Is there trouble in tummy town? Gas is common in babies, but what do you do when they are in pain? Don't worry!This guide has everything you need to know to reduce infant gas.
I'll discuss what gassiness actually is, its symptoms, the top causes, and then how to reduce it with the best formula for gas, the best bottle for gas, and some incredible tips to try.
A Little Bundle of Joy (or Gas?)
There are so many new adventures to look forward to when you become a mommy. That beautiful bundle of joy you’ve brought home is going to surprise you with all sorts of giggles, noises, smiles, and more.
Along with all those heartwarming moments, however, you will likely be surprised with some not-so-great ones. It’s hard to imagine a moment that isn’t amazing with that adorable baby, right?
Well, I’m talking about those dreaded days of gassiness!
A gassy baby tends to be an unhappy one, so there’s no doubt that you’ll be doing your best to get things back to normal. Fortunately for moms and babies alike, there are plenty of ways to treat that unwanted gas that troubles your little one.
What is Gassiness?
You might be wondering how you can tell if your baby is going through a bout of gas. It’s not always as obvious as blatant flatulence, especially with babies.
Gassiness in babies refers to the times when an excess of air has made its way into your little baby’s tummy. He or she might be having difficulty passing the gas through the system, which leads to the issue of being too gassy.
Don’t worry yourself too much over it; babies are actually very gassy during the early stages of life, so it’s perfectly normal for them to have a bit of excess.
As long as you know how to detect gassiness in your little one, you’re on your way to helping that little tummy.
Symptoms of Gassiness
If you hear your baby let out a few [somewhat adorable] bubbles, it doesn’t automatically mean that he or she is suffering from excess gas.
In fact, it may hint at the opposite. However, there are plenty of symptoms that will let you know if your little one needs some extra care due to pesky gas.
1. Fussier than usual
If your baby seems to be fussier than normal you may want to consider the possibility that gas is to blame.
2. Excessive Flatulence
Those baby toots can be a sign that there is some built up gas in your little one’s system.
3. Irritability
Gassy baby = cranky baby
4. Bloating
5. Hiccupping
A hiccupping baby is adorable, no doubt. However, it might be an indication that gas is building up.
6. Squirming/Crying during feeding
If your baby is getting even more air during a feeding, it’s not uncommon for him to become irritated or restless.
What Causes My Baby to Become Gassy?
Once you find out that having a gassy baby is less than ideal, you’re clearly going to want to eliminate the cause. The following are all potential causes of why your little one may be enduring the discomfort of some extra gas:
1. Nipple Flow
If your baby is bottle-fed, it’s rather easy for him or her to ingest more air than normal, and this can often be caused by the flow of the nipple.
If the flow is too fast for your child’s comfort, your baby is likely to gulp down the bottle, which can lead to an intake of excess air.
On the other hand, if the nipple is too slow your child may suck harder, which can also cause more air to be ingested.
2. Foam in Formula
If your baby is formula fed then this is all too familiar. Some of those formulas seem like they’ll never mix without leaving foam or air bubbles throughout the bottle.
Well, those bubbles can be a direct cause to your child becoming gassy and cranky.
3. Prolonged Crying
When your child cries for extended periods of time, he or she ingests a lot of air.
4. Food and Sensitivities
If your baby has a sensitivity to the food or milk that is consumed, it can lead to a gassy belly.
How Can I Tell if it’s Gas or Colic?
Unlike gas, colic tends to be more severe and often painful for babies. You’ll be able to tell whether or not your little one has colic by the level of discomfort he or she displays.
In fact, it will often seem like your baby is experiencing fits of pain due to the colic. The following are the symptoms of colic that differ from those of gas:
1. Inconsolable crying
If your baby’s fussiness has turned into a constant, inconsolable cry that lasts for 2-3 hours, it’s likely colic.
2. Crying pattern
Babies with colic often have a routine to their crying, such as worsening at night.
3. Hard, bloating belly
If your baby has a hard bloated belly, it's more likely colic than just gas.
4. Clenched fists during crying
Although no mommy wants to see her little one in either of these situations, I think it’s safe to say that we’d all prefer a tummy dealing with gas over one suffering from colic.
If you think your little one might have colic, check out our colic survival guide here.
What Should I Do if My Baby is Gassy?
If your baby is experiencing the discomfort of gassiness, then you’re likely looking for answers on how to help it pass, so to speak.
There are plenty of steps you can take to help soothe, and treat, your little one’s gas. Some of these are simple changes you can make to keep excess gas and air from irritating your sweet baby.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, where I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Best Formulas for Gassy Babies
There are so many options when it comes to feeding your little one formula, but not all formulas are the same.
For example, there are formulas designed to tackle any issue that your baby might face, and gassiness is definitely one of them.
A baby formula for gas differs from regular formulas because it often eliminates ingredients that are potentially irritating to sensitive babies, such as lactose.
There are a lot of great options available when picking the best formula for gassy babies. Let's take a peak at the most popular ones available.
Earth’s Best is an amazing organic baby brand that continues to grow in popularity.
This particular infant formula might be ideal for your baby because it’s low in lactose, which can lead to easier digestion for sensitive tummies.
Not only does Earth's Best Organic Formula help with unwanted gassiness, but it also has some amazing features.
For example, it’s filled with Omega 3 and Omega 6 to support brain development, has no artificial flavors, and is certified non-GMO!
If you ask me, this formula has everything your little one needs to enjoy mealtime, and every moment that follows. If you ask a lot of moms, it's the best formula for gassy baby.
For some reason it’s rare to hear Gerber being suggested when it comes to formula. However, parents who do use this formula often rave about how well it works for their children. It's popular for being the best formula for spit up and gas.
This particular version of their formula is amazing for those little ones who might be struggling with some unwanted gas.
Gerber Good Start Formula treats and prevents excess gas by using “comfort proteins,” which are small proteins that make digestion much easier for small tummies.
Moreover, this formula is also filled with DHA, and includes a carbohydrate blend that only uses 30% lactose. If your baby has been struggling with gas, this is definitely another candidate for the best formula for gassy babies.
Dealing with a gassy baby is tough. Using a formula that helps reduce gas in your little one can make a huge difference!
Enfamil Gentlease Formula is a great option to check out, as it is made to help reduce gas in your baby. They even claim that it's clinically proven to reduce gas in 24 hours!
If you've tried this formula, please feel free to share your opinion in the comments below!
This formula is specifically designed for those babies who have issues with gas, and may have sensitivities to lactose. Choosing Similac for fussiness and gas is a great choice.
Similac Sensitive for fussiness and gas is perfect if you suspect lactose intolerance is causing gas troubles.
Not only does it use a component known as OptiGRO to support brain health and development, but it also has amazing reviews from several parents. Similac Sensitive Formula could be the answer to your troubles of a fussy baby.
Similac does an incredible job making formula for babies with sensitive stomachs. Let's check another one of their products next.
If you find that your little one doesn’t seem to be getting any relief with the Similac Sensitive, then you should consider this sensitive stomach formula.
Similac Total Comfort Formula is formulated with gentle proteins, which are proteins that have been partially broken down. This makes digestion easier for your baby.
An added benefit of this formula is that it’s also Non-GMO, unlike the Sensitive version. It's a great gassy baby formula to consider.
Additional Notes on Formula
There are so many formulas on the market designed to treat fussiness and gas among babies, and it really depends on your preference. Plenty of these formulas are amazing at doing just that, and I’m sure you’ll find the best infant formula for gas that suits your baby's needs.
What do you think of the list above? If you have a suggestion for the best baby formula for gas, please leave your recommendation in the comments below.
Best Bottles for Gassy Babies
It’s important to know that your baby’s bottles can contribute to gassiness.
And Here's Why: It's because air often gets trapped inside the bottle and then gets ingested during feeding.
Thankfully, plenty of companies have taken steps to eliminate this issue by creating some amazing bottle designs.
These magic bottles are the best bottles to reduce gas and differ from regular ones because they are designed to eliminate airflow and prevent your baby from swallowing any air that does find its way into the bottle.
These adorable egg-shaped bottles are built with a flexible silicone, and they have dual anti-colic vents. These bottles are a great option to try, as they work wonderfully at keeping air out of milk.
The fact that the vents are built right into the nipple ensures that air is pulled out before your little one can take a sip. Comotomo Baby Bottles are definitely one of the best options for reducing gas.
The Philips Avent Bottle is also very popular among mommies. These bottles are amazing and come in adorable colors, and they can be found in pink, clear, or blue.
Aside from their appearance, their ability to reduce gassiness is what makes the Philips Avent Bottle an excellent choice and a 2nd great candidate as the best bottle for gassy baby.
A built in valve in the nipple is what keeps air from upsetting your baby’s tummy, and it even helps the milk flow at your child’s preferred pace.
3. Mam Bottles
Parents love these affordable bottles! If it’s designed to deal with colic, then you know it’s going to eliminate gassiness as well.
The whole intent of the design of this bottle is to prevent air from getting in your baby's tummy. It's why it's also one of the best baby bottles for gas.
Additionally, Mam Bottles have a unique nipple that feels natural to babies, and it doesn’t flow too quickly.
Mam makes incredible bottles that reduce gas. What makes these bottles so great at eliminating gas is the vented base. The base sucks out any air that may be present while your little one feeds.
Amazing Tricks to Help Soothe Your Gassy Baby
Once you’ve figured out how to keep your little one from ingesting excess air, you’re on your way to keeping your little one happy and comfortable.
Unfortunately, you might have found the solution after it’s already occurred. But don’t fret; there are plenty of ways you can soothe your little one if he or she is already in the midst of an angry, gassy tummy.
Here are some great tips to try:
1. Baby Massage
Gently massaging your baby’s tummy in circular motions helps break up any gas bubbles that might be present, and gets things moving in the right direction.
2. Move Those Legs
You can help your little one release trapped gas by exercising the legs. Rotate the legs in “bicycle” movements, or press your baby’s knees gently up into the tummy.
3. Burp Baby Frequently
This is another way to help release gas in the tummy, and it helps prevent it from getting trapped there.
4. Try Gas Drops/Gripe Water
Gas drops or gripe water drops can help soothe your baby’s tummy right away.
You can give your little one these drops anytime during the day, or some moms even add a couple drops right in the bottle to get rid of air bubbles.
Colic Calm Gripe Water is a great option to try out.
5. Keep Baby Upright
Eating in a lying position, or laying down right after feeding can cause baby to become gassy.
Conclusion
There are just too many amazing moments in store for your baby for him or her to be struggling with gas. As mommies we want our babies to be happy and excited to explore the world around them.
When baby is dealing with a gassy tummy, however, it can put everyone’s good mood on hold. Just know that it is common for babies to get gas, but that it’s likely to only be a temporary set back to all of the wonderful experiences and memories in store for you and your baby.
We discussed best infant formulas for gas and the best bottles for gas. We also discussed some great tips to help reduce gas. Try them out and give us feedback on the results in the comments below!