This is one of our favorite PediPal PSAs: Every single baby has gas. Gas is NORMAL. In fact, gas can be GOOD. Gas is a rite of passage. It doesn’t matter if your baby is formula-fed or breastfed; they all get gas. And, there is no such thing as bad gas. Most of the time, gassiness self-resolves over time.

Why do babies get gassy?

• Babies get gas primarily because their gut is growing rapidly within the first months of life. This growth of their digestive tract takes adjustment and time to mature.

• Babies also swallow air, especially during feeding. This tends to blow over as time passes.

Some babies get very fussy due to gas, but we want to reassure you that this is okay. It can be very stressful as a parent to see your baby struggle with gas. So, what can you do?

Here are a few tips you can try to help relieve your baby’s gas:

1. Gas Drops: These over the counter drops – like Little Tummy’s - can help relieve gas and can be given multiple times a day.         

2. Gripe Water: These over the counter drops – like Little Remedies - also can help aid in gassy babies and are a safe option to try as they are unlikely to cause any harmful side effects.

3. Burping: You can burp your baby after feeding by patting them gently on their back in three common positions – over the shoulder, in your lap face down, in your lap facing out or to the side.

4. Correct nipple size: Different ages require different nipple sizes and this information is usually found on the bottles themselves. The correct nipple size makes sure the flow of milk is not too fast or too slow to help reduce swallowing air during feeding.

5. You can try periodically moving your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion.

6. Allowing tummy time if your baby is 3-4 months of age can help.

Remember, a gassy baby does NOT need food restriction unless it's a special circumstance like a milk allergy. You can try formula changes, but often times, it worsens things so proceed with care as that can stink!

We recommend you be concerned for your baby if:

1. There is blood in their poop.

2. Your baby isn't growing well.

3. They have recurrent vomiting or green vomit.

If this is the case, talk to your pediatrician. We are here to help you through this. We hope these tips help your baby deal with gas and help you feel less stressed. Gas is something all babies go through. Remember, this too, shall pass.

As always, follow us @thepedipals, tune into our podcast, and let us know how we’re doing! Here’s to happy, healthy, and well-balanced children!

Your PediPals