Is Your Baby Crying in Pain from Gas?

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 a gas pain or something else. You might also be searching for the safest and best methods proven to relieve your baby. To clear your doubts, this article provides tips for determining whether the little one is experiencing gas pain and, if so, 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 in words, so screaming and crying is the only way to tell us that they are experiencing something wrong.

Babies cry for various reasons, so ensuring that the little one has gas before attempting to source a remedy is important. 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. However, babies have immature digestive systems, which means the food does not move smoothly from time to time, resulting in a bit of uncomfortable gas.

Gas is incredibly common during the newborn stage (first three months) and can happen at any stage, usually subsiding with time. Some babies are born extra sensitive to gas, making it more uncomfortable for them. This can occur in formula-fed, 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 Causes Gas in Babies?

• Gas in babies occurs due to intestinal immaturity, which is common during the first three months.

• It also occurs during six to 12 months due to introduction to solid foods.

• Shaking the formula milk produces bubbles that introduce air into the baby’s stomach.

• Improper latching during breastfeeding causes the newborn to swallow more air while feeding.

• Using pacifiers will also promote the entry of gas into the stomach.

• If a newborn cries for a long time, he or she will swallow minimal air.

• Consuming juice can cause gas in the stomach because the sugars it contains are hard to digest for babies.

• Certain vegetables may also cause gas in the stomach, so avoid eating them in excess.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Gassy Baby?

Crying could be a telltale sign of a gassy baby, but there may be other signs to confirm that the baby is experiencing gas. They are,

• Feeling grumpy.

• The baby might feel upset or uncomfortable for around an hour every day.

• Trouble eating and sleeping.

• Feeling uncomfortable after eating.

• The face turns red or seems like they are in pain when crying.

• 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: Mothers or caretakers should be taught not to wait until their baby has a severe meltdown to feed them. This is because they will start swallowing air and food, contributing to their gas woes.

• Feed in an Upright Position: Feeding your baby in a prone position, which means lying on its back, can help encourage more air intake and create more gas. 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: This simple exercise can help release gas manually. To perform it, lay the baby on its back and cycle its legs towards its tummies in a gentle bicycle motion. Alternatively, gently push the baby's knees towards its tummy and hold it for ten seconds. Then, release and straighten the 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 clockwise, which might be beneficial.

• Burping the Newborns: You can gently pat or massage the baby’s back and help the baby burp.

• Riding in the Car: A gentle rocking motion helps the baby to calm down.

• 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 individually and see any difference. When you suspect the culprit behind your baby's gas pain is something in your diet, cut down on some common foods that cause discomfort. They are:

  • Caffeine.

  • Coffee.

  • Chocolate.

  • Alcohol.

  • 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 containing benzoic acid or sodium benzoate, as those ingredients can harm babies when used in large quantities.

What Could Be the Other Possible Reasons for Crying Baby?

• Early teething causes pain and discomfort in newborns. In general, the primary teeth erupt around six months of age. But sometimes, they may erupt earlier, which can cause drooling and gum swelling.

• Any illness or injury in newborns causes discomfort and makes them cry. They should be taken to a pediatrician to assess their condition in such cases.

• Sometimes, a wet diaper or an unfit dress causes a newborn to cry. Have a look at them before you conclude that the newborn cries because of gas.

• Newborns cry even if tired and will not know how to express themselves as adults do.

When Should You Contact the Doctor for a Gassy Baby?

Parents must be aware of when they have to reach their doctor. Here is the list of a few signs:

• Vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

• Constipation.

• Fever.

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 the following steps to help avoid gas pain:

• Feed the baby in an upright position.

• Make them belch correctly.

• Examine your diet when you are breastfeeding.

• 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.