It is normal for babies to be gassy. However excessive intestinal gas can cause gas pain and make the baby miserable. Babies tend to swallow a lot of gas in circumstances such as when they :

• are feeding from the breast or bottle
• sucking a pacifier
• crying

 

 
Other causes of baby gas include :

• ingesting  a particular protein in formula or breast milk that the baby cannot tolerate
• drinking juice . It is advised that babies  do not drink anything other than breast milk or formula. They can have some water after they are 6 months
• eating certain vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower
• not drinking enough water. Once your baby is 6 months old, he can drink water. Water does not eliminate gas but helps constipation get better. Constipation is often associated with gas pain.

How would  i know that  my baby is gassy

These signs may indicate that your child is gassy.

• burping
• being fussy
• crying
• farting
• has a hard tummy
• is bloated

 
As the baby’s digestive tract matures, gas will become less of a problem.

How to ease gas pain in babies

 
These tips will help you ease gas pain in your baby .

• try to keep your babies head higher than her stomach when breastfeeding or bottle feeding him
• burp your baby as often as possible during feeding and after feeding
• feed the baby in smaller portion more frequently
• hold the baby bottle at a 30 to 40 degree angle while feeding  so that air rises to the bottom of the bottle
• find a baby bottle that won’t make the baby gulp to prevent swallowing more air
• the hole in the nipple shouldn’t be too small or too large. A small hole makes the baby frustrated and a large nipple causes the liquid to flow too fast
• avoid prolonged sucking on pacifiers or empty bottles
• feed your baby before she is starving to avoid frantic feeding
• massage the baby’s tummy gently to help expel gas and make the tummy feel better
• make sure baby is latching well during breastfeeding
• eliminate foods that causes gas from the baby’s diet
• put the baby on her back, hold her feet up and gently hold her feet in a bicycling motion several times a day
• gas relief drops may help with discomfort.  You can try  simethicone gas drops

 
When to call the doctor

If  you are treating your baby several times a day for 3 consecutive days, you have to see your doctor. You should also call your doctor right away if gas pain is accompanied by symptoms such as

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• fever

 
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