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Home Remedy for Infant Gas

Few things are more frustrating than trying to soothe a fussy baby. Gas is a common cause of infant discomfort and colic. The following home remedies should provide your baby with some relief. If home treatment proves to be ineffective after 24 hours of treatment, or if your infant exhibits other symptoms such as fever, vomiting or diarrhea, seek professional medical assistance.

  1. Massage

    • Remove the infant's clothing and position her on her back. Place a small amount of baby oil in the palm of your hand and rub your hands briskly together to warm the oil slightly. Place your hands beneath her breastplate and stroke downward, pressing lightly on the abdomen. When your hands are just below her navel, move them outward toward the hips and then upward in a circular motion, bringing them back to the starting position. Repeat this movement for 10 minutes or until you hear her pass gas.

    Warmth

    • If tummy rubbing does not seem to bring any relief to your infant, try warming him up a bit. Offer a warm bottle of formula or give the baby a bath and then bundle him in a soft blanket. Alternatively, you can wrap a hot-water bottle in a blanket and position it against his tummy. Warmth causes blood vessels to expand, improving circulation and digestion, which can help move trapped gas out of the intestines.

    Motion

    • If you're not at home when the gas attack strikes, this remedy works well anywhere. Lay the baby on her back and grasp her feet. Move them in a bicycling motion; this not only helps eliminate gas, but is also fun for the baby and helps develop her leg muscles.

    Herbs

    • Another remedy given to infants with gastrointestinal disorder is an herbal concoction known as "gripe water." To make a batch, measure 2 cups of water into a small saucepan and then add 1 tbsp. of fennel, anise or dill seed. Allow the mixture to boil for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and set it aside. When the liquid has cooled to room temperature, pour it through a coffee filter to remove the seeds. Using an eye dropper, give your baby approximately ½ tsp. every 30 minutes until his discomfort subsides. Store the unused portion at room temperature for up to 24 hours.

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