Natural Remedy For A Gassy Baby

Gas can make your baby fidget, squirm and cry due to discomfort. Babies get gassy when they swallow air during feeding or crying, and when bacteria break undigested sugars in the intestine. In addition, your diet can play a role in gas buildup in breastfed babies. Help ease the discomfort gas causes and/or prevent gas buildup with few natural remedies.

Motion

Although gas makes your baby uncomfortable, it is mostly harmless. One natural remedy involves calming your baby. Motion helps ease gas pains and remove the trapped gas from your baby's digestive system. Soothe your gassy baby by rocking him or by placing him on a swing or stroller. A short car ride can also help sooth many babies. Giving a massage will lessen your baby's tension and irritability, while aiding in the removal of the gas. Swaddling your baby can also help calm him by reminding of the safe environment of your womb.

Burping

The best way to treat gas is to prevent it. Babies normally swallow air when they are fed. Burping your baby helps her release some of that air. Air that is kept in your baby's body will result in excess gas, vomiting or an irritable mood. Too much gas can also suppresses your baby's appetite because air provides a feeling of fullness. Burp your baby every time you switch breasts or every 4-oz. serving when bottle-feeding. Avoid playing with your baby 20 minutes after a feeding to allow for a smooth digestion and to prevent gas formation.

Burping Techniques

Try burping techniques recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Perform the over-the-shoulder burping technique by placing your baby over your shoulder, tummy against your body. Rub his back, while securely holding him with your thumb hooked under his armpit. For the over-the-lap technique, place your baby on his tummy over your thigh. Use one hand to support the baby's head, and the other hand to rub his back.

Bottle-Feeding Tips

Bottle-fed babies tend to swallow more air than breastfed infants. Prevent gas buildup by using a nipple and a bottle designed to reduce air ingestion. Nipples that are too big or too small can cause your baby to eat too quickly and swallow air.

Your Diet

Breastfed babies may have gas buildup if their mothers consume vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli, beans, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. Your baby will get the gas-causing molecules from these vegetables through you breast milk. If you notice that your baby is gassy, limit your intake of such vegetables.

Gripe Water

Gripe water is a natural remedy for gas and colic. It contains natural ingredients, such as ginger, fennel, clove oil and seed oil, which can help relieve gas and sooth your baby. However, some gripe waters can contain alcohol and other ingredients not suitable for your baby. Do not give herbal supplements and other such remedies to your baby unless your pediatrician OKs it.