give her tummy time. A warm bath can also help your little one get rid of gas.