A gassy baby equals an unhappy baby, and an unhappy baby equals unhappy--and tired--parents. Yet gas is extremely common in infants. It's caused by a variety of sources including the breakdown of proteins and sugars in formula or breast milk, swallowing air or overstimulation. While burping every three to five minutes during feeding will help your baby dispel gas, it does occasionally become trapped in the digestive tract, causing pain. Babies usually become less gassy after 13 weeks, when their digestive systems are more mature. Until then, there are several strategies to try to keep your baby comfortable.
Massage
Massage can help burst any gas bubbles in your baby's tummy. Try gently pressing or rubbing his tummy to see if that helps expel gas or relieve pain. Additionally, you can hold your baby in the "football hold." Lay your infant on his tummy on the underside of your forearm, which is facing up, so that his chin is resting in your palm and his legs are on either side of your elbow. This also puts some extra pressure on his belly and can get the gas moving while relieving his pain. This is a good way to hold your baby after feeding him to get rid of any gas that wasn't expelled during a burp.
Over-the-counter Medications
Simethicone drops may help your baby pass gas, if it is still in her stomach. Mayoclinic.com reports that simethicone drops are not helpful if your baby develops colic or has intestinal gas. It may help babies with upper digestive gas, though. It works by foaming and bonding with the gas that's already in your baby's stomach, helping to break the bubbles down. Simethicone drops are usually given on a regular basis at meals and bedtime for babies who tend to have gas that isn't easily relieved and is best used regularly instead of for an occasional bout of gassiness. Drugs.com reports there are no common side effects for this medication, but be sure to check with your doctor before giving it to your child.
Homeopathic Remedies
Gripe water is a common homeopathic remedy given to children with a variety of ailments from gas to hiccups to teething pain. Ingredients vary so be sure to check labels--some even contain alcohol--and check with your child's pediatrician before proceeding. Many brands of gripe water are approved as safe by the FDA, so check packaging to make sure it has that seal of approval. Gripe water differs from simethicone drops as it can be given when your child is having a bout of gas and does not need to be given regularly or before gas is noted.
