Tips for easing gas in babies
Gas in a newborn baby is pretty standard. Most babies pass gas a few times a day without any problems, but sometimes the gas might build up in their abdomen until they become uncomfortable, fussy, bloated, and the tummy area might be hard. Gas can be caused by indigestion, and when the baby takes too much air during feeding and crying.
Although the baby can remove gas naturally without assistance, it is sometimes better for parents to help them speed up the process and ease their discomfort sooner. Some of the things that you can do to alleviate gas in a baby include:
Change your bottle-feeding style.
Improper bottle-feeding is one of the most significant contributors for gas in babies; this is because, if the baby does not lurch on properly to the tit, then they will ingest more air than milk, causing a buildup of gas in the stomach.
To prevent having a gassy baby after each feeding, you should make sure that the baby has lurched on properly. You should also raise the baby’s head to be higher than the stomach, thus preventing air from being trapped under the milk during feeding.
Watch your diet
Sometimes gas and indigestion in a baby are caused by what the mother eats. During breastfeeding, the mother will transfer some of the nutrients from her foods into the baby, most of it is digested fine, but sometimes one or two might cause some indigestion and gas.
As a mother, you need to carefully observe how your baby reacts when you eat certain foods. If you eat a particular food and the baby starts getting fussier, uncomfortable, and gassy, you should try to avoid it for some time and see how they react.
Warm baths
Warm baths are one of the most fun times you can have with your baby, especially if they like it, but did you know it can help relieve gas?
When a baby is placed in a warm bath, they relax, which is a great way to help their body open up and release some tension, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. The warm water can also soothe tummy aches and indigestion, making the baby remove excess gas.
Tummy time
Tummy time is when you let your baby play for some time while lying on its stomach. Even though it is not recommended to leave a baby on its stomach unattended for a long time, it is perfectly okay to lie them on their tummies once in a while, especially if they are gassy.
Tummy time will help remove gas because the stomach will be pressured from the baby’s weight and the ground; this will help open up the system and relieve indigestion and gas.
Try baby probiotics
Probiotics are products that introduce healthy and useful bacteria into the body. Baby Probiotics are specifically manufactured to introduce bacteria that will assist in the baby’s digestion and immunity.
Baby probiotics are given to both breastfed babies and formula babies. Formulas like Enfamil and Similar have some probiotics already added in their formulations.
Pump baby’s legs
Pumping a baby’s legs is done by cycling or walking motions when the baby is on its back; this method is one of the most efficient and easy ways of relieving gas and preventing a buildup.
You can do baby leg pumps a few times a day like after a warm bath before changing or removing a diaper; this will remove excess gas in the intestines and stomach.
Baby massage
A baby massage is an excellent way to pamper and bond with your child. A massage will help ease bowel movements and prevent indigestion and gas. A baby massage is done gently but firmly so that it can relax them but not tickle.