Relieving gas in babies with burping and tummy time

[WORLD] As a parent, one of the most common and frustrating challenges you may face is a gassy baby. While the sight of your newborn in discomfort can be heart-wrenching, there are ways to alleviate their pain and help them find some relief. If you're struggling with a gassy baby, consider two helpful techniques: burping and tummy time.

Infant gas is a natural part of your baby's development, but it doesn't make it any less distressing for both baby and parents. Gas can accumulate in the digestive tract due to a variety of factors, including swallowed air during feeding or changes in diet. Though gas is often harmless, it can lead to crying, fussiness, and general discomfort, making both babies and parents uneasy.

Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help reduce gas and ease your baby’s discomfort. Two of the most recommended approaches are burping your baby frequently and incorporating tummy time into their daily routine. These methods can have a significant impact on helping your baby feel more comfortable.

The Role of Burping in Relieving Gas

Burping is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help your baby release trapped air after feeding. Babies often swallow air while feeding, whether they are nursing or drinking from a bottle. This swallowed air can lead to bloating, discomfort, and, of course, gas.

It’s essential to burp your baby during and after each feeding. "Stepping up your burping efforts can help with infant gas relief," say Dr. Laura A. Jana and Dr. Jennifer Shu, both pediatricians affiliated with the American Academy of Pediatrics. They recommend burping your baby both during and after feedings to release any trapped air and minimize discomfort. Even if your baby doesn't seem to be overly gassy after a feed, burping them can prevent discomfort later on.

When to Burp Your Baby

The best times to burp your baby are during and after a feed. If your baby is nursing, burp them halfway through and then again at the end of the feeding. If you're bottle-feeding, try burping every 2 to 3 ounces of milk. This helps release any air they've swallowed while drinking. Keep in mind that some babies may resist burping, especially if they're feeling extra fussy, so patience is key.

There are several ways to burp your baby:

Over the Shoulder: Hold your baby against your chest, supporting their head and neck with one hand, while gently patting or rubbing their back with the other.

Sitting Up: Sit your baby upright on your lap, supporting their chest and head with one hand, while gently rubbing or patting their back.

Laying Across Your Lap: Lay your baby across your lap, supporting their head and neck, and gently pat their back.

Sometimes babies don’t burp easily or immediately, and that’s okay. If your baby is still fussy after a few minutes of burping, try different burping positions or wait a little longer before trying again.

Tummy Time: More Than Just Gas Relief

Tummy time is another essential practice for parents of gassy babies. Tummy time involves placing your baby on their stomach while they’re awake and supervised. It’s a great way to help strengthen your baby’s muscles and encourage development, but it also has the added benefit of assisting with gas relief.

When your baby spends time on their tummy, it puts gentle pressure on their abdomen, which can help relieve trapped gas. According to experts, "Tummy time not only can help keep their head from becoming flat while strengthening their upper body, it can put pressure on any gas that's thinking about settling in to be on its way out instead."

Tummy time can also help with other developmental milestones like improving neck and shoulder strength, which is crucial for head control and motor development. But when it comes to gas relief, tummy time is particularly effective at helping your baby push out gas naturally.

Tips for Successful Tummy Time

To ensure your baby benefits from tummy time, it’s important to make it a regular part of their daily routine. Here are a few tips to help make tummy time more enjoyable for your baby:

Start Early: Begin tummy time as early as possible, even if it's just a few minutes at a time. Gradually increase the duration as your baby gets stronger and more accustomed to it.

Be Consistent: Aim for tummy time sessions several times a day, even if it’s just a few minutes each session. Consistency helps your baby build strength over time.

Use a Tummy Time Mat: Placing your baby on a soft, cushioned mat can make tummy time more comfortable and enjoyable. You can also add colorful toys to engage your baby during tummy time.

If your baby fusses or cries during tummy time, it’s normal, especially in the beginning. However, don’t force tummy time if your baby is distressed. Try again later or for shorter periods, and gradually extend the time as they become more comfortable.

Formula Feeding Tips to Minimize Gas

If you’re formula-feeding, there are a few additional strategies you can try to reduce your baby’s gas. One key tip is to avoid mixing powdered formula too vigorously, as this can introduce air bubbles into the mixture. "The more mixing and shaking involved, the more air bubbles get into the mix," warn the pediatricians. These air bubbles can be swallowed by your baby, leading to more gas.

Instead of mixing powdered formula, you might want to consider using ready-to-feed or concentrated formulas, which are less likely to trap air during preparation. Additionally, using a bottle designed to reduce air intake, such as vented or angled bottles, can also help minimize the amount of air your baby swallows while feeding.

Should You Use Anti-Gas Drops?

Another common remedy for gassy babies is anti-gas drops, such as those containing simethicone, which is commonly found in colic drops. However, the effectiveness of these drops is debated. Studies suggest that simethicone may not be as effective as many parents believe, especially in treating colic. "Studies suggest that simethicone does not help," say Dr. Jana and Dr. Shu. They recommend speaking with your pediatrician before deciding whether or not to use anti-gas drops.

While anti-gas drops generally pose no harm when used as directed, it’s always best to consult your pediatrician to determine the best course of action for your baby’s specific needs.

Gas is a common concern for many babies, but with the right strategies, you can help ease your baby’s discomfort. Burping your baby during and after feedings, incorporating tummy time into their daily routine, and adjusting your feeding methods can make a big difference in reducing gas and discomfort.

Remember, it’s always important to consult your pediatrician if you're concerned about your baby's gas or if you're considering any changes to their feeding or medication regimen. With a little patience and these helpful techniques, you’ll likely find that your baby’s gas issues become more manageable.