When Do Babies Outgrow Gas Pains?
Gas troubles are common in newborns. Here’s when your little one could start to feel some comfort.
When do gas pains in babies start?
Gas pains in babies may start soon after birth or within a few weeks. The most typical culprits of infant gas pains are a still-developing digestive system and swallowing air while feeding. This gassiness and discomfort caused by trapped air bubbles in the stomach and intestines usually peaks at six weeks.
Outgrowing newborn gas pains
Newborns often outgrow gas pains, usually around four to six months, as their digestive system develops. However, gas pains that could be connected to cow’s milk protein allergy or another medical issue that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper management. If your little one is significantly gassy and irritable or is experiencing gas along with any of the following, call your pediatrician:
- Vomiting
- Not gaining weight
- Spitting up
- Rash
- Coughing or wheezing
- Diarrhea
- White, red, or black-colored stool
- Crying for three or more hours a day, for more than three days a week, for more than three weeks
How to help relieve infant gas discomfort
From burping to bottle changes to breastfeeding positions, here are a few strategies that may help ease infant gas pain.
If you’re breastfeeding:
Try to minimize baby’s air-swallowing while feeding by:
- Slowing the let-down. An overactive let-down can cause breastmilk to flow out too quickly, causing your little one to gulp and swallow air while feeding. Releasing a bit of milk before feeding with a pump or hand expression may alleviate some of the pressure, slowing down the flow.
- Nursing in a reclined position. Lean back on a chair or lay on your back.
- Getting a good latch. Make sure your little one is well attached to the nipple.
- Track your diet. Occasionally babies may be sensitive or allergic to something in mom’s diet, such as dairy. If you suspect an allergy, talk to your pediatrician.
If you’re using infant formula:
- Use an anti-gas baby bottle. Vented or angle-headed bottles are specially designed to help keep air from reaching the baby’s tummy.
- Try a different bottle nipple. Some bottle nipples may allow a more secure latch for your baby than others. Also, consider your little one’s age when selecting a nipple. A newborn bottle nipple has a slow flow, so the baby won’t gulp too much formula at once. An older baby requires a bottle nipple with a faster flow so they won’t suck in a lot of air while trying to feed.
- Let mixed powdered infant formula settle. The shaking and blending required to make infant formula may form air bubbles that could reach the baby's belly. After blending the powder, let the mixed bottle settle for a minute or two before feeding your little one. Gently tapping the bottle’s bottom on a table may also help bubbles rise to the top.
- Consider switching infant formula. Ask your pediatrician if switching to an infant formula designed to ease gas issues could help lessen some of the fussiness and discomfort.
Newborns often outgrow gas pains, usually around four to six months, as their digestive system develops.
Easing gas pains: Tips for all babies
- Burp. Encourage those painful air bubbles to come up and out by burping your baby during and after feeding.
- Create a calming feeding environment. A relaxed baby may be less prone to gulping air and rushing through mealtime.
- Try tummy time. Lay your baby on their belly while they are awake.This position is a little workout for your baby’s trunk, core, and neck and can also help expel gas.
- Move their legs. While your baby is on their back, gently move those adorable little legs like they’re riding a bike. This motion may promote gas release.
- Feed before the hunger cues. If your newborn feeds too fast, try to slow down their eating pace by feeding them before they start exhibiting hunger cues, like crying. When your little one enjoys a more leisurely meal, they may be less likely to gulp and potentially swallow air.
Check out these other positions that could help relieve gas in babies.
Enfamil® NeuroPro™ Gentlease® is designed to help ease gas for babies
If you’re feeding your baby formula, talk to your pediatrician about switching to Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Infant Formula. It provides a gentle start for sensitive tummies and is designed to ease fussiness, gas, and crying in 24 hours.
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