Gas Relief for Infants

Gas in infants is almost an inevitable part of parenthood and something that is experienced by most babies. Newborns' digestive systems are still forming and the problems that ensue are usually caused by their maturing gastric tracts. The extent and severity of gas differs in each child and a parent has to read the signals in their child's behavior and body language to determine if gas, or something else, is the cause of discomfort.

Reasons for Gas

• It is important to look at the reasons infants experience gas. It takes the first 13 weeks of an infant's life for her digestion to mature enough to process milk properly. Newborns lack the probiotic that aids digestion. Air plays a huge factor in the cause of gas and can become trapped, causing pain and bloating. Gas is produced once they take their first drink of milk or formula and is the result of digesting lactose. Air bubbles can also become trapped when a baby is nursing or sucking, which is why infants need to be burped every few minutes. It is also imperative that the nipple of a bottle fits properly and is not letting in extra air.

  It is widely believed that the foods a breastfeeding mother consumes can upset an infant's digestive system. Certain foods such as dairy, broccoli or garlic and some high citrus fruits are known to cause gas. A mother that produces an abundance of milk (hyper-lactation), and therefore too much foremilk, can also cause infant gas. Too much of this high lactose milk, delivered too quickly and in too much quantity, rather than the nutrient rich hind milk is believed to cause gas.

Remedies for Relieving Gas in Infants

• Often pediatricians will recommend eliminating certain foods to rule out the possibility that the mother's diet is causing gassiness. Homeopathic gripe water is commonly given to infants with gas problems. This contains natural ingredients to soothe the digestive system and is often preferred to medication. Massaging a baby's tummy is also a popular technique of temporarily relieving gas, as well as relaxing a baby who may have become overly irritable due to discomfort. The football hold is a common method of physically helping your child to release gas. Place the baby face down on your arms with their legs resting on your elbows and chin in your hand, the pressure on their stomach should gently relieve discomfort. Giving the infant a warm bath may also help calm an infant, but also has the added benefit of helping the gasses to expand and expel.

  It is important to make sure the child is positioned properly when feeding so he does not swallow extra air that could cause gas. A nursing pillow or support is useful to make sure baby is comfortable and her head is not twisted. Giving an infant a small amount of sugar water is also believed to calm an unsettled tummy -- but no more than 1 oz.