Gassy Baby

Parents and caregivers are often surprised by the amount of gas their little one is capable of producing in the first year of life! Even with the best digestive circumstances, an infant can pass gas around 21 times a day.

Although gas can lead to tummy pain, it is important to remember that this is often a normal part of an immature digestive system. No matter if you breastfeed, bottle feed, or a combination of both, the majority of infants will outgrow this phase by the time they are 4 to 6 months old, though for some, baby gas can last longer.

Breastfeeding Diet Gassy Baby

It is not uncommon for parents to hear that certain foods in any mom’s diet will cause gas in her baby during breastfeeding. This information may be incredibly persistent in breastfeeding circles, but it is certainly not founded in research.

We are not saying that certain foods are unlikely to cause some digestive worries in babies - this can happen especially in newborns. However, there is not a list of foods that every mom should avoid while breastfeeding to ensure their little one will avoid gas in their digestive system.

Most babies are fine with any safe food that mom eats during breastfeeding, so there is no reason to avoid any certain food in order to prevent gas unless you find an obvious reaction that causes an unusual amount of tummy distress in your little one.

Why is my breastfed baby so gassy?

 Breast milk is made in the mother’s breasts, directly from a mother’s blood. It is not made straight from the food that a mother eats. As such, this means that the majority of the time it is not the mother’s food that makes breastfed babies gassy. However, there are some foods to consider on this topic.

• Dairy products: An excessive amount of dairy products in your diet could possibly be an issue. Some doctors suggest eliminating dairy from your diet and keep a food journal for two weeks to see if there is any improvement in baby’s conditions.
• Wheat/gluten: If your baby has an allergy or extreme sensitivity to wheat or gluten, you may need to cut it from your diet just like with dairy.

As mentioned earlier, it’s unknown if cutting these from your diet while breastfeeding really will make an impact, but if you are in the phase of trying anything to help baby, start with those foods.

So what makes a breastfed baby gassy? One of the most common ways that babies get gas in their digestive system is by taking in excess air.

When formula fed babies are uncomfortable, it can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of their distress. Many of the symptoms that breast fed babies have with gas are the same that you may find with formula fed babies with gas.

In both cases babies may be squirmy as they struggle to get comfortable. You may also find that your little one will cry and be fussier than normal, your little one may bring their legs up to their chest and kick, or have trouble sleeping.

All of the signs of a gassy baby can seem overwhelming to parents and caregivers alike. In these times, it is best to remember that all of this is completely common and normal, given infants' tiny and immature digestive systems.

Babies can have double the trouble when it comes to gas in their digestive system. Not only does their immature digestive system produce a lot of gas as it breaks down food, but babies also take in extra air from eating, crying, and even sucking on a bottle.

In search of the closest breastfeeding alternative or breastfeeding supplement that soothes the gassy digestion system of an infant, more and more parents are turning to the gentle nutrition of European baby formulas.

This specialized nutrition is designed to help relieve the gas, bloating, and discomfort that many babies struggle with. Options for gastrointestinal symptoms include hydrolyzed, hypoallergenic, and A2 milk-based formulas.

HiPP Special Comfort has hydrolyzed proteins that are broken down into smaller fragments so that they’re easier to digest and absorb. Perfect for infants experiencing gas and bloating. This hydrolyzed formula also helps to relieve colic and severe constipation.

HiPP HA is significantly hydrolyzed and has proteins broken down into their smallest components. Designed with prebiotics and probiotics to ensure even the most sensitive, allergy prone little ones can get relief from gas.

HiPP AR is a specialized nutrition that contains organic locust bean gum to soothe gassy tummies and relieve esophageal reflux.

When parents suspect a cow’s milk allergy or intolerance, caregivers can turn to the gentle nutrition of Holle A2 cow’s milk-based baby formula or full cream goats milk baby formulas.

By choosing A2 cow’s milk, even the most sensitive babies are still able to receive complete pure organic nutrition without the gassy side effects.

European baby formulas, Holle and Kendamil have gone out of their way to give your lactose intolerant baby a healthy, pure, and clean alternative to cow’s milk without the hidden and not so hidden dangers of soy.

Finding the perfect nutrition can be difficult, especially when your little one is having painful gas; choosing the A2 milk protein of Kendamil or Holle goat milk formula may be the answer your baby’s needs.

Gassiness in babies is often worse at night. For the most part, this is due to the baby's immature digestive system working through the day’s nutrition. Furthermore, while your baby sleeps safely in the back-to-sleep position, intestinal gas can be trapped and needs a release.

If you notice gas pains keeping your little one awake at night, here are some helpful gassy baby tips to ease their discomfort and help them drift off to sleep.

Burp – Make sure to burp baby during and after feedings throughout the day.

Feeding Angle – When breastfeeding or bottle feeding, it is important to keep their head higher than their little tummy.

Massage – A gentle tummy massage can help to break up the gas bubbles that are trapped.

Bicycle their Legs – With baby on their back, move their legs in a ‘bicycle’ motion to help break up the gas bubbles.

Warm Bath – A nice warm bath can help baby relax in order to ease gas pains and ready them for bed.

Finding a good routine and sticking with it will go a long way. When the baby is happy, there is less crying which reduces the chance that the baby will have gas.

There are many benefits to breastfeeding, but for families that choose to supplement or use an alternative to breast milk, finding nutrition that mimics mother’s milk as close as possible is imperative.

My Organic Company carries European baby formulas that are made with only the purest clean ingredients to meet every age, developmental stage, and digestive need. This includes gassy baby remedies, delivered straight to your door.

Exactly how to soothe a gassy baby may look different for each family. This is not an easy part of parenting, but rest assured you're not alone. Find the support you need in the HiPP, Holle, Kendamil & European Baby Formula Parent Community. We look forward to seeing you there.