How to Help a Gassy Newborn: Pediatrician-Approved Tips That Work

Seeing your little one cry, squirm, or pull their legs up can be tough—especially when you’re unsure of what’s bothering them. A common reason for this behavior is gas. It’s completely normal for newborns to experience gassiness since their digestive system is still growing and figuring out how to function properly.

This guide explains how to help a gassy newborn using methods that are commonly recommended by pediatricians and supported by standard newborn care guidelines. These tips are safe, gentle, and practical for everyday use, helping your baby feel more comfortable while giving you peace of mind as a parent.

Why Do Newborns Get Gassy?

In most cases, newborn gas is not a medical issue. The reason for this is that a baby’s digestive system is still developing and getting used to eating and digesting food outside of the womb.

Common causes include:

• Swallowing air during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
• Feeding too quickly or lying flat while feeding
• An underdeveloped gut that struggles to move gas smoothly
• Sensitivity to certain formulas in some babies

Pediatricians widely agree that most gassiness improves on its own as a baby grows, usually within the first few months.

Signs Your Newborn Has Gas

Gas pain in newborns often looks worse than it actually is. Some common signs include:

• Crying or fussiness shortly after feeding
• Pulling knees toward the chest
• A tight or bloated-looking belly
• Frequent passing of gas
• Difficulty settling down, especially in the evening

If your baby feeds well, gains weight, and has normal wet diapers, gas is usually harmless.

Pediatrician-Approved Tips to Help a Gassy Newborn

The following techniques are commonly recommended by pediatricians and neonatal care professionals to reduce gas safely and naturally.

Burp Your Baby Frequently

Burping helps release air swallowed during feeding, which is one of the main causes of gas.

Burp your baby:

• During feeding breaks
• Immediately after every feed

Hold your baby upright against your shoulder or seated on your lap with gentle back support. Soft, rhythmic pats are usually enough.

Pediatricians often emphasize frequent burping as a first-line solution for newborn gas.

Use Gentle Bicycle Leg Movements

By putting your baby on their back and slowly moving their legs back and forth, you can help move gas through their intestines.

For a few minutes, do this slowly, especially if your baby seems uncomfortable. A lot of pediatricians recommend this method because it helps digestion naturally without using force or pressure.

Try a Light Tummy Massage

A gentle tummy massage can relax the abdominal muscles and encourage gas movement.

How to do it safely:

• Use warm hands
• Massage in a slow, clockwise direction
• Apply very light pressure only

Many pediatricians and neonatal nurses recommend gentle abdominal massage as part of routine newborn comfort care.

Check Feeding Position

Feeding position plays a major role in how much air your baby swallows.

Helpful tips include:

• Keep your baby’s head slightly elevated during feeds
• Ensure a proper latch during breastfeeding
• Use slow-flow nipples for bottle-fed babies

Proper feeding posture is a standard pediatric recommendation to reduce air intake and gas buildup.

Take Short Feeding Breaks

If your baby feeds very quickly, short pauses can help.

Pause briefly during feeds to:

• Burp your baby
• Allow them to settle

Pediatricians often suggest paced feeding to prevent excess air swallowing.

What Not to Do for a Gassy Newborn

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what helps.

• Do not press hard on your baby’s belly
• Do not give medications or herbal remedies without pediatric advice
• Do not ignore persistent or worsening symptoms

Responsible newborn care always prioritizes safety over quick fixes.

When to Call a Pediatrician

While gas is normal, some signs require medical attention. Contact your pediatrician if your newborn:

• Cries intensely for long periods every day
• Is not gaining weight properly
• Vomits forcefully or frequently
• Has blood in stool
• Appears unusually lethargic

These symptoms may indicate something beyond simple gas.

Medical Reference

The guidance in this article aligns with standard newborn care practices commonly recommended by pediatricians and supported by trusted medical organizations.

For additional professional guidance, you can refer to newborn digestive health and feeding recommendations published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a globally recognized authority in child health and pediatric care.

Final Thoughts for Parents

Gas is a normal part of a baby’s development, even if it feels like too much at first. Most gassy episodes get better with time, time, and gentle care. Using techniques that have been approved by a pediatrician and keeping a close eye on your baby will help ease their pain safely and with confidence.

If you ever feel unsure, your pediatrician is always the best source of reassurance and guidance.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is just for your information; it shouldn’t be used instead of talking to a doctor. Talk to a qualified pediatrician right away if your baby’s symptoms don’t go away or get worse.