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
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.
Baby Gripe Water
Gripe water is a herbal non-prescription remedy that helps ease gas and stomach discomfort. Usually, gripe water is a mixture of:
Ginger
Licorice
Cinnamon
Fennel
Lemon balm
Chamomile
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
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.