Gas relief for babies: Gas accumulation in infants can cause various problems and discomforts. It is common for infants to pass gas in moderate amounts, but it has to be monitored for high amounts as it can cause various health issues if untreated. However, it can be treated easily at home. So do not worry about it, and we will look further into it below.
HOW IS GAS ACCUMULATED IN INFANTS?
In general, gas gets accumulated through the food or milk they consume and also through the way they are fed.
HOW TO FIND IF BABY IS GASSY
There are many symptoms that show the baby is gassy, including those below. However, these symptoms are not to be worried if they are in a small amount, as it is usual activity, but have to be noticed when abnormal.
- Burp
- Farting
- Crying
- Bloated and full tummy
- Resistance to feeding
- Not pooping
Ways to Help Your Baby Feel Better
Once you feel your baby is gassy, follow the below steps to get rid of gas.
FEEDING POSITION
Feeding position is the most important thing to be taken care of from the very first feeding to the baby, as it is the first stage where the baby gets accumulated gas easily. Not to worry, as it is a simple step. The major thing to keep in mind is to hold the baby upright while feeding so that the head is held upwards, which helps to pass the gas upwards and milk towards the stomach. It has to be followed both in breast feeding and bottle feeding. Also check for air bubbles while bottle feeding.
BURPING
Burp is the process by which gas passes through and is moved out of the stomach. It is another major activity to be done after feeding a baby. In order to make the baby burp, hold them upright with their head on your shoulder and give them very gentle taps on their back until they burp. If they don’t burp, lie them on their backs for a while and repeat the process. This has to be carried out each time after nursing the baby.
FOODS
Foods given are to be monitored very closely, as some foods can directly form gas in the stomach. In the case of breast feeding, the mother has to be cautious about the food she consumes. It’s not necessary to cut down on those foods completely, but you can limit your consumption. On the other hand, if the baby is formula-fed, do consult with the doctor and try changing the brands as recommended by them for your baby.
ACTIVATES
A few activities can also help to reduce the gas in the body. For infants, give a gentle massage over their tummy, accompanied by a gentle up-and-down movement of the legs when the baby is laid on their back. Letting the baby play for a little time on their tummy side will also help to relieve the gas through fart. For grown up kids, do not worry; their running and other play activities will themselves get rid of the gases easily.
THINGS TO BE NOTED
These are small home remedies without side effects that can reduce gas accumulation in babies. On the contrary, if the baby is still fussy and also has a fever, do not hesitate to consult your doctor without a second thought.
