Gas Relief in Infants

Gas is a common—and often frustrating—part of babyhood. While it’s usually harmless, a gassy baby can seem uncomfortable, fussy, or hard to settle. The good news? There are several ways to help your little one feel better without spending a fortune on remedies. Just keep in mind that gas is a normal part of development, and some solutions may work better than others depending on your baby.

Considerations for Breastfeeding and Formula 

As with adults, gas often comes in part due to what we’re consuming. For babies and infants, this often means we need to take a look at what is going into their bottles – be it breastmilk or formula. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s natural to wonder whether something in your diet might be affecting your baby. While certain foods can sometimes lead to gassiness, it’s not always easy to figure out which ones. Keep an eye out for consistent patterns—if a specific food seems to cause discomfort every time, try cutting it out and seeing if symptoms improve. For formula, how you prepare the mixture can make a big difference. Powdered formula requires mixing, which can create air bubbles—and those bubbles often end up in your baby’s tummy. To reduce this risk, let the formula sit for a few minutes after mixing to allow bubbles to settle. You can also consider using ready-to-feed or liquid concentrate formulas, which tend to have fewer bubbles.
However, you may want to transition from one form or preparation of formula to another gradually to avoid more stomach upset. (Do not change actual formulas without talking to us first.) 

Feeding Too Quickly

When babies feed too quickly, they tend to swallow more air—which can lead to more gas. Switching to a slower-flow nipple or using bottles designed to reduce air intake (such as vented or angled bottles) may help. Every baby is different, so a little trial and error might be necessary to find the best fit.

You can also try to work in regular burpings. Burping helps release the air your baby swallows during feeding. Don’t wait until the end—try burping your baby midway through a bottle or nursing session, then again afterward. It may interrupt their feeding rhythm, but it can prevent gas from building up.

Add in Movement

A common recommendation for adults experiencing gas after meals is to go for a short walk after eating. This is because gentle movement can do wonders for releasing trapped gas. The same is true for infants. Try laying your baby on their back and slowly moving their legs in a bicycling motion. Tummy time is also helpful—it not only strengthens muscles and prevents flat spots but can help naturally push out gas.

What About Gas Drops?

Simethicone gas drops (found in brands like Mylicon, Mommy’s Bliss, and Little Remedies) are a popular go-to for parents. While some families report relief, scientific studies haven’t shown strong evidence that these drops actually work—especially when it comes to colic.

Still, they’re generally safe to use. If you’re considering them, talk to your pediatrician first to be sure they’re appropriate for your baby.

In conclusion, gas can be tough on babies—and on parents too. Fortunately, there are a number of simple strategies you can try to help relieve your little one’s discomfort. With some patience and gentle trial and error, you’ll likely find what works best for your baby. And remember: when in doubt, talk with us at your next appointment! We’re here for support and guidance.

For questions, to book an appointment, or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.