Most babies develop uncomfortable gassiness at some point in their young lives. This condition often causes fussing, crying and screaming. According to FamilyDoctor.org, babies who cry for more than three hours per day, three times per week with gas pains have colic. No one knows what causes colic, but babies with colic tend to swallow a lot of air and have painful gassy episodes. Even babies who do not have colic can suffer from excess gas. Soothe your baby by helping him pass the gas that is causing discomfort.
Step 1
Prevent excess gas buildup in the first place whenever possible. Feed your baby in an upright position if she is prone to gas. Do not let her suck on just the tip of the bottle's nipple or on the tip of your breast. Encourage her to open her mouth wide, and latch her fully onto your breast or the bottle nipple to reduce the amount of air that she swallows.
Step 2
Pat or rub your baby on his back during and after feedings. This motion will usually elicit a belch, which will relieve the pressure in his stomach.
Step 3
Rub your baby's stomach gently in a clockwise circle to help her expel intestinal gas. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests adding three drops of catnip tincture to 1 to 2 tsp. olive or almond oil and rubbing this mixture on her stomach to help the process along.
Step 4
Give your baby simethicone drops after he feeds. These drops are available in any pharmacy or grocery store and help break down gas bubbles. Follow the directions on the package carefully when giving the drops to your child.
Step 5
Lay the baby on your lap, and move her legs as if she were peddling a bicycle. This action can help relax her stomach and allow her to pass gas. Another way to get the same effect, according to pediatrician William Sears, is to lay her tummy-down on a large beach or exercise ball. While holding her securely, gently roll her in a circle. The ball will massage her stomach and help her release gas.
Step 6
Ask your doctor about changing your diet if you are breastfeeding or your baby's formula if you are bottle feeding. Some babies are sensitive to certain foods or brands of baby formula. Eliminating the offending food or switching formulas may reduce the amount of gas that your baby produces.
Things You'll Need
- Catnip tincture
- Olive or almond oil
- Simethicone drops
- Large beach ball
