As a parent, it can be heart-wrenching to see your little one in discomfort. Many infants experience gastrointestinal (GI) issues—like gas, reflux, and abdominal pain—that can cause fussiness, disrupted sleep, and stress for caregivers. Understanding these common concerns and recognizing the signs can help you soothe your breastfed baby and ease their discomfort. 

What Causes Gas in Infants?

Gas is common in infants for several reasons. Feeding quickly, crying, or learning to latch can cause babies to swallow extra air. Their digestive system is still developing, making them prone to gas buildup as they adjust to processing breast milk or infant formula. Newborn gas pains often peak in the first few weeks but usually improve around three months as gut health continues to mature and stabilize.  

Symptoms of Gas

  • Frequent fussiness or crying, especially after feeding

  • Arching the back or clenching fists

  • Bloating or a hard belly

  • Passing gas more frequently than usual

Tips for Your Gassy Baby

Burp Your Baby

A good burp during and after feedings can help your baby release trapped air bubbles and prevent excess gas buildup.

Feeding Position for a Gassy Baby

Holding your baby upright during and after feedings may help reduce symptoms, whether you are breast or bottle feeding. Many families find babywearing especially helpful to keep up with day-to-day life and support their baby's comfort between feedings.

Use Slow Flow Nipples

A slow flow bottle nipple with a gradual slope supports a good latch and smoother feeding rhythm. As your baby swallows, a slow flow nipple will help reduce air intake and support greater feeding comfort.

Gentle Tummy Massage

Your baby’s tummy can be supported with infant massage to encourage the passing of gas. Use only gentle pressure, and follow with a warm bath for extra gas relief and relaxation. 

Bicycle Legs

Move your baby's legs in a bicycling motion to help relieve gas pressure.

Extra Tummy Time

Tummy time not only helps to develop your baby’s core strength and head control, but it can also promote gas release. 

Over-the-Counter Remedies

Infant gas drops or Simethicone gas drops, baby gripe water, and probiotics may help. Discuss all health information and options with your baby’s healthcare provider before use.

Understanding Reflux in Infants

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing spitting up or discomfort. This condition is quite common among infants because their lower esophageal sphincter—the muscle that keeps stomach contents from coming back up—is still developing. While many infants experience some degree of reflux, it typically resolves on its own as they grow, usually improving by their first birthday. If symptoms are persistent or severe, reach out to your baby's healthcare provider.

Signs of Reflux

  • Frequent spitting up

  • Irritability during or after feedings

  • Arching of the back during feedings

  • Poor weight gain (in severe cases)

Tips for Managing Reflux

Feed Smaller Amounts

Offering smaller, more frequent feedings can help your baby’s tummy by reducing pressure on their developing digestive system.

Hold Upright After Feedings

Try to keep your infant upright for about a half hour after feedings to help keep feedings down.

Avoid Tight Clothing

Dress your little one in loose-fitting clothes to avoid putting pressure on their tummy.

Dietary Changes

Some infants may be sensitive to cow’s milk proteins either in their mother’s breast milk or in baby formula. Some families find their baby’s reflux symptoms improve when the breastfeeding mother makes dietary modifications or by switching infant formulas.

Medication

In more severe cases, your healthcare provider can discuss prescription options.

Understanding Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain in infants can be caused by various factors, including gas, reflux, constipation, and food intolerances. Each of these issues can lead to significant discomfort, so it's important to recognize the signs and identify potential triggers to help your little one feel better.

Signs of Abdominal Pain

  • Excessive crying, especially during or after feedings

  • Pulling knees to the chest

  • Difficulty sleeping or feeding

  • Changes in stool patterns

Tips for Managing Abdominal Pain

Comforting Techniques

Try swaddling, rocking, or offering the breast or a pacifier to soothe your little one.

Maintain a Feeding Diary

Track feeding times and foods you are eating to try and identify possible triggers.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

If you suspect food intolerances, consult your doctor and lactation consultant for possible testing or information about elimination diets.

When to Seek Help

While many gastrointestinal issues are common in infants, there are times when you should consult a pediatrician:

  • If your baby is crying inconsolably

  • If your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight

  • If your baby has persistent vomiting or diarrhea

  • If you notice blood in your baby's stool

  • If your baby is unusually lethargic or unresponsive

Watching your baby struggle with discomfort can be hard, but many digestive challenges are a normal part of early development and usually ease with time. With patience, responsive care, and the right support, you can help your gassy baby find comfort as you move through this phase together.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.