If you're a new parent, you might be wondering why your baby's so gassy. Is it normal for a baby to fart all the time? You expected sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and an excessive amount of crying, but gas is an entirely new story. 

Gas is completely normal for babies. According to experts, babies pass gas anywhere between 13 to 21 times each day. This article discusses all the possible reasons why your baby’s so gassy, and what to give babies for gas. Let’s get started! 

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Like adults, babies burp, belch, and pass gas. It can be loud and smelly sometimes, but that's just part of being human! 

If your baby is frequently passing gas, it's generally not a major cause for concern. 

Babies inhale air whenever they drink milk, suck on a pacifier, and cry, so it's no wonder they're so gassy. On top of that, their digestive tracts are still learning to effectively process food and stool, so babies tend to pass gas more frequently and with a lot more enthusiasm than adults. 

They also tend to become gassy when new foods are introduced to them, particularly if they're transitioning from liquids to solids. 

Hypersensitivities from mommy’s diet or from the baby formula 

Over time, most of these issues resolve themselves. However, if you notice a chronic increase in your baby's irritability, you may want to get her checked out by a doctor. While rare, gas may sometimes indicate a bigger problem like thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth, food allergies, or gastrointestinal viruses.

Why Is My Baby So Gassy?

If your baby has gas or is suffering, she may show the following signs and symptoms:

Arching her back and lifting her legs while looking frustrated 

Signs and Symptoms of a Gassy Baby

For most babies, gas is temporary and disappears over time. However, gas can be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful for babies. The below products will help soothe and remove gas from your little one! 

Infant gas drops help break up gas bubbles in a baby's stomach, making it easier to pass. These drops are usually mixed in milk, water, or baby formula before they’re given to the baby. 

Some of the most popular infant gas drops include Little Tummy’s Gas Relief Drops, Windi Gas, and Mylicon. 

It's important to note that babies who regularly take thyroid hormone medications may react negatively to gas drops. While generally safe, always consult your pediatrician first before giving your baby gas drops.  

Gripe water is a herbal non-prescription remedy that helps ease gas and stomach discomfort. Usually, gripe water is a mixture of: 

It goes without saying that gripe water made for adults (that contain alcohol and sugar) is completely different from gripe water formulated for babies. 

Before giving your baby gripe water, make sure to read all the ingredients listed on the package. Make sure the product you're buying doesn't contain additives, dyes, and artificial sweeteners.

Gripe water may also contain peppermint and sodium bicarbonate, both of which may interfere with a baby's natural pH levels and worsen her acid reflux. Unless specifically prescribed by your doctor, it's best to avoid these two ingredients altogether.  

Please note that gripe water shouldn't be given to babies less than one-month-old. 

Infant cereal is typically used to thicken the milk your baby’s drinking. As mentioned earlier, babies become gassy if they drink milk too much or too fast. Infant cereal increases the milk's caloric content, therefore allowing you to give your baby a lesser volume. 

If you're using a formula, consult your pediatrician first as the application may vary. Otherwise, add about a tablespoon of dry rice cereal to about one or two ounces of milk. You may have to widen the baby bottle's nipple opening so that the milk can pass through easier.


What to Give Babies for Gas

If you're not keen on giving your baby store-bought medication and products to relieve gas, here are other remedies you should try:

Baby Care 101: always burp your baby after feeding time! Burping gets rid of some of the extra air babies swallow while sucking on a bottle or a breast. 

The best way to burp a baby is to hold her against your chest and gently pat her back. Make sure your baby is resting her chin on your shoulder. While doing so, support your baby's head with one hand. Rocking her while doing so may help speed up the burping process. 

If your baby doesn't burp after a few minutes, change her position by laying her on her belly across your lap. Support her head, making sure it's positioned higher than your baby's chest. Then, gently pat or rub her back. 

If that doesn't work, hold your baby in a seated position with her head leaning slightly forward. This position works best if you place your baby on your lap. Support her head and chest with one arm and pat her back with the other.  

Lay your baby on her back and gently massage her belly in a clockwise motion. This helps gas move in the direction of the intestinal tract. Then, pull your hands down the curve of your baby's tummy then gently rub her shoulders, legs, arms, and back to help her relax and pass gas. 

Repeat this technique several times throughout the day, preferably after feeding. Laying down helps move the air bubbles in your baby's stomach, therefore making them easier to release.

Tummy time applies gentle pressure on your baby's stomach, allowing her to release gas more frequently and comfortably. On top of that, tummy time also helps them develop their motor skills! 

Place your baby on her belly 30 minutes after feeding time or following a diaper change. Make sure the area around her is completely clean and clear. 

Surround her with a few of her favorite toys and play with her. Keep her belly down for at least three to five minutes two to three times a day. Once she's comfortable, work up to longer and more frequent sessions each day. 

If she's struggling to hold her position, prop a nursing pillow or a firm but soft cushion under your baby's chest and arms. You can also place her on your tummy as you lay on your back.

Other Remedies to Try for Gassy Babies

Babies are gassy, that's just a fact of life! If your baby's gassy behavior persists for more than a few months, visit your pediatrician so that they can check if it's a symptom of an underlying condition. Otherwise, follow the techniques above to help your baby relieve gas!

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What to Give Babies for Gas

Why Is My Baby So Gassy?

Signs and Symptoms of a Gassy Baby

What to Give Babies for Gas

Other Remedies to Try for Gassy Babies

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