How to Relieve Gas in a Newborn (And When It Might Be Something More)
- Mari Valluzzi
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
Gas is one of the most common reasons newborns become fussy in the first few weeks of life. Many parents notice their baby suddenly crying, pulling their legs toward their stomach, or becoming uncomfortable shortly after feeding.
Because newborn digestive systems are still developing, gas buildup happens easily and can feel surprisingly painful for a baby.
The good news is that most newborn gas is normal and temporary. With the right techniques, parents can often relieve gas quickly and help their baby feel more comfortable.
Why Newborns Get Gas
Newborns frequently experience gas because their digestive systems are still learning how to process milk efficiently.
Common reasons newborns become gassy include:
Swallowing air during feeding
Babies often swallow air while breastfeeding or bottle feeding, especially if they feed quickly or have a shallow latch.
An immature digestive system
A newborn’s gut is still developing, which means digestion can be slower and gas can build up.
Fast milk flow
A strong milk letdown or fast bottle flow can cause babies to gulp milk and swallow air.
Normal intestinal activity
As the digestive system begins working regularly, gas production increases.
Gas tends to peak during the first 6–8 weeks of life, which is also when babies often cry more.
Signs Your Newborn Has Gas
Gas discomfort can cause a variety of behaviors that worry new parents.
Common signs include:
Pulling knees toward the belly
Arching the back while crying
Fussiness shortly after feeding
A tight or bloated stomach
Sudden crying that improves after burping
Passing gas frequently
Difficulty settling down to sleep
Many parents notice that gas discomfort becomes worse in the evening hours, when babies are more overtired.
7 Gentle Ways to Relieve Gas in a Newborn
Several simple techniques can help move trapped gas through the digestive system.
1. Burp Your Baby More Frequently
Instead of waiting until the end of a feed, try burping your baby every few minutes during feeding.
Frequent burping helps release air before it builds up.
2. Use Bicycle Legs
Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a cycling motion. Alternate with bringing both knees gently to their chest.
This movement helps stimulate the intestines and encourages trapped gas to pass.
3. Try the Colic Hold
Place your baby face down across your forearm with their head supported in your hand.
This position applies gentle pressure to the abdomen and can help relieve gas.
4. Adjust Feeding Position
Keeping your baby’s head slightly elevated during feeding can reduce swallowed air.
Bottle-fed babies may benefit from paced feeding techniques.
Paced feeding can be done upright or laying down. When paced feeding, it is important to have the bottle perpendicular with your baby, ensuring that the half of the nipple facing the floor is covered with milk, not the entire nipple. This ensures that the baby is taking the time to properly suck and swallow.
5. Check the Latch During Breastfeeding
A shallow latch allows more air to enter during feeds.
A deeper latch can significantly reduce gas buildup. Ensuring that both the top and bottom lip are flared out can help create a deeper latch.
6. Gentle Tummy Massage
Magge can help move gas and ease abdominal pain. A few massage techniques include;
Clockwise Strokes: Always move in a clockwise direction, starting on the baby’s lower right side and moving up, over, and down to the left.
"I Love You" Technique: Trace an "I" on their right side, a downward "L" from top-left to lower-left, and an inverted "U" from bottom-right to bottom-left.
7. Warm Baths
A warm bath can relax abdominal muscles and sometimes help babies pass gas more easily.
Warm baths are also great with helping soothe a fussy baby. The warm water mimics the womb and helps calm an upset baby.
When Gas Might Be Something More
Although gas is very common, persistent or intense discomfort may sometimes indicate another issue.
Parents should take a closer look if their baby:
Cries for long periods daily
Seems uncomfortable after every feeding
Arches their back frequently
Struggles with feeding
Sleeps poorly due to discomfort
Sometimes what appears to be gas may actually be related to:
reflux
feeding technique issues
oversupply or fast milk flow
normal developmental crying phases
Understanding the difference can be difficult for new parents.
When Parents Often Seek Extra Help
Many families reach out for professional guidance when they feel unsure about their baby's crying or feeding patterns.
Parents often want support when:
crying becomes difficult to soothe
feeding feels confusing
gas or reflux seems constant
they want reassurance about what is normal
Because newborn behavior can vary widely, having a professional observe feeding, sleep patterns, and soothing techniques can often reveal simple adjustments that make a big difference.
Newborn Gas Relief Support in San Diego
If you're feeling unsure about your baby's crying, gas, or feeding patterns, you don't have to navigate it alone.
At Adore & Cherish, families receive in-home guidance from a postpartum RN specializing in newborn care. These visits allow parents to receive personalized support, hands-on guidance, and reassurance about their newborn's development.
Often, small adjustments to feeding positions, soothing techniques, or sleep routines can significantly reduce discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Gas is a very common part of newborn development and usually improves as a baby’s digestive system matures.
Techniques like frequent burping, bicycle legs, and proper feeding positions can often relieve discomfort quickly.
However, if your baby seems persistently uncomfortable or you're unsure what is normal, seeking professional guidance can provide clarity and peace of mind.
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