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Adding a baby to your family is an amazing experience, but it’s one that comes with a lot of responsibilities. After all, you want to make sure your baby is getting the nutrition and sleep they need to grow. But for many formula-fed babies, gas is a common side effect that can make your baby fussy or gassy. Anything from the type of formula to the feeding process itself can contribute to this problem.
With the right intervention, however, you can help your baby feel better. Keep reading to learn what causes gas and how to help solve the problem.
The Root of the Problem
It’s normal for babies to get gassy from time to time. But excessive gas can make already tired parents even more frantic as they try to determine a solution and soothe their baby. Often, understanding the origin of the problem can make it easier to prevent gas from happening. Common reasons for gas include:
- Digestive challenges
- High air intake
- Ingredients sensitivity
Before babies start eating solid foods, they start with formula or breast milk. For some babies, their digestive systems simply might not be evolved enough yet to break down food. Formula tends to be harder for babies to digest than breast milk because it contains the casein protein found in cow’s milk. The casein may form clots in a baby’s stomach, triggering gas and constipation. Over time, as a baby’s digestive system matures, digestibility issues should diminish.
With bottle feeding comes the potential for babies to swallow air, which can cause gas. Having the bottle in the wrong position or taking lots of breaks during a feeding can contribute to this problem. Make sure you’re using a nipple that regulates the flow of formula effectively, given your baby’s age. Similarly, avoid feeding your baby too much formula, as this can cause fermentation in the gut and, as a result, discomfort.
Lastly, be aware that some babies may be more sensitive to ingredients in formula. Your baby may not tolerate lactose or cows’ milk protein, for instance. If you notice frequent gas or reflux-like symptoms, it may be a sign that you should consider another formula from Kendamil organic formula, with fewer additives.
How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Gassy?
For new parents, learning how to read your baby’s behavior is part of the job. Babies fuss, of course. But it isn’t always easy in those first few weeks or months of life to know if gas is the culprit. Here are some of the telltale indications that gas may be the source of your baby’s problem:
- More frequent crying
- An uptick in flatulence
- Holding legs against the tummy
- A distended abdomen
You may spend more time holding your baby in their room, trying to comfort them during a crying spell. Or you may notice that your baby looks bloated more often after feedings. Further, your baby might start reaching for their legs and pressing them against their tummy.
When you see any of these physical changes in behavior, it is time to take action. Similarly, if you notice changes in your baby’s stool, it’s best to reach out to your baby’s provider for help.
What to Do with a Gassy Baby
A gassy baby can be a source of stress for parents. Fortunately, there are proven ways to help with the discomfort and aid in better digestion. Here are a few of the best tips:
- Turn to anti-colic bottles
- Burp after feedings
- Make tummy time a priority
- Help your baby sit up after feeding
Some bottles are designed to help minimize air intake during feedings. When there are fewer bubbles in the formula your baby drinks, the likelihood of gas goes down. Check for bottles that say they are vented or anti-colic, which means they are meant to help reduce the chances a baby experiences colic. Colic is an intense period of crying that can last several hours, and gas can be a cause of it.
Don’t neglect to burp your baby after feedings, even if they seem tired. After your baby has had a few ounces of formula, sit them on your knees and gently pat their back. Sometimes it may be more effective to place a baby over your shoulder or face down across your lap. Listen for a burp, which is an indication that gas is being released from their tummy. And try to keep your baby upright for around half an hour after feeding to facilitate a smoother digestive process.
Massage and tummy time are other great ways to encourage better digestion and less gas. Placing your baby on their tummy can help gas exit. Plus, it has the added benefit of helping your baby strengthen their core muscles!
Consider Changing Your Formula
Sometimes it becomes necessary to change your formula to help your baby. If you notice continual gasiness, evaluate the ingredients and choose something gentler. For some babies, the preservatives and proteins within standard formula brands are too hard on their stomachs.
Organic formulas can offer a more natural solution that’s easier on your baby’s tummy. Typically, they have:
- Better ingredients
- Fewer preservatives
- No added sugars
Organic formulas are produced under tight regulations that limit the use of fertilizers and pesticides. And the milk within these formulas comes from pasture-raised cows free of growth hormones. The result is a cleaner product that is less likely to provoke gasiness in your baby. As a parent, you can feel good knowing that you’ll be exposing your baby to fewer chemicals and sugars, like corn syrup.
When in doubt, reach out to your pediatrician for guidance if you’re considering a switch. Your baby may have an allergy to milk protein or other issues. And it’s best to rule those out or diagnose them first. Your pediatrician should be able to recommend ingredients to avoid, too, to help you pinpoint the best formula for your baby’s needs.
Additionally, you’ll want to monitor your baby’s behavior to see if symptoms extend beyond gasiness. If you notice frequent vomiting, bloody stools, or unusual rashes, reach out to your pediatrician for an appointment. You may need to change to a specialized formula.
Help Your Baby Thrive
A gassy baby usually isn’t a happy baby, but with the right interventions, you can change that. Check your feeding techniques and make sure you’re giving your baby plenty of tummy time after meals. Consider burping more frequently or changing your bottles, and look into alternative formulas that are better suited to more sensitive tummies. It may take some time to find the right solution. But with persistence, you’ll help your little one feel their best!