All babies have gas occasionally, but some babies suffer from uncomfortable or painful gas often. Signs that your baby has gas include crying, pulling her legs up to her abdomen and a firm, distended abdomen. Most of the time, this condition can be treated at home with dietary changes, changing positions and natural home remedies.
Dietary Changes
If you are nursing your baby, something in your diet might be causing excessive gas. Try eliminating foods that tend to cause stomach irritation or gas such as broccoli, cauliflower, onions, dairy products and spicy foods. Your bottle-fed baby might be reacting to his formula. Ask his pediatrician whether you should try a lactose-free, soy or hypoallergenic formula. Do not switch to a low-iron baby formula without the advice of your pediatrician. If your baby is eating solids, introduce one food at a time, waiting several days before introducing each food. This way, if one is causing gas or stomach upset you can identify and eliminate it.
Positioning Practices
Try keeping your baby upright when you feed her, which reduces the amount of gas that she swallows. Also, keep her upright for a while after feeding her to encourage gas to escape. Gently pat or rub her back to help her burp halfway through and after each feeding. Putting her on her tummy across your lap might also help gas to move through her system quickly. Lay her on her back and move her legs as though she is pedaling a bicycle, or try gently massaging her abdomen. Apply a warm washcloth first for soothing relief.
Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies
Do not give your baby any herbal or homeopathic remedies without talking to a doctor first. Some herbs and remedies are not safe for babies, and some can cause unpleasant side-effects. Some herbs that have been used traditionally in easing infant gas include fennel, chamomile, lemon balm and peppermint. Homeopathic remedies for gas include chamomila, belladonna, pulsatilla and dulcamara. Consult with a homeopathic doctor to find the correct dose for your baby.
Considerations
If your baby's gas seems to be causing her a lot of pain, take her to the pediatrician. A baby who cries excessively might have a condition more serious than excessive gas and could require medical treatment. Ask your baby's doctor about using simethicone drops, which are an over-the-counter medication that can relieve excess gas and discomfort. If you feel overwhelmed or angered by your baby's crying, put her in a safe place, such as her crib, and call someone for help.
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