Key Takeaways
• Gas is normal and temporary: All newborns experience gas in their first few months as their digestive systems develop, with symptoms typically peaking at six weeks and improving significantly by three months of age.
• Bicycle leg movements and tummy time work: Laying your baby on their back and gently moving their legs in a pedaling motion, combined with regular tummy time sessions, helps apply natural pressure to release trapped gas bubbles.
• Strategic burping prevents problems: Burp your baby during feedings (every 2-3 ounces for bottles, when switching breasts for nursing) rather than waiting until the end to stop gas from traveling into the intestines.
• Feed before the crying starts: Watch for early hunger cues like rooting and hand-to-mouth movements so you can feed before your baby cries, which prevents them from swallowing excess air.
• Position matters during and after feeding: Keep your baby’s head elevated above their stomach during feedings and hold them upright for 20-30 minutes afterward to reduce air intake and help gas move through naturally.
• Combine multiple techniques for best results: Different methods work for different babies and situations, so experiment with tummy massage, the belly hold, and proper bottles to find what brings your baby the most relief.
Caring for a fussy baby can test any mother’s patience. Gas troubles are among the most common reasons newborns cry and squirm during their first few months. Your little one’s digestive system is still developing, and they’re learning how to process milk and handle air that gets swallowed during feeding or crying. The result? Uncomfortable gas bubbles that need to find their way out.
Gas itself is completely normal. Babies pass gas anywhere from 13 to 21 times per day. But the buildup can cause real discomfort. You’ll notice your baby pulling their legs up to their chest, turning red in the face, or becoming extra fussy after feedings. Some babies grunt and strain while others let out surprisingly loud toots for such tiny humans. The good news is that most gas issues peak around six weeks and improve significantly by three months.
What can you do right now to help? There are simple, proven methods that actually work to bring relief fast. Some techniques help prevent gas from building up in the first place, while others help move trapped air through your baby’s system. Below you’ll find eight practical tricks that mothers have relied on to soothe their gassy babies. Each method is safe, easy to do at home, and based on how babies’ bodies naturally work. Let’s get started with what you need to know.
Bicycle Leg Movements
Your baby’s legs are surprisingly useful tools for gas relief. This simple exercise mimics the pedaling motion of riding a bicycle and works by applying gentle pressure to the abdomen while moving trapped gas through the intestines.
Lay your baby flat on their back on a soft surface. Hold both feet gently in your hands. Now move their legs in slow, circular motions as if they’re pedaling a tiny bike. Keep the movements smooth and rhythmic. You can also try a variation where you bend both knees and gently push them toward the belly, hold for a few seconds, then straighten the legs again.
How Long Should You Do This?
A few minutes at a time is plenty. Watch your baby’s reaction. They might pass gas right away, or it might take a few rounds throughout the day. Some mothers do this exercise after every feeding, while others use it whenever their baby seems uncomfortable.
What Makes This Work?
The motion creates pressure changes in the abdomen that help move gas bubbles along. Think of it as a gentle massage from the inside. The leg movements also help babies learn to coordinate their muscles, which they’re still figuring out during those early months. Many babies haven’t quite learned how to push effectively yet, so this technique gives them a little assistance. You can combine this with other methods for better results. Try it before diaper changes or during playtime on the changing table.
Tummy Time
Placing your baby on their stomach while they’re awake does more than build neck strength. The position puts natural pressure on the abdomen that helps break up and release gas bubbles.
Start with short sessions of just a few minutes, especially if your baby isn’t used to being on their belly. Place a soft blanket or play mat on the floor. Lay your baby face-down and get down on their level so they can see you. Put a few toys nearby to keep them interested.
The stretching and wiggling your baby does during this time encourages gas to move through their system. As they lift their head and squirm around, they’re essentially giving themselves a belly massage. This is why you might hear some impressive toots during or right after tummy time.
Timing Matters
Never put your baby on their tummy right after eating. Wait at least 20 to 30 minutes after a feeding to avoid spit-up. The best times are:
Mid-Morning: After your baby has been awake for a bit and had time to digest breakfast.
Between Feedings: Choose a time when their stomach isn’t too full.
During Playtime: Use this position as part of regular floor play throughout the day.
Building Up Gradually
Start with two or three minutes a few times per day. As your baby gets stronger and more comfortable, gradually increase the duration. By three months, many babies can handle 20 minutes or more. If your baby cries immediately, try propping their chest up slightly with a rolled towel under their arms. This makes the position less challenging while still providing gas-relief benefits.
Strategic Burping
Burping isn’t just something you do at the end of a feeding. Smart timing and good technique can prevent gas from becoming a problem in the first place.
Why Burping Works
Air gets swallowed during feeding. That air needs to come out as a burp or it travels down into the intestines and becomes gas. Getting burps out early stops this problem before it starts. But not every baby burps easily, and some need more help than others.
Take breaks during the feeding to burp your baby, not just afterward. If bottle-feeding, stop every two to three ounces to burp. If breastfeeding, switch breasts and take a burping break. Hold your baby upright against your shoulder and pat or rub their back gently. You can also sit them on your lap, supporting their chest and chin with one hand while patting with the other.
What if the burp won’t come? Don’t stress about it. Sometimes babies don’t need to burp, and forcing it can make everyone frustrated. Give it a good try for a couple of minutes. If nothing happens, lay your baby down on their back for a minute or two, then try again. The position change often helps release stubborn air bubbles. Some babies burp better with circular back rubs rather than pats. Experiment to find what works for your little one.
Make It a Habit
Build burping into your routine so it becomes automatic. Many mothers find their babies are less gassy overall once they establish a consistent burping pattern. Pay attention to your baby’s cues too. If they pull away from the bottle or seem fussy mid-feeding, they probably need a burp break right then.
Upright Feeding Position
How you position your baby during feedings makes a real difference in how much air they swallow. Gravity is your friend here.
Feed your baby with their head higher than their stomach. This doesn’t mean sitting them completely upright, which can actually make feeding harder. Aim for a semi-reclined position at about a 45-degree angle. The milk flows down while air naturally rises up and out as burps. Cradle your baby so their head rests in the crook of your elbow, with their body angled upward along your forearm.
For Bottle Feeders
Tilt the bottle so the nipple stays full of milk, not air. If the bottle is too flat, your baby sucks in air with every gulp. Hold the bottle at enough of an angle that milk completely fills the nipple. Some mothers prop themselves up with pillows to maintain a comfortable position for both themselves and the baby.
After feeding, keep your baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes if possible. This gives their stomach time to settle and helps prevent milk from coming back up. You can hold them against your shoulder, sit them on your lap with support, or use a baby carrier. The goal is to keep them relatively vertical, not lying flat. Many babies fall asleep during or right after eating. If yours does, try to keep them at an incline even while sleeping. A slight elevation can help, though always put them flat on their back in their crib once they’re fully asleep for safety. The upright time right after eating is what really matters most.
Tummy Massage
Your hands can provide soothing relief through gentle massage. The pressure and movement help guide gas through your baby’s digestive tract.
Lay your baby on their back on a comfortable surface. Warm your hands by rubbing them together first. Use your fingertips to make slow, gentle circles on your baby’s belly, moving in a clockwise direction. This follows the natural path of the intestines. Start small circles around the belly button and gradually make them bigger.
You can also try the “I Love You” massage technique. Use two or three fingers to trace the letter I down the left side of your baby’s belly. Then trace an upside-down L, starting from your baby’s right side, going across the top of the belly, then down the left side. Finally, trace an upside-down U, going up the right side, across the top, and down the left side.
Pressure and Speed
Keep the touch light but firm enough to move the skin. You’re not tickling, but you’re also not pressing hard. Watch your baby’s face for signs of discomfort. Most babies find this relaxing and might even fall asleep during a massage. Do this for five to ten minutes at a time. You can massage before feedings to help prevent gas or after feedings (wait about 30 minutes) to help move gas that’s already there. Some of the best times are:
During Diaper Changes: You’re already in position with easy access to the belly.
Before Bath Time: The massage can be part of a calming bedtime routine.
When You Notice Fussiness: Use it as an immediate comfort measure.
Combine massage with warm compresses for extra relief. A warm washcloth placed on the belly before massage can help relax the muscles.
Anti-Colic Bottles
The bottle you choose affects how much air your baby takes in during feeding. Modern bottles designed specifically to reduce gas can make a noticeable difference.
Look for bottles with venting systems or special nipple designs. These features help prevent air from mixing with the milk. Some bottles have vents at the base that draw air away from the nipple, keeping it full of liquid. Others use angled necks that let you hold the bottle in a way that reduces air intake. Collapsible bottles that shrink as your baby drinks also limit air exposure.
Nipple Flow Matters Too
A nipple that flows too fast forces your baby to gulp, which means swallowing more air. Start with slow-flow nipples designed for newborns. You can move to faster flows as your baby grows and develops stronger sucking skills, but there’s no rush. Some babies do better with slow-flow nipples for many months.
Watch how your baby feeds. If milk dribbles out the sides of their mouth, the flow might be too fast. If they seem to be working very hard and getting frustrated, it might be too slow. Finding the right balance takes some trial and error.
Preparing the Bottle
Mix formula by stirring gently rather than shaking. Shaking creates foam and bubbles that your baby then swallows. Stir with a spoon or swirl the bottle in slow circles. Let the formula sit for a minute after mixing to allow bubbles to settle before feeding. If you warm bottles, test the temperature on your wrist first. Warm milk flows more smoothly and is often easier for babies to digest than cold milk.
Feed Before the Cry
Timing your feedings can prevent a major source of gas problems. Hungry babies who have to wait will cry, and crying means swallowing air.
Learn your baby’s early hunger cues so you can start feeding before they work themselves up. Early signs include rooting (turning their head and opening their mouth when you touch their cheek), putting their hands to their mouth, or making sucking motions. By the time your baby is crying hard, they’ve already swallowed quite a bit of air.
Creating a Feeding Schedule
Newborns eat frequently, often every two to three hours. Some babies are very regular and predictable. Others are more random. Pay attention to patterns. Does your baby usually get hungry around the same times each day? Feed proactively around those times rather than waiting for hunger signals.
If you’re out running errands or busy with something else and you know feeding time is approaching, try to wrap things up so you’re ready. Having a bottle prepared in advance or finding a comfortable spot to nurse before your baby starts fussing makes everything smoother. A calm baby who’s just starting to feel hungry will feed more slowly and swallow less air than a frantic, crying baby who’s desperate to eat.
What about babies who want to eat constantly? Some newborns cluster feed, especially in the evenings. This is normal. Go ahead and feed on demand, but use extra burping breaks during these frequent sessions.
Using a Pacifier as a Bridge
If your baby is showing hunger signs but you need a few more minutes to prepare, a pacifier can help. The sucking soothes them and buys you time to get ready. Just don’t use it as a replacement for actual feeding. It’s a temporary measure to keep your baby calm until milk is available.
The Belly Hold
Sometimes a simple change in how you hold your baby can provide immediate gas relief. This position applies gentle pressure to the abdomen while keeping your baby secure and comfortable.
Hold your baby face-down along your forearm with their tummy resting on your arm and their head cradled in your hand. Their legs will dangle on either side of your elbow. Support them firmly but gently. You can also reverse this so their head rests in the crook of your elbow and their body extends along your forearm.
Walk around slowly or stand in place and sway gently. The combination of the position, the pressure on their belly, and the movement often helps gas move through. You might hear gurgling sounds or even feel your baby passing gas while you hold them this way. Many babies who are fussy from gas will calm down almost immediately in this position.
Adding Movement
Pat or rub your baby’s back while holding them this way. The extra stimulation can help release trapped air. Some mothers bounce very gently while walking. Find a rhythm that seems to soothe your particular baby. Each one responds differently.
How long should you use this hold? As long as it’s working and your arm doesn’t get too tired. Switch arms when you need to. You can also sit down and lay your baby tummy-down across your lap in a similar position. This works especially well if you want to give a back massage at the same time.
This hold is also great for babies who have trouble settling down to sleep. The slight pressure and the warmth from your arm can be very comforting. Some babies fall asleep in this position. Once they’re out, carefully transfer them to their back in their crib for safe sleep.
Helping Your Baby Feel Better
Gas troubles won’t last forever. Most babies show significant improvement by the time they reach three months. Their digestive systems mature, they get better at coordinating their muscles, and they learn how to manage the sensations in their bodies.
Use these eight methods as tools in your parenting toolkit. Some will work better than others for your specific baby, and what works one day might not work the next. Babies change quickly in those early months. Stay flexible and patient with both your baby and yourself. You’re both learning together. If your baby continues to struggle with severe gas despite trying these techniques, or if you notice other concerning symptoms like bloody stools, vomiting, or refusal to eat, talk to your pediatrician. Sometimes gas can signal a larger issue that needs medical attention, though this is relatively rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if my baby’s crying is from gas or something else?
A: Babies with gas usually pull their legs up to their chest, turn red in the face, and seem to strain or push. They might arch their back or clench their fists. The crying often happens during or after feeding. If your baby calms down after passing gas or burping, that’s a good sign it was gas-related. Other issues like hunger, dirty diapers, or tiredness usually have different patterns and behaviors.
Q: Is it normal for breastfed babies to have gas?
A: Yes, both breastfed and formula-fed babies get gas. Breastfed babies actually tend to have less gas overall, but they still swallow air during feeding and their digestive systems are still developing. Occasionally, something in your diet might affect your baby, though this is less common than many mothers think. Foods like dairy, caffeine, or cruciferous vegetables might be worth monitoring if your baby seems particularly uncomfortable.
Q: How long should I try each gas relief method before moving to the next one?
A: Give each technique a fair try of at least a few days. Some methods work immediately while others take time to show results. Babies also have good days and bad days, so one unsuccessful attempt doesn’t mean a method won’t work. Try different techniques at different times and in different combinations to find what your baby responds to best.
Q: Can gas drops or gripe water help my baby?
A: Over-the-counter gas drops containing simethicone may help some babies by breaking up gas bubbles, though research shows mixed results. Gripe water contains various herbs and isn’t regulated by the FDA, so ingredients vary between brands. Always talk to your pediatrician before giving your baby any supplements or medications, even over-the-counter ones. Many doctors recommend trying physical techniques first.
Q: Should I avoid certain foods if I’m breastfeeding a gassy baby?
A: There’s no single food that causes gas in all babies. Every baby is different. If you notice your baby is consistently gassy or fussy after you eat a particular food, you might try eliminating it for a week to see if things improve. Common suspects include dairy, caffeine, spicy foods, and certain vegetables. But don’t cut out entire food groups without talking to your doctor, as you need good nutrition to produce healthy breast milk.
Q: How often should I burp my baby during feedings?
A: For bottle feeding, stop to burp every two to three ounces. For breastfeeding, burp when switching breasts and at the end of the feeding. Some babies need more frequent burping, especially if they’re gulping quickly or seem to swallow a lot of air. Watch your baby’s cues. If they pull away from the breast or bottle and seem uncomfortable, try burping right away.
Q: Is it bad if my baby doesn’t burp after feeding?
A: Not necessarily. Some babies don’t need to burp every time they eat, and that’s fine. Give them a few minutes to try, but if nothing comes out, don’t force it. The air might come out later as gas, or they might not have swallowed much air during that particular feeding. As long as your baby seems comfortable and isn’t showing signs of distress, you don’t need to worry.
Q: What’s the best position for a gassy baby to sleep?
A: Always put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm, flat surface. This is the safest sleep position and reduces the risk of SIDS. While some positions might seem better for gas, safety comes first. You can help with gas during awake time through tummy time, massage, and other techniques. Some parents elevate the head of the crib slightly, but check with your pediatrician first, as this can create sliding risks.
Q: At what age do babies usually outgrow gas problems?
A: Most babies show significant improvement around three months of age. Their digestive systems become more mature, they learn to coordinate their muscles better, and they develop more efficient feeding patterns. Some babies continue to have occasional gas issues beyond this point, but the intensity and frequency usually decrease dramatically. If problems persist past three or four months, discuss it with your pediatrician.
Q: Can the way I prepare formula affect my baby’s gas?
A: Yes. Shaking formula creates bubbles and foam that your baby then swallows. Stir the formula gently instead, or swirl the bottle in slow circles. Let it sit for a minute after mixing so bubbles can settle before feeding. Also make sure you’re using the correct ratio of water to powder as directed on the package. Too much or too little powder can affect digestion.
