Introduction
From adults to babies, no one can tolerate the pain due to gas. When the baby is screaming in gas pain, it is challenging for the mother or caretaker to soothe the baby's pain, and it is so hard to see the little one struggling.
Sometimes, you might not know what to do or doubt whether it is actually a gas pain or something else. You might also be searching for the safest and best methods that are proven to give your baby relief. In order to clear your doubts, this article provides some tips for determining whether the little one is experiencing gas pain and, if yes, how to deal with the situation.
Is the Baby Screaming in Pain from Gas?
If an adult has gas problems, they might have an uncomfortable experience, but most of us do not shout at the top of our voice because of it. On the other hand, babies cannot explain their feelings by words, so screaming and crying are the only way to tell us that they are experiencing something wrong.
Babies cry for various reasons, so it is important to ensure that the little one has gas before attempting to source a remedy. It is said that babies are just like adults and children, and they also constantly pass gas. In healthy babies, gas is caused by the air and should not be a source of distress or pain. But babies have immature digestive systems, which means the food does not move smoothly from time to time, and the result can be a bit of uncomfortable gas.
During the newborn stage (first three months), gas is incredibly common and can happen at any stage, and usually, it subsides with time. Some babies are born being extra sensitive to gas, making it more uncomfortable for them. This can occur in formula-fed and chest-fed or breastfed babies. In addition, the little ones may get gas due to something in the mother's diet if she is nursing.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Gassy Baby?
Crying could be a telltale sign for a gassy baby, but there may be other signs to confirm that the baby is experiencing gas. They are,
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Feeling grumpy.
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For around an hour every day, the baby might feel upset or uncomfortable.
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Trouble eating and sleeping.
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Feeling uncomfortable after eating.
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The face turns red or seems like they are in pain when crying.
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The baby might pull their legs up to their chest.
How to Relieve Gas Pain in Babies?
There is no official medical remedy for banishing baby gas, but there are things that can make their little tummies feel better.
Avoid the Tears:
Mother or caretaker should be taught not to wait until your baby has a severe meltdown to feed them. This is because they will start to swallow air and food, which contributes to their gas woes.
Feed-in an Upright Position:
Feeding your baby in a supine position which means lying on their back, can help encourage more air intake and create more gas. In order to avoid that, try to feed your little one in a more upright position. Babies who are bottle-fed look for nipples that help to regulate air and liquid flow better.
Do Not Skip the Mealtime:
Mealtime can do more, and it improves the baby's neck and back muscles. A good mealtime can also provide gentle pressure on their stomachs and help to relieve gas. Avoid mealtime immediately after feeding. Wait for at least 30 to 40 minutes after your baby eats.
Baby Bicycles:
It is a simple exercise that can help to release gas manually. In order to perform it, lay the baby on their back and cycle their legs towards their tummies in a gentle bicycle motion. Alternatively, you can gently push the baby's knees towards their tummy and hold it for 10 seconds. Then release and straighten their legs, and repeat it multiple times.
Infant Massage:
By benefiting from the soothing power of a touch, your baby’s gas problem can be relieved. Adults can massage the little ones to help relieve gas. Gently massage your baby's tummy in a clockwise direction, and it might be beneficial.
Check Your Diet:
When breastfeeding, you need to check whether a part of your diet is causing gas pain in your baby. The best way to find it is to cut each food one by one and see any difference. When you suspect the culprit behind your baby's gas pain is something in your diet, cut down some common foods that cause discomfort. They are:
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Caffeine.
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Coffee.
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Chocolate.
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Alcohol.
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Dairy.
Try Baby Drops:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) instructs little evidence on over-the-counter (OTC) baby gas drops to relieve the baby's gas. But, when nothing else works, it can be tried out.
Before giving gas drops to your baby, talk with your doctor and look for the ones that contain Simethicone, which the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) considers safe to use. Do not use drops that contain benzoic acid or sodium benzoate, as those ingredients can be harmful to the babies when used in large quantities.
Conclusion
Pain from gas is just frustrating for the baby and for you to watch them experience it. There is no official scientifically-backed remedy that is guaranteed to banish gas, but there are things that can be done to help your baby get more comfortable. Try these following steps to help avoid gas pain:
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Feed the baby in an upright position.
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Make them belch correctly.
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Examine your diet when you are breastfeeding.
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Talk with the doctor to check if something else could be going on.
But also understand that, like most baby woes, this too shall pass.
