When Do Babies Outgrow Gas Pains?

When Do Gas Pains in Babies Start?

Gas pains in babies may start soon after birth or within a few weeks. The most typical culprits of infant gas pains are a still-developing digestive system and swallowing air while feeding. This gassiness and discomfort caused by trapped air bubbles in the stomach and intestines usually peaks at six weeks.

Outgrowing Newborn Gas Pains

Newborns often outgrow gas pains, usually around four to six months, as their digestive system develops. However, gas pains that could be connected to cow’s milk protein allergy or another medical issue that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper management. If your little one is significantly gassy and irritable or is experiencing gas along with any of the following, call your pediatrician:

• Vomiting
• Not gaining weight
• Spitting up
• Rash
• Coughing or wheezing
• Diarrhea
• White, red, or black-colored stool
• Crying for three or more hours a day, for more than three days a week, for more than three weeks

How to Help Relieve Infant Gas Discomfort

From burping to bottle changes to breastfeeding positions, here are a few strategies that may help ease infant gas pain.

If You’re Breastfeeding:

Try to minimize baby’s air-swallowing while feeding by:

• Slowing the let-down. An overactive let-down can cause breastmilk to flow out too quickly, causing your little one to gulp and swallow air while feeding. Releasing a bit of milk before feeding with a pump or hand expression may alleviate some of the pressure, slowing down the flow.
• Nursing in a reclined position. Lean back on a chair or lay on your back.
• Getting a good latch. Make sure your little one is well attached to the nipple.
• Track your diet. Occasionally babies may be sensitive or allergic to something in mom’s diet, such as dairy. If you suspect an allergy, talk to your pediatrician.

If You’re Using Infant Formula:

• Use an anti-gas baby bottle. Vented or angle-headed bottles are specially designed to help keep air from reaching the baby’s tummy.
• Try a different bottle nipple. Some bottle nipples may allow a more secure latch for your baby than others. Also, consider your little one’s age when selecting a nipple. A newborn bottle nipple has a slow flow, so the baby won’t gulp too much formula at once. An older baby requires a bottle nipple with a faster flow so they won’t suck in a lot of air while trying to feed.
• Let mixed powdered infant formula settle. The shaking and blending required to make infant formula may form air bubbles that could reach the baby's belly. After blending the powder, let the mixed bottle settle for a minute or two before feeding your little one. Gently tapping the bottle’s bottom on a table may also help bubbles rise to the top.
• Consider switching infant formula. Ask your pediatrician if switching to an infant formula designed to ease gas issues could help lessen some of the fussiness and discomfort.