Your newborn will start making gas as soon as he or she begins eating solids. As many as 20 times a day, experts say, a healthy baby can expel gas.
Inhaling air while feeding, sucking on a pacifier, or crying can also cause gas to form as a natural byproduct of digestion. Babies usually have no issues passing gas. When infant gas is accompanied by other symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea, it may be a sign of a more serious ailment, such as lactose intolerance.
Furthermore, infant gas is sometimes mistaken for colic by concerned parents. Even though it’s common and usually not harmful, gas in babies and newborns can still result in crying and other signs of discomfort.
What causes your baby to be gassy?
The causes include:
1. Swallowed air
The most common cause of stomach gas and the primary cause of burping and belching is air swallowed. It’s impossible to avoid taking a breath. We all inhale and exhale the same amount of air. Air is swallowed by infants:
- During breast and formula feeding.
- While consuming solid food. Air is swallowed more quickly when a person eats or drinks too quickly.
- During sudden crying.
- When the saliva is swallowed.
- Sucking on a pacifier with a ferocious intensity.
Having trouble latching on to the breast or having a large supply of breast milk may be associated with a baby swallowing a lot of air while being breastfed. A bottle-fed baby may be swallowing large amounts of air due to a feeding nipple that is too small, too short, and/or too fast.
2. Normal digestion
Gas is formed as a byproduct of the neutralization of stomach acid by digestive secretions in the intestines (bowel). This gas is taken up by the body and exhaled by the lungs. The remainder of the gas is expelled as flatus after passing through the intestines/bowels.
Incontinence is considered “normal” when it is accompanied by normal amounts of gas.
3. Partial breakdown of food or milk
According to Marham excessive gas and diarrhea can be the result of improperly digested food or milk. These symptoms are most frequently caused by:
- An underdeveloped digestive tract.
- Disorders of the digestive system.
- Malabsorption is a common issue here.
Due to an inability to digest one or more of the proteins, carbohydrates (sugars and starches), or fats that can be found in milk (including infant formula), juices, and some foods, some babies may experience excessive gas and diarrhea. Due to the digestive system of an infant’s immaturity, insufficient amounts of digestive enzymes are developed, which is thought to be the reason of this.
Why Is My Baby So Gassy?
If you’re embarrassed by the question, don’t be; you’re not the only one! There are many possible causes of excessive infant gas, especially if you notice your baby crying or screams in pain because of gas pain.
- Allergies or sensitivities to certain foods. Food sensitivities in newborns are not uncommon, and this can lead to excessive gas in babies. These sensitivities, which are typically inherited from the mother’s diet, are more likely to affect a gassy breastfed baby. True food allergies are uncommon, but if your child develops symptoms like hives or wheezing, you should see a doctor right away.
- Lactose sensitivity. For its nutritional value, most experts recommend the use of baby formula made from cow’s milk. However, if your baby is lactose intolerant and you use this type of formula, you may notice an increase in gas, loose stools, nausea, and even vomiting.
- Breast inflammation or oversupply of breast milk can lead to overeating. A gassy baby may be inevitable if you’re breastfeeding and your breasts are plumped up or you have an excess of breast milk. It’s possible that your baby will instinctively gulp down milk too quickly, allowing more air to enter the stomach. Eventually, this air will become gas bubbles.
Home Treatments for Babies with Gas Problems
It’s heartbreaking to watch your infant struggle with colic. However, there are a number of ways in which you can alleviate your baby’s suffering. If your baby is having a gas problem, try some of these simple home remedies.
1.Keep the head up – As you feed your baby, keep the baby’s head and neck at an angle so that they are higher than the stomach at all times. This ensures that the milk is properly digested and that sufficient air is introduced into the lungs. Bottle-feeding is the same.
2.Feed and Burp Rule – Babies often experience gas pain because they gulp down air while they eat. While feeding your baby, take a break every 5 minutes or so and gently tap his back to help him burp. This will help prevent him from swallowing too much air. The milk will settle in his stomach and the gas will bubble up as a result of this.
3. Try the Distraction Technique – a baby may swallow air while crying. He will take in more air the more he sobs. This could result in a buildup of gas. For example, if you’re holding a crying baby, take a deep breath and distract him until the crying stops.
4. Massage his Tummy – Abdominal relaxation techniques are a great way to reduce gas setup in babies. Gentle rubbing of the belly in a clockwise motion and then running the hand down the curve of the baby’s tummy are two ways to soothe the baby. This method helps in the movement of gas through the digestive tract.
Conclusion
Infant gas is common, but it can be managed. Occasionally, however, it may be the first sign of something more serious going on in the digestive system. Consult best stomach specialist if the gas is incredibly painful or it is due to lactose intolerance.
FAQs
1.When should I be concerned about my baby’s gas?
The good news is that the majority of gas-related problems will go away on their own. However, if your baby’s irritability is severe and long-lasting, you should look for a cause other than gas. And if your child isn’t developing normally, the gas could be a sign of a more serious digestive issue.
2.How does a baby act with gas?
For both adults and children, gas is a nuisance. Your baby may cry or act “fussy” as a result of the discomfort. Lifting the limbs. It’s possible that your baby’s legs are pointing toward the belly because they’re in pain because of gas pains.
3.What positions help baby pass gas?
Gently move your baby’s legs back and forth like she’s riding a bicycle while she’s on her back. This exercise promotes intestinal motion and helps to expel gas that has built up inside. Bend her legs and gently push her knees toward her tummy.