Often, prolonged crying and obvious discomfort are the only signs that your baby might have gas. Once you and your pediatrician are sure there is no medical condition causing your baby's discomfort, you can try the recommended home remedies to help alleviate your baby's gas. Home remedies involve a combination of techniques that address prevention, alleviation and calming methods.
Gas and Colic
Colic is the diagnosis when a baby cries for more than three hours a day and there is no indication of a medical condition. Often, a baby diagnosed with colic is thought to have gas. The symptoms exhibited by a colicky baby are similar to those of a person with painful gas or heartburn. Babies might have colic because they have gas, or they might develop gas because of colic and swallowing too much air during crying spells. Health care professionals are not sure why some babies get colic. Theories include a sluggish digestive system, undigested food, gastroesophageal disease and the baby's temperament.
Causes
Babies might develop gas from lactose intolerance, allergies, overfeeding, feeding too quickly, inappropriate feeding materials, breast feeding practices, an immature digestive system or maternal anxiety. Improper burping and swallowing too much air during feeding, sucking or crying can introduce air into your baby's digestive system. Some babies cannot tolerate the proteins in formula, or breastfed babies might be reacting to something in the mother's diet. MedlinePlus notes that stress in a baby's home can cause the baby to feel nervous, upset and experience stomach pain.
Symptoms
Babies with colic are often described as having a hard, distended stomach, clenched fists and an arched back. The colicky baby may grimace, as if in pain, draw her legs up over her stomach and pass gas. The crying episodes associated with colic usually end once the baby passes gas or stool. Babies with colic who exhibit the symptoms of gas, such as abdominal pain, are otherwise healthy. They eat well and have normal weight gain.
Feeding Remedies
If you are breast-feeding, try eliminating certain foods to see if there is an effect on your baby. MayoClinic.com recommends eliminating dairy products, spicy foods and citrus fruits. Avoid stimulants, such as caffeine and chocolate, and avoid foods that might cause allergic reactions, like nuts. When breastfeeding, allow your baby to empty the first breast before providing the second. The different concentration in foremilk and hindmilk may cause colic, according to MedlinePlus. Hindmilk, the milk the baby gets as a breast empties, is richer and can be more soothing for your baby. If you feed your baby with a bottle, try changing the type of bottle or try a new kind of nipple. Make sure the hole in the nipple is not allowing your baby to feed too quickly. Burp your baby more often during her feedings.
Relaxation Remedies
Place your baby on your knees, tummy down, and slowly sway your knees. Try walking slowly while holding your baby, or place her in a baby swing or vibrating seat. Try sitting in a rocking chair with your baby; gentle rocking might help your baby to pass gas. Try sounds that soothe your baby to help her relax, such as soft background music or nature sounds, or hum a song while holding your baby. MayoClinic.com suggests a dark room and swaddling to help relax a baby. Give your baby a warm bath or a gentle tummy massage. Hold your baby upright to help her pass gas and alleviate heartburn. Give your baby a back rub while she rests on her stomach, or place a warm towel on her stomach while she is on her back. Once your baby relaxes and stops crying, she will stop swallowing air.
