The Cause and Treatment of Infant, Newborn and Baby Gas Problems

by T.A. Lawrence B.Sc, CIRM, CPMP

All babies have gas, some babies simply have more than others. Furthermore, some babies have an easier time passing gas, which may stem from a learned or innate ability. Gassiness in the newborn and many babies often results from multiple factors, not just one simple thing.

Where does gas come from in infants and newborns?

There are different ways that air can get into babies’ digestive systems. Gas is produced in the digestive tract from the moment baby has his or her first drink of breast milk or formula. Newborn gas is a natural byproduct of digesting lactose, proteins and other nutrients contained in breast milk or formula.

In addition, some pediatricians and lactation specialists assert that traces of gas-producing foods, such as cruciferous vegetables and legumes, can be passed from mother to baby. Some experts also warn against excessive acidity in the maternal diet. Citrus fruits and juices, strawberries and tomatoes are high in acidity and may irritate the infant. Dairy products in mother’s diet can also lead to “intolerances” in baby. The problem is usually linked to the milk protein found in milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, etc. Soy and peanut intolerance in babies often accompanies dairy intolerance. When breastfeeding, a mother can test how these common culprits may be affecting her child by religiously eliminating all dairy, soy and peanut products from her own diet for two weeks. Reintroduction of soy first, then a cooked milk product (such as hard cheese or yogurt) should be done very slowly to monitor baby’s tolerances.

Air bubbles can also be taken in through baby’s mouth. Most commonly, it is a result of the suction created during nursing. For this reason, it is important to burp every 3 to 5 minutes during feedings or between breasts. If your baby is bottle-fed, make certain that the bottle’s nipple is the right size. If the nipple is too big, it will cause your baby to eat too fast. If it’s too small, it will cause your baby to gulp air.

Another possible reason for infant gassiness is hyper-lactation syndrome. When a mother has a very abundant milk supply, she may produce a larger amount of foremilk. Foremilk is higher in water content, higher in lactose and usually delivered with greater force during letdown. In excess, foremilk can make baby’s stomach cramp, creating more fussiness. A baby that gulps the quickly flowing milk also tends to take in more air, thereby getting gassier. Because the baby may not be getting enough of the rich hind milk, he or she tends to want to eat more often, which perpetuates the problem. The baby that suffers from hyper-lactation syndrome is characterized by higher that normal weight gain, increased gassiness, and fussiness.

Over stimulation can also lead to increased gassiness. Just as many adults experience intestinal disturbances in stressful situations, so are babies affected by their environments. Sensitive infants that are bombarded with noise, lights, touch and multiple experiences will usually “shut down” in an attempt to reduce stimulation. This shut down response does not completely insulate baby from the effects of the stimulation. Babies that are easily overloaded often experience more severe gas, fussiness, and difficulty sleeping later in the day or night. In general, the more activity (errands, visitors, T.V., phones, etc.) in baby’s day, the higher the chances of gassiness and fussiness in baby’s evening and night.

A certain amount of crying is normal in all infants, since it is their only means of verbal communication. Babies’ crying may indicate that they are hungry, lonely, warm, cold, uncomfortable or in need of a diaper change. Many babies go through periods of crying for no apparent reason, as they simply get used to the new world. Crying in general causes babies to gulp air into their digestive systems. These air bubbles can get trapped in their stomach and/or passed on to the intestine. Gas pain can also be a direct result of air swallowed during crying.

Why does infant gas cause pains and discomfort?

Normally, gas is not a problem and causes no pain or discomfort because it is quickly and easily pushed through the digestive system. However, babies are born with a very immature gut. Most experts agree that for the first thirteen weeks of life outside the womb, the newborn digestive system is literally just learning to function. Muscles that support digestion have not developed the proper rhythm for moving food efficiently thought the digestive tract. Furthermore, newborns lack the benevolent bacterial flora (probiotics) that develop over time to aid digestion.

Gas has buoyancy and gas pockets can become trapped in the upper and lower intestines. The gas acts like a cork, impeding or halting the flow of gastric juices and built-up pressure causes painful bloating and swelling of the abdomen. Baby’s immature digestive system is unable to cope effectively. When gas pockets form in the stomach, this can cause the stomach to distend but is also the main cause of hiccups.

What treatment is available for baby’s gas problems?

Burping the baby thoroughly will reduce the amount of air in the stomach, so that it does not pass on to the intestinal tract. Unfortunately, burping is not 100% effective at eliminating gas, since it has absolutely no effect on the gas created in the intestines during normal digestion. There are baby massage techniques which may prove effective in helping baby to release gas. Simply applying light pressure on the tummy can soothe and help. You can also try carrying baby in the “football hold” – face down on your forearm with baby’s legs straddling your elbow and baby’s chin resting in your hand. Again, the gentle pressure placed on the little tummy can help soothe and release baby’s gas.

There are several treatments available for infant gas. As always, you should consult your pediatrician first before giving baby any medications, remedies or supplements.

• What Parents are Saying My daughter was a fussy girl after 3 weeks and Mylicon never helped. She was very uncomfortable and didn’t sleep through the night. The first time I tried Colic Calm after checking with my doctor she was sleeping through the night because her tummy was finally not hurting. It has been wonderful! She is 3 months old and she has grown out of it a bit but still needs her nightly dose of Colic Calm. Thanks again, keep it safe for little angels, your doing a great service for little babies (and parents) everywhere. Samantha R. King of Prussia, PA I have to say, ColicCalm is really the only thing we've used that has helped our son's gas. He was extremely intolerant to many foods, including dairy, but it always helped him quickly. Now, he's 8 months but we still use it anytime we notice his tummy is a little gassy and it works immediately. I really appreciate this product. Thank you! Stephanie D. Seattle, WA See more testimonials...

  Simethicone is sold under several brand names in drug stores. Simethicone is essentially a foaming agent that joins gas bubbles in the stomach on the theory that gas can be more easily burped away. However, if the larger clusters of bubbles are not burped up quickly enough, they pass into the lower digestive tract. Here the larger gas bubble clusters can cause more painful distention and cramping. Simethicone admittedly has no effect on intestinal gas, which as many adults know, can cause the most intense pain. Since simethicone works by joining gas bubbles, it must be where the gas is in order to work. As a result, simethicone is not an “as needed” medicine, but rather one that must be given in regular doses with every meal. If gas has been created other than by feeding, simethicone will have no effect after the gassiness appears. Also, simethicone will work only on gas near the top of the stomach and has no effect on intestinal gas.
• Sodium Bicarbonate (a.k.a. Baking Soda) is used in several gripe water brands that are sold as dietary supplements. Be careful! These are not regulated by the FDA and fall under loose dietary supplement guidelines. Sodium bicarbonate is an alkali which counteracts the PH of stomach acid which is naturally created in the baby’s stomach. It can temporarily relieve some discomfort caused by acid reflux. Unfortunately, sodium bicarbonate is absorbed into the bloodstream and can have unwanted side effects. For this reason, sodium bicarbonate is not to be consumed by children under an age five years, as stated clearly on baking soda boxes. Even for adults, it should not be used for more than 2 weeks or for recurring conditions. According to some doctors, sodium bicarbonate can cause an imbalance in babies' electrolites which can lead to serious problems.
• Essential Oils and Herbal Extracts (dill, fennel, etc.) are used by some gripe water brands and sold as dietary supplements. Again, be careful as these are not regulated by the FDA. There are known safety issues with essential oils. Many experts believe they are not to be taken internally by adults, let alone infants. Please be well advised of all possible side effects before giving essential oils to your baby, no matter how small the concentrations.
• Homeopathic formulas can be an excellent choice for treating infant gas symptoms. Homeopathic medicine is completely allergen-free and side-effect-free. There is only one such liquid formula on the market. Colic Calm Gripe Water is available on-line and in select health food stores and health practitioners’ offices. Colic Calm has a success rate of over 95% in treating infant gas and colic. Many parents and caretakers have been relieved to find an all-natural remedy. The unique homeopathic formula works within minutes, so it is only given on an “as needed” basis. Thousands of satisfied customers have also reported that ColicCalm works wonders for bloating, pressure, stomach cramps, and even hiccups. It is also extremely effective on gas created during introduction of new foods into babies’ delicate digestive tracts. Read more about how Colic Calm Gripe Water Treats Newborn, Infant and Baby Gas Problems.

More Parent Testimonials Blake is doing great, he will be one year old Wed the 18th. He is just very gassy, that Colic Calm helps sooo much. Thank you so much for inventing such a wonderful thing! I had my doubts at first, I am a firm believer now. I appreciate you getting back to me, usually when you buy online you really don't know what your getting, let alone ever hear from anyone, so thank you. And again thanks for the colic calm. Lisa G. Lincoln, NE I wanted to let you know how your product was working. Ryan is so much better since we have been giving him Colic Calm. We changed his formula to Enfamil Nutramigen which helped but he was still having problems with gas. When he is upset I give him a dose and he is immediately happy. Ryan also gets hiccups a lot and as soon as I give Colic Calm to him they go away. Thank you so much for such a great product.... I recommended it on the ivillage message boards! Rene T. Washingtonville, NY I really am so glad I found Colic Calm. 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Crofton, MD Our grandsons were born 7 weeks premature at 5 lbs, and 3 lbs 11oz.  By the time we took them home they were only sleeping 2 1/2 – 3 hours.  Normal for babies this size, however both of them would cry and stress horribly with gas pains – even while on breast milk.  We tried many over the counter products and some homemade remedies that helped a little, but as the weeks progressed things just went from bad to worse.  The little guys weren’t seeping much, crying a great deal and straining until they turned purple.  It was heartbreaking to see.  My son and his wife were totally sleep deprived and walking zombies.  I found Colic Calm after a search on the Internet and it turned all their lives around just in the nick of time.  My daughter-in-law had to return to work the week after we started the Colic Calm – on her first day back those two little guys finally slept 5 hours straight at 2 months.  Life is so much better now and the babies are so much happier and content.  On their last pediatric visit they showed the Colic Calm to the pediatrician who gave it his approval.  I think it should be given to all parents in their little take home bags from the hospital. I think for my next baby shower I will include it with the gift.  Thank you for a wonderful product. Annette W. Lodi, NJ AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING STUFF!!  Our 6 week old little girl, would fuss and cry all afternoon and evening.  Your product has completely helped to relax her and break up some of her gas.  She has become a really happy baby and just gave us her first real smile yesterday! Thank you!  Eric H. Tucson, AZ This product is awesome and the company ships so fast. I would rate this product as Number 1 for gas relief. Lisa P. King of Prussia, PA Colic Calm saved our sanity and helped make my baby a very happy boy!!! I heard about Colic Calm through a friend and thought I’d give it a try...since I’d tried everything else and my baby was still fussy and very uncomfortable with gas pains. Within a day of using the Colic Calm we noticed a huge improvement. We use it now 3 times a day and our baby is doing great. We really appreciated the fast, next day shipping. We’ve recommended Colic Calm to 3 other couples so far and will continue to do so. Keri P. Long Beach, CA I am extremely pleased with ColicCalm.  It started working the first day that I gave it to my son.  He still has gas, but it is under control now.  I will never go back to using Mylicon or other gas drops like it.  I am recommending ColicCalm to my friends and family for their babies. Thanks! Rebekah A. Owosso, MI I had a minute and thought I would drop you a quick email. I have went through 3 bottles of Coliccalm already. I don't know how it works but it does. I can't believe the relief my little guy gets from his gas. I just placed another order for 8 bottles. This product rocks. Thank you! Lisa W. Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada Colic Calm is an amazing formula. Our son, whom for some reason seems to have unnatural gas most of the time, is always griping and complaining because of the pains that gas causes. We give him the Colic Calm formula and it seems to put him to ease, almost all the time. It has saved us countless number of hours of lack of sleep because Colic Calm was able to relax him to sleep. Thanks for your amazing formula. A Caring Father, Jason L. El Paso, TX I have to say ColicCalm is a life saver. As soon as my son got home from the hospital he cried for hours at night due to gas. As soon as he started taking ColicCalm the crying went down to minutes instead of hours. I would and have recommended ColicCalm to many other mothers. Hortencia A. Palmdale, CA Well, I must say...I'm a believer!  My newborn daughter would have terrible bouts of evening gas and crying. Dinner time turned into walking the floors and skipping out on meals with the family. I decided to try Colic Calm. Let me tell you, nights are quiet and anytime I see her getting gassy, I give her a dose and within 5 minutes I have a happy baby again. 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Conclusion

Approaching the problem of infant gas and fussiness as a multi-level problem is usually most effective. If the signs of hyper-lactation seem familiar, then contact a lactation specialist to help correct the problem. Avoiding the foods mentioned above for at least a few days may help indicate how much of a problem they cause baby. If gassiness and fussiness is excessive around the clock, a two-week trial elimination of dairy, soy and peanuts will show if mother’s diet is a contributing factor.

Recognizing the sensitive and over-stimulated baby is often the most difficult for parents. Keeping outings and visitors to a minimum for a few weeks may decrease the degree of gassiness and fussiness. Allowing the infant to have quiet and uninterrupted sleep helps prevent overtiredness, increased irritability and unnecessary crying episodes.

Remember that babies are just getting accustomed to this world. As they grow older, most will become far less gassy and fussy. Their digestive tracts will learn how to function well. In the first three months of life, babies are not well-equiped to calm themselves. Self-calming is a skill that develops slowly over time and at different rates in children.