It’s totally normal for babies to have gas. In fact, most babies pass gas about 15 to 25 times a day! Their tiny digestive systems are still developing, so some extra air in their tummy can leave them feeling fussy or uncomfortable. While baby gas is common, that doesn’t mean it’s fun for anyone — especially when it interrupts sleep or feedings.
After feedings, there are some clear signs that your baby might be dealing with gas.
If your baby seems better after passing gas, that’s a good sign the discomfort was gas-related. But if the fussiness continues, it could be something else — like reflux, constipation, or a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance.
If you’re noticing two or more of the signs we just talked about — like a firm belly, lots of fussiness, or pulling their legs up — there’s a good chance your little one is dealing with some excessive gas. If they’re generally content during the day and only show these signs briefly, especially when passing gas, that’s totally normal. Their tiny digestive system is still learning the ropes.
And don’t stress if your baby makes funny faces or odd little sounds — that’s all part of being a newborn! But if the discomfort seems to stick around or keeps coming back, it’s worth looking a little deeper. Finding and addressing the cause of baby gas can make a big difference for both of you.
Wondering what causes gas in babies? Some gas is totally normal — it’s just part of how their tiny digestive systems develop.
In many cases, the main reason for baby gas is swallowing air. This happens when babies cry, feed (whether breast or bottle), suck on a pacifier, or even just swallow saliva. That’s why burping after every feed is so important. It helps release that trapped air before it builds up and makes your baby uncomfortable.
When milk is digested, especially in the intestines, bacteria help break it down — and this process naturally produces gases like hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane. Some of this gas gets absorbed into the bloodstream or even released through the lungs, but the rest needs to come out through burping or passing gas. As your baby’s digestive system matures, handling this process gets easier, and gas in your baby tends to become less of an issue.
Poor latch during breastfeeding, pacifier use, or a strong let-down reflex can all lead to extra air intake. If your baby is spitting up a lot or hiccuping frequently, it could be a sign they’re swallowing too much air while feeding.
Sometimes, oversupply of milk can cause a baby to get mostly foremilk (which is higher in lactose), and that can lead to cramping and gas. If you’re breastfeeding and think oversupply might be a problem, adjusting feeding patterns can help.
There are also some less common causes of gas:
Anise seed water is a traditional remedy some parents use to ease colic and baby gas. To make it, boil ½ teaspoon of anise seeds in about 500ml (2 cups) of water for five minutes. Let it cool completely, and give just 2–3 drops to babies under 6 months, or up to half a dropper for babies between 6 and 12 months. Keep the mixture in the fridge for up to three days, and you can offer it every few hours if needed. Always double-check with your pediatrician before trying herbal remedies with a baby.
Fennel is known to help relax the digestive tract and reduce excessive gas. A teaspoon of fennel seed tea can be given to babies over 6 months — but for younger infants, the safest method is for breastfeeding moms to drink fennel tea themselves. That way, the benefits pass through breast milk, and it may even support milk production.
Catnip, another calming herb, can be used topically. Mix five drops of catnip essential oil with about 30ml (1 ounce) of a carrier oil like coconut oil. Gently massage it onto your baby’s tummy using a baby gas massage technique (we’ll cover that in a later tip). Be sure the oil is well-diluted and that you’re using catnip oil that’s safe for infants — and again, check with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
You might be wondering if gas drops or gripe water can help with gas. Both are commonly used by parents, but it’s important to understand what they are — and how they work.
Gripe water is usually a mix of herbs and water, often containing ingredients like dill seed oil and sodium bicarbonate. It’s marketed to help soothe a baby’s tummy, but it can come with some risks. Sodium bicarbonate can affect the body’s pH balance if given too often or in high doses, which may lead to a condition called alkalosis (where the blood becomes too alkaline). Also, if gripe water isn’t stored properly, it can develop bacteria or mold — not something you want near your baby.
Gas drops, on the other hand, usually contain simethicone — a medicine that helps break down gas bubbles in the stomach, making them easier to pass. The good news? Simethicone isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream, so it’s considered safe and side effects are rare. You can mix gas drops with breast milk, formula, or water.
That said, neither gas drops nor gripe water have been clinically proven to consistently relieve baby gas. And as with anything you give your baby, there’s always the chance of an allergic reaction. That’s why many parents prefer to start with natural methods — like massage, proper burping techniques, and checking feeding positions — before trying anything over-the-counter.
Probiotics can be a gentle, natural way to help relieve gas in baby by supporting digestion. These “good bacteria” live naturally in the body and play a big role in gut health. For babies, especially those with immature digestive systems, probiotics can help ease gas, reduce colic, and even support regular bowel movements. Before starting any supplement, though, it’s always best to check with your pediatrician.
Some studies have shown that giving babies a daily probiotic — like Lactobacillus reuteri — during the first few months of life may reduce symptoms like gas, reflux, and even colic. Just five drops a day was enough to show a difference in some research. Probiotics work by helping food move through the gut more efficiently, which may mean less gas buildup and fewer spit-ups.
Beyond helping with baby gas, probiotics may also support a strong immune system, reduce inflammation, and help balance out harmful bacteria like E. coli. They’ve also been linked to preventing common issues like diaper rash, thrush, and eczema — especially if your baby has been exposed to antibiotics.
If you’re breastfeeding, you’re already giving your baby natural probiotics through your milk. Breastmilk is full of beneficial bacteria and also contains sugars that feed healthy gut flora. You can boost the benefits even more by eating probiotic-rich foods like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, kombucha, miso, and spirulina. These foods help enrich your own gut health and, in turn, your baby’s.
For formula-fed babies, adding probiotics becomes more important since formula doesn’t naturally contain the same live bacteria. You can use probiotic drops or a small pinch of powdered probiotic from a trusted brand. Some parents also introduce natural sources by placing a drop of fermented sauerkraut liquid on their finger or nipple for the baby to suck. Just a tiny bit is enough — about a pinch daily for newborns, and a bit more as they grow.
There are three main types of probiotics often used for infants:
Make sure to read labels carefully and avoid products with added sugars, artificial ingredients, or common allergens. Not all over-the-counter probiotics are created equal, so choosing a clean, high-quality product matters — especially for your baby’s developing system.
Tummy massage is a simple, soothing way to help with baby gas while also giving you a beautiful moment of bonding. It’s been used for generations to support digestion — not just for babies, but for older kids and adults too. Adding massage to your baby’s bedtime routine can calm them down, ease gas, and help them sleep more soundly.
Here’s a gentle massage routine you can try at home. It only takes a few minutes, and you can use a baby-safe oil (like diluted catnip or chamomile essential oil in coconut oil, as mentioned above) to make it even more relaxing:
Always move your hands clockwise — this follows the natural path of the intestines and encourages gas to move along and out. This massage is safe to do once or twice a day and can also help get your baby’s bowels moving if they’re feeling a little backed up.
Essential oils can be a helpful, natural way to ease baby’s gas, especially when used during massage. When properly diluted and applied topically, they’re absorbed through the skin and can help calm fussiness, support digestion, and reduce discomfort. Just remember: always dilute essential oils with a safe carrier oil like coconut, olive, or sweet almond oil before using them on your baby.
A safe dilution ratio for infants is 1 drop of essential oil per 15ml (½ ounce) of carrier oil. Never apply oils directly to your baby’s skin without diluting them first. You can also place a drop on a towel near the crib (not on it) or use a diffuser across the room. Always check that your space is well-ventilated.
And of course, check with your pediatrician or a certified aromatherapist before using essential oils, especially if your baby has allergies, sensitivities, or is under 3 months old.
Some parents find that older babies seem more comfortable — and pass gas more easily — when sleeping on their tummies. The gentle pressure on their belly might help move things along, especially if gas is making sleep difficult. But this is a topic where safety really matters, and it’s important to understand both sides.
If your baby can roll over on their own or hold their head up well, some experts say it’s okay to let them sleep on their stomach if that’s how they naturally end up. However, the official recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics is still clear: always place babies on their backs to sleep until they’re at least 1 year old, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Before the “Back to Sleep” campaign started in 1994, tummy sleeping was the norm, and many parents were told it helped reduce choking on spit-up. Today, we know that back-sleeping significantly lowers SIDS risk.
Still, some babies just prefer to sleep on their tummies and will roll into that position on their own, especially once they’re developmentally ready. If that’s your baby, it’s usually fine to let them sleep how they choose as long as they’re rolling independently and you’re not placing them tummy-down to start.
If your baby struggles to settle on their back, swaddling can help recreate that cozy womb-like feeling — but keep in mind that many gassy babies don’t love being tightly wrapped. In that case, you can try swaddling just the upper body and leaving the legs free to kick and stretch, which can also help relieve gas. Some swaddle suits are designed specifically for this type of movement.
Never swaddle a baby and place them on their stomach — that combination can be dangerous. If you’re unsure about the safest sleep setup for your baby, especially if gas is making nights tough, talk to your pediatrician. For healthy, full-term babies who are strong and mobile, sleep positions tend to work themselves out naturally as they grow.
Some parents find that chiropractic care can ease baby gas, colic, reflux, and even constipation — all by gently supporting the nervous system and digestion. Pediatric chiropractors use soft, specific techniques (often no more pressure than you’d use to test a ripe tomato) to adjust spinal misalignments that may be interfering with nerve signals to the gut.
The idea is that when the spine is aligned properly, nerve flow to the small intestine improves. This can boost peristalsis — the natural wave-like movement of the digestive system — helping gas move through more easily. Some small studies and parent reports show promising results, with claims of significant improvement in fussiness, colic symptoms, and gas-related discomfort.
It’s important to know that the birth process itself — even in smooth, natural deliveries — can sometimes create subtle tension or misalignments in a baby’s spine. Everyday activities like car seats, strollers, or baby carriers that don’t support posture well can also contribute over time. These misalignments might affect how the brain and body communicate, including signals that control digestion.
Pediatric chiropractors use gentle touch to release these areas of tension. Many parents notice their baby is calmer, sleeps better, or has more regular bowel movements after just a few visits.
If you’re considering chiropractic care for baby’s gas or other symptoms, be sure to find a provider who specializes in pediatric care and is experienced with infants. Always talk with your pediatrician before starting any new treatment — and trust your gut. You know your baby best.
Sometimes, a little motion is all it takes to help ease baby’s gas. Gentle bouncing, rocking, or walking with your baby can calm their nervous system and get things moving in their digestive tract. It also mimics the cozy, rhythmic sensations of being in the womb, which is incredibly soothing for many babies.
You can try rocking your baby in your arms, using a baby swing, or gently bouncing on an exercise ball while holding them securely. A car ride can also work wonders — the hum of the engine and the gentle vibrations often help babies relax (and sometimes even nap).
Keeping your baby upright is another simple but effective way to relieve gas. Holding them in the “football hold” (face-down along your forearm, with their head supported in your hand) can apply light pressure to the tummy and encourage gas to move out. Babywearing — in a sling, wrap or hipseat carrier — also keeps your little one upright while providing comfort through closeness and movement. Many parents find that wearing their baby not only helps with gas but also reduces fussiness overall.
One of the best ways to prevent gas in your baby is to reduce how much air your little one swallows during feedings. When babies take in extra air, it can get trapped in their tummy and lead to discomfort unless it’s released through burping or passing gas. Burping your baby often — especially during and after each feed — helps keep that air from building up too much.
Bottle-fed babies are more likely to swallow air, especially if the nipple flow is too fast. If your baby seems gassy or gulps milk quickly, try switching to a slower-flow nipple. Look for bottles designed to reduce air bubbles — some have venting systems that can really make a difference.
Breastfed babies an also take in excess air, particularly if the mom has a fast let-down reflex. Feeding in a laid-back (semi-reclined) position can help slow the flow of milk naturally, giving baby more control and reducing gulping.
No matter how you’re feeding, a good latch is key. A poor latch lets air sneak in along with the milk, which can lead to more gas and spit-up. If you’re unsure about your baby’s latch, a lactation consultant can help make sure things are working well for both of you.
It’s a common question for breastfeeding parents: “Is something I’m eating causing my baby’s gas?” The truth is, this topic is still up for debate — even among medical professionals. Some say certain foods in your diet can affect your baby, while others believe it’s unlikely in most cases.
for a food to affect your baby through breast milk, it must first enter your bloodstream. That means things like carbonated drinks — although they might give you gas — won’t cause baby gas, since the bubbles don’t pass into your milk. What can make its way into your milk are proteins, sugars, and certain additives or chemicals from the foods you eat.
Around the world, moms eat a wide variety of foods while breastfeeding — and babies adapt just fine. Still, some babies do seem sensitive to specific foods. If you’ve ruled out other common causes of baby gas (like swallowing air, fast let-down, or constipation), it may be time to take a closer look at your diet.
If your baby has a reaction to something you ate, symptoms usually show up within 4 to 24 hours. The more sensitive your baby is to that food, the stronger the reaction may be — and gas might be just one of the signs. Other symptoms could include fussiness, skin rashes, diarrhea, or mucus in the stool.
Important note: Before you start cutting out foods on your own, it’s best to talk to your pediatrician or a registered dietitian. Testing for allergies can help you avoid unnecessary restrictions while keeping both you and your baby well-nourished.
When you eventually introduce solids, be aware that certain foods are more likely to cause gas in babies, including:
Every baby is different, so the key is watching how your little one reacts — and adjusting slowly, one food at a time if needed.
Sometimes it’s the small, everyday changes that make the biggest difference when it comes to relieving baby’s gas. If you’ve tried some of the techniques above and still need extra support, here are a few more gentle strategies that can help:
Every baby is different, so don’t worry if it takes some trial and error. Trust your instincts and stay consistent.
Zantac is a mild medication mostly used to treat acid reflux. So, the answer is no. If your baby has acid reflux and excessive gas, the Zantac might help with the acid reflux, but it will probably make the gassiness worse!
Yes! Most babies start to have fewer gas-related issues as their digestive systems mature — usually around 3 to 6 months. Until then, supportive feeding habits, gentle movement, massage, and natural remedies can make a big difference.
Breast milk itself isn’t the problem — it’s actually the easiest thing for your baby to digest. But sometimes, the way your baby drinks breast milk or how their body processes it can lead to baby gas.
Here are a few possible reasons:
– Fast let-down or oversupply: If your milk flows quickly.
– Swallowing air during feeds: A shallow latch or distracted feeding.
– Immature digestive system: Many babies simply have underdeveloped guts that take time to adjust — and gas is often just part of that process.
Foods that may cause gas in breastfed babies (especially if they’re sensitive) include dairy, soy, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, beans, onions, garlic, spicy foods, and caffeine. Every baby is different, so it’s best to track reactions and consult your pediatrician before removing foods from your diet.
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