Breastfed babies aren't any gassier than formula-fed babies. Gas is super common in babies, and it's a big reason why they get cranky and uncomfortable, especially in those first few months when their tiny digestive systems are still figuring things out. While you might worry that breastfeeding is making your baby gassier, don't stress too much—both breastfed and bottle-fed babies get gas, it's just part of being a baby. Sure, it's tough to watch your little one feeling uncomfortable, but gas is usually nothing to worry about, and there are plenty of simple ways to help your baby feel better. Once you know what's causing the gas and pick up some helpful tricks, those fussy gas moments will get much easier to handle.
Your Baby's Gassy Moments: What's Normal and What's Not
When your baby is gassy, it helps to know exactly what you're dealing with. Being able to spot the signs of gas and understand why it happens makes it much easier to help your little one feel better. Here's what every parent should know about gas in breastfed babies.
How to Tell If Your Baby Has Gas
You probably have a gassy baby on your hands if you notice some clear signs of discomfort:
- Your baby might become extra fussy or cry excessively, especially after feeds.
- You might notice their belly feels hard or looks bloated and distended.
- Physical signs often include squirming, grunting, or pulling their legs up toward their tummy while arching their back—this is their natural way of trying to relieve pressure.
- Watch for a bloated or hard tummy, excessive burping, or lots of passing gas.
- Some babies might spit up more than usual when they're gassy, while others might have trouble sleeping or staying comfortable in any position.
- Many babies have trouble getting comfortable or staying asleep when gas is bothering them.
Each baby shows their discomfort differently, so you'll soon learn your little one's particular signs.
Why Your Breastfed Baby Gets Gassy
Gas in breastfed babies usually comes down to a few common causes.
- The most frequent reason is simply swallowing air, which can happen if your baby isn't latched properly during feeding or if they're crying a lot.
- A shallow or poor latch during breastfeeding can let extra air slip in, and crying episodes can also lead to swallowing air.
- Some babies get gassy when their mom has a strong letdown or oversupply, causing them to gulp milk too quickly to keep up with the flow.
- Your baby's digestive system is still developing in these early months, which means they're still learning how to process milk efficiently—this natural immaturity can lead to more gas as their gut develops.
- While less common, some babies might be sensitive to certain foods in mom's diet, though research shows this isn't as frequent as once thought. If you suspect food sensitivities, keep track of any patterns you notice and discuss them with your pediatrician.
How to Relieve Your Breastfed Baby’s Gas Discomfort
If your baby is uncomfortable with gas, you want to take action immediately. Fortunately, there are a number of tried-and-true techniques that work quickly. These simple methods are safe, gentle, and recommended by pediatricians to help your little one move that troublesome gas along.
1. Bicycle Baby's Legs: Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a cycling motion as if they're riding a tiny bike. Do this slowly first and gauge your baby's responses, because some will love a faster pace and others may enjoy a much slower pace. For added effectiveness, try gently pushing their knees toward their belly for a few seconds, then release them. Do this for about 2-3 minutes or until you hear or feel your baby passing gas.
2. Try Tummy Time: Besides being great for development, some tummy time can help push out trapped gas. Always place your baby on a firm, flat surface and stay with them during tummy time. Wait at least 30 minutes after feeding to try this. Start with short sessions of 3-5 minutes, and make it fun by getting down at their level and making eye contact. If your baby seems uncomfortable, take a break and try again later.
3. Master the Magic Hold: The "football hold" or "colic carry" can work wonders for a gassy baby. Support your baby face-down along your forearm, with their head turned to one side near your elbow and their legs straddling your hand. Use your other hand to gently pat or rub their back. The pressure from your arm on their tummy helps move gas bubbles along. Many babies find this position especially soothing when you walk around gently bouncing them.
4. Give a Gentle Massage: Start with your baby lying on their back on a warm, comfortable surface. Warm your hands first, then use mild, unscented baby oil if you'd like. Begin with gentle clockwise circles around their belly button, gradually making larger circles. Pay special attention to the left side of their tummy, where gas often gets trapped. Keep the pressure very gentle—you're not trying to push the gas out, just encouraging it to move along naturally.
5. Perfect Your Burping Technique: Don't wait until the end of a feed to burp your baby. If you're breastfeeding, burp when switching breasts. For bottle feeding, pause every 2-3 ounces. Try different positions: over your shoulder (pat between the shoulder blades), sitting on your lap (support their chest and head while patting their back), or leaning slightly forward (support their jaw while patting). Some babies burp better with rubbing instead of patting. Be patient—sometimes it takes a few minutes for a burp to come up.
What Are the Foods that Make Breastfed Babies Gassy?
Many breastfeeding moms worry about their diet affecting their baby's gas, but research shows that the connection isn't as strong as previously thought. While some babies might be sensitive to certain foods in mom's diet, it's not necessary to restrict your eating unless you notice a clear pattern.
Common Foods Often Blamed for Gas:
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)
- Beans and legumes
- Dairy products
- Citrus fruits
- Garlic and onions
- Carbonated drinks
What You Should Know:
- Keep a food diary if you suspect certain foods affect your baby
- Don't eliminate foods unless you see a clear connection
- Your diet needs to be nutritious for both you and your baby
- Most babies aren't affected by what mom eats
- If you notice a pattern, try removing one food at a time
- Consult your pediatrician before making major dietary changes
How to Stop Your Baby from Swallowing Air While Breastfeeding
Having the right latch and positioning of your baby can make a huge difference in how much air your baby ingests while nursing. A small tweak in the breastfeeding technique may keep gas at bay before it ever starts. The following are the most effective methods to reduce air-swallowing:
Perfect Your Baby's Latch
A good latch is all in the details. Your baby should take most of the areola into their mouth-not just the nipple-and their lips should be turned outward like a fish kiss, not tucked in. When everything's lined up right, your baby's chin will touch your breast, and you won't feel any pain during feeding. Watch for gulping or clicking sounds, which generally mean your baby is swallowing air and may need an adjustment in the latch.
Handle Strong Letdown
If your milk lets down very powerfully, feeding may be more manageable if you express a small amount before starting. You could try holding a towel to catch that initial forceful spray before bringing your baby to the breast. If the baby is coughing or drawing away, they're probably telling you it's a little strong. And when that happens, that's perfectly fine; let them take short breaks so that your baby can catch his breath and also be able to tolerate the flow.
Time Your Feedings
Time will also play an important role in terms of air consumption for babies. Try to start feeding before your baby gets too hungry and upset, since crying leads to gulping air. If your baby tends to gulp, you might want to try shorter, more frequent feeding sessions. It's all about keeping the whole experience calm and relaxed for both you and your baby. That way, when you are both comfortable, feeding goes more smoothly, and there is less chance of intake of extra air.
What Are the Best Breastfeeding Positions to Prevent Gas?
The way you hold your baby while nursing can significantly impact how much air they swallow. Some positions naturally help prevent gas while keeping both you and your baby comfortable. Try these positions and see which works best for your little one:
1. Laid-Back Nursing:
The laid-back position is perfect when you want to slow down a strong milk flow. Just recline comfortably and let your baby lie on your chest, belly to belly. This position uses gravity to your advantage, helping your baby manage the milk flow better and reducing the chance of taking in extra air.
2. Side-Lying Position:
This cozy position works wonders, especially for nighttime feeds. Lie on your side with your baby facing you—it's that simple. Your baby can control how fast they drink, and since their head stays slightly higher than their tummy, it helps prevent air buildup. Plus, you both get to rest comfortably.
3. Upright Feeding:
Holding your baby more vertically during feeds can really help minimize gas, especially if your baby has reflux. Support their head and neck while keeping them in an upright position against your body. Many moms find that wearing a comfortable, supportive nursing bra like the Momcozy Seamless Floral Push-up Nursing Bra helps them maintain proper posture during this hold. This position lets gravity help keep the milk down and air bubbles up.
4. Modified Cradle Hold:
Think of this as the regular cradle hold but with a gas-fighting upgrade. Support your baby's head in your arm's crook while keeping them more upright than the traditional cradle. The key is making sure their ear, shoulder, and hip form a straight line, and their tummy is snug against yours. Using a properly positioned nursing pillow like the Momcozy Multifunctional and Adjustable Nursing Pillow can make this position even more comfortable, supporting both you and your baby in the right alignment.
Every baby is different, so what works for one might not work for another. Feel free to experiment with different positions until you find what's most comfortable for you and your baby.
FAQs About Breastfed Babies and Gas
What should a mother eat when a baby has gas?
Focus on maintaining a healthy, balanced diet rather than restricting what you eat. Research shows that most foods don't directly affect your baby's gas. Good nutrition choices include:
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats
- Plenty of water
The key is paying attention to your baby's reactions. If you notice a pattern with certain foods, keep a food diary to track any connections, but don't eliminate foods without clear evidence they're causing problems.
How do you release gas pain in babies?
There are several proven methods to help your baby release trapped gas:
- Frequent burping during and after feeds
- Gentle bicycle leg movements while the baby lies on their back
- Clock-wise tummy massage
- Tummy time (wait 30 minutes after feeding)
- Hold baby upright for about 10-15 minutes after feeding
- Try the "football hold"—carrying baby face down along your forearm
If these methods don't help and your baby seems very uncomfortable, check with your pediatrician for additional guidance.
What foods should be avoided while breastfeeding for gas?
While you don't need to automatically avoid any foods, some babies might be more sensitive to:
- Dairy products
- Caffeine
- Spicy foods
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage
- Carbonated drinks
Note: Don't eliminate foods from your diet unless you notice a clear pattern of your baby becoming gassy after you eat certain things. Most babies aren't affected by what their mothers eat, and restricting your diet unnecessarily might deprive both you and your baby of important nutrients.
Handle Your Breastfed Baby's Gas With Confidence
Gas is part of being a baby, but it's not easy to watch your little one squirm or fuss in discomfort-but you got this! With time and as the tummy of your baby gets stronger, such gas moments reduce. You will soon be an expert in knowing everything that works for your baby, from simple leg exercises to that perfect feeding position. You generally don't have to worry about changing what you eat, unless you clearly notice that a particular food bothers your baby. All babies are unique, and your pediatrician will be there to answer any further questions you may have and to offer support in times of need. With a little patience and a few tricks up your sleeve, those gassy moments can be so much easier for both you and your baby.
