If your baby is struggling with gas and having trouble sleeping, this article provides helpful tips to soothe your little one and ensure a peaceful night’s rest. Discover effective techniques for easing gas discomfort and promoting better sleep, all backed by expert advice and insights.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re all too familiar with the struggle of trying to soothe a gassy baby. There’s nothing worse than watching your little one toss and turn, unable to find relief from that pesky discomfort. But fear not, because we’re here to help! In this article, we’ve compiled some top tips to help your gassy baby sleep peacefully through the night. From simple techniques like gentle massage to dietary changes, we’ve got you covered.
Also Read – Sleep Soundly: Best Sleeping Positions for Babies with Gas
So sit back, take a deep breath (just not too deep around your baby!), and let’s dive in!
Top tips on how to help gassy baby sleep
Here are some top tips for helping your gassy baby sleep peacefully through the night:
Tummy Time:
Place your baby on their tummy for short periods while they are awake to help release gas. Tummy time helps to push out the trapped air and improves digestion. It’s important to remember to supervise your baby during tummy time to avoid any potential suffocation hazards.
A play gym can be a helpful tool for encouraging tummy time in babies.
Check out these popular play gyms if you are in India.
If you are outside India – this one without any doubts is the best play gym for baby.
Baby Massage:
Gently massaging your baby’s belly in a clockwise direction can help to ease gas discomfort. A study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that massage can reduce the severity of colic symptoms in infants.
There are also baby massage oils available in the market, such as these natural ones available in India, you can check this one if you are outside India which can help to further relax your baby during massage.
Also Read – Discover Best baby massage oil in India
Burping your baby
Ensure that your baby is burped after every feed. This helps to release any trapped air in their stomach. You can try different positions like holding your baby upright or over your shoulder to burp them.
Dr. Brown’s Original Bottle Specialty Feeding Set, available in India here and outside India the feeding set here, is specifically designed to reduce gas and colic symptoms in babies.
Adjust feeding positions
Try different feeding positions, like holding your baby more upright while feeding, to help prevent excess air from entering their stomach.
Check for food intolerances
If you’re breastfeeding, pay attention to your diet. Certain foods like broccoli, beans, and dairy products can cause gas and discomfort in some babies.
Similarly, if you’re formula feeding, talk to your pediatrician about trying different types of formula, such as the Similac Sensitive Infant Formula, which is specifically designed to reduce fussiness and gas in babies with sensitive tummies.
If you are outside India – you will find it here and for those in India, you can go for this one.
Use a pacifier
Pacifiers can be helpful for some babies in reducing gas and calming them down.
This Pacifier is a popular choice among parents as it comes with a cute stuffed animal attached, which can help to soothe your baby as well.
If you are in India even though above may be available here but they are a bit expensive. So you would like check this popular pacifier by clicking here.
Use a warm compress
Placing a warm compress on your baby’s belly can help to relieve gas pain. You can use a warm water bottle or a warm cloth for this purpose.
Keep your baby upright
Try to keep your baby upright for at least 30 minutes after feeding to help prevent gas. This can be achieved by holding your baby in an upright position, using a baby carrier or a baby swing.
This Baby Swing is a popular option among parents as it has a gentle, side-to-side swaying motion that can soothe your baby and help them sleep.
You can get this in India by clicking here.
Bicycle kicks
Another technique that can help to release gas is to lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycling motion. This can help to move the gas through their system and provide relief.
Use white noise:
White noise can be helpful in drowning out external noises that may disturb your baby’s sleep and can also help to soothe them.
This Portable Machine, available on Amazon.com, has six different sounds to choose from, including white noise, which can be helpful in creating a peaceful sleeping environment for your baby. If you are India – you can get it by clicking here.
Avoid overfeeding
Overfeeding can lead to excessive gas in babies, which can be uncomfortable and make it difficult for them to sleep. Follow your baby’s hunger cues and feed them in smaller, more frequent meals to prevent overfeeding.
Consider probiotics
Probiotics can help to improve digestion and reduce gas in babies.
These drops are a popular choice among parents as it is specifically designed for infants and can help to support their digestive and immune systems.
For those in India you can get this option by clicking here.
Swaddle your baby
Swaddling your baby can help to create a comforting environment and reduce their startle reflex, which can lead to gas.
This Swaddle is a clear winner among parents as it has a secure design and is made with soft, breathable fabric. It is also available in India here.
Also for India we can go for this option as its much cheaper and good quality.
Keep a diary
Keeping a diary of your baby’s feeding and sleeping patterns, as well as any symptoms of gas or discomfort, can help you identify any patterns or triggers that may be contributing to their gas. This information can be helpful when discussing your baby’s symptoms with your pediatrician.
By incorporating these tips and products into your baby’s bedtime routine, you can help to ease their gas discomfort and improve their sleep quality. Remember, every baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the techniques and products that work best for your little one.
Also Read – How can I help my baby sleep through the night?
Feeding positions that can help to reduce gas in babies
- Upright feeding: Try to hold your baby in an upright position while feeding them. This can help to reduce the amount of air they swallow while feeding and prevent gas.
- Side-lying feeding: If your baby is breastfeeding, try the side-lying position, where you lie down next to your baby and position them on their side facing you. This position can help to reduce gas and reflux in babies.
- Football hold: The football hold involves holding your baby with their head in your hand and their body tucked under your arm. This position can help to reduce gas and make it easier for your baby to burp.
- Tilted feeding: Tilt your baby’s bottle slightly upward so that the milk or formula fills the nipple. This can help to reduce the amount of air they swallow while feeding and prevent gas.
- Laid-back feeding: In the laid-back position, you recline slightly and place your baby on top of your chest with their head near your breast. This position can help your baby to control the flow of milk and reduce air intake while feeding.
- Chin-supported feeding: In this position, you support your baby’s chin with your hand or a soft cloth while feeding. This position can help your baby to maintain a good latch and reduce the amount of air they swallow.
- Elevated feeding: Elevate the head of your baby’s crib or bassinet slightly during and after feeding to help keep their head higher than their stomach. This can help prevent reflux and reduce gas.
By trying different feeding positions and finding the one that works best for your baby, you can help to reduce gas and improve their sleep quality. Remember to always burp your baby after feeding to release any trapped air and prevent gas.
It may take some trial and error to find the feeding position that works best for your baby. Observe your baby’s behavior and reactions to different positions to see which one helps them to feed and sleep better. Additionally, always consult with your pediatrician before trying any new feeding positions or techniques with your baby.
Also Read – 10 Proven Techniques to Soothe and Calm Your Colicky Baby for a Good Night’s Sleep
How do I know if my baby is gassy?
Signs of gas in babies may include fussiness, crying, pulling their legs towards their tummy, and passing gas. If your baby is experiencing these symptoms, they may be gassy.
When should I burp my baby?
It is recommended to burp your baby after every feeding, as this can help release any trapped air and prevent gas. You can try different burping techniques, such as gently patting or rubbing their back, to find the one that works best for your baby.
Can I give my baby gas drops?
Gas drops may help to relieve gas in babies, but it is important to consult with your pediatrician before giving any medication to your baby. They can advise you on the appropriate dosage and any potential side effects.
How can I prevent overfeeding my baby?
Overfeeding can lead to excessive gas and discomfort in babies. To prevent overfeeding, try to follow your baby’s hunger cues and feed them in smaller, more frequent meals. Also, make sure to give your baby enough time to digest their food between feedings.
How can I soothe my gassy baby at night?
There are several techniques you can try to soothe your gassy baby at night, such as gentle tummy massage, using a warm compress, and playing white noise. Additionally, swaddling your baby and holding them in an upright position can also be helpful.
By addressing these common concerns and questions, moms can better understand how to help their gassy baby sleep peacefully through the night and feel more confident in their ability to care for their little one.
