Introduction
Bringing a newborn home is one of life’s most heartwarming experiences—but when your little one cries for hours and seems to be in pain, it can leave you feeling helpless. If your baby cries intensely, passes gas often, or seems unsettled after feeding, chances are you’re dealing with baby colic and gas.
The good news? You’re not alone, and there are gentle, effective ways to help your baby feel better. In this guide, we’ll walk through 10 proven remedies to soothe colicky, gassy babies and bring calm back to your home—naturally and safely.
What Is Baby Colic & Gas?
Before you can treat it, it’s important to understand what’s happening.
Baby gas occurs when air gets trapped in your baby’s stomach or intestines. This can happen during feeding, crying, or simply due to an immature digestive system. Babies can’t always expel that air easily, which leads to fussiness, bloating, and discomfort.
Colic, on the other hand, refers to episodes of intense crying that last for hours, often without a clear cause. It usually appears around 2–3 weeks of age and improves by 3–4 months. A colicky baby might cry more than three hours a day, several days a week, even if they’re healthy and well-fed.
While gas can contribute to colic symptoms, the two are not exactly the same. However, many of the same soothing techniques work for both.
Signs Your Baby Has Colic or Gas
Recognizing the signs early can help you take the right steps to ease discomfort.
-
Crying for long stretches, especially in the evening
-
Clenched fists, arched back, or red face while crying
-
Drawing legs up toward the tummy
-
Frequent burping or passing gas
-
Trouble sleeping or eating due to discomfort
-
Distended belly that feels tight or bloated
If your baby is otherwise feeding, growing, and wetting diapers normally, these symptoms often point to baby colic and gas rather than a serious condition.
Why Addressing Baby Colic & Gas Matters
Constant crying can take an emotional toll on both parents and baby. Addressing colic and gas can help:
-
Improve your baby’s comfort and sleep
-
Enhance digestion and reduce fussiness
-
Strengthen bonding between you and your little one
-
Reduce stress and anxiety for parents
-
Create a calmer household routine
Now, let’s explore 10 effective, time-tested remedies to deal with baby colic and gas naturally.
10 Effective Remedies to Deal with Baby Colic & Gas
1. Burp Your Baby Frequently
Proper burping is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce gas buildup. Babies swallow air while feeding, and without burping, that air can get trapped, causing pain and crying.
Try these burping positions:
-
Hold your baby upright on your shoulder and gently pat the back.
-
Sit your baby on your lap, support their chest, and rub in a circular motion.
-
Lay your baby face down across your lap and pat gently.
Burp during and after feeds, not just when feeding ends. This helps prevent discomfort before it starts.
2. Adjust Feeding Positions
The way you feed your baby can make a big difference in gas buildup. Always keep your baby’s head slightly higher than their stomach during feeding. This allows air to rise and be released naturally.
Tips for bottle-fed babies:
-
Use anti-colic feeding bottles designed to reduce air intake.
-
Check the nipple flow—too fast a flow can cause gulping.
-
Hold the bottle at an angle to keep the nipple filled with milk, not air.
For breastfed babies:
-
Ensure a deep latch to prevent swallowing air.
-
Try different feeding positions until your baby seems most comfortable.
3. Offer Smaller, More Frequent Feeds
Overfeeding or feeding too quickly can make your baby swallow more air, worsening gas and colic symptoms. Instead of large, infrequent meals, offer smaller amounts more often.
Feeding slowly and giving breaks mid-feed for burping can reduce gas and make digestion easier. Watch your baby’s hunger cues—they often know how much they need.
4. Try Gentle Infant Tummy Massage
A tummy massage can do wonders for baby gas relief. Using warm hands, gently rub your baby’s belly in a clockwise motion, following the direction of the intestines.
You can also move their legs in a bicycle motion—this helps release trapped air and soothe the abdomen. Perform this massage when your baby is calm, not right after a big feed.
5. Include Tummy Time in Daily Routine
Tummy time isn’t just for building muscles—it also helps relieve gas. When your baby lies on their stomach (while awake and supervised), gentle pressure helps move air through the intestines.
Lay your baby tummy-down on your lap or chest for a few minutes several times a day. It can ease gas pain, strengthen neck muscles, and promote better digestion.
6. Review Feeding Tools or Formula
Sometimes, the cause of colic and gas can be traced to feeding methods or formula ingredients.
-
For formula-fed babies, talk to your pediatrician about switching to a gentler formula designed for sensitive tummies.
-
For breastfeeding moms, pay attention to your diet. Some foods—like dairy, caffeine, or spicy dishes—can affect your baby’s digestion. Try eliminating one food at a time to see if symptoms improve.
Small changes can often bring big relief.
7. Create a Calming Environment
A baby who feels secure and comforted may cry less intensely during colic episodes. Use colicky baby soothing techniques such as:
-
Swaddling in a lightweight blanket
-
Gentle rocking or rhythmic motion
-
Playing white noise or soft lullabies
-
Dimming lights to reduce stimulation
-
Holding your baby skin-to-skin
Sometimes, your baby just needs to know you’re there. Calm energy from you can make a world of difference.
8. Use a Warm Compress or Bath
A warm bath or compress helps relax your baby’s abdominal muscles and can provide instant comfort. Dip a soft cloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it gently on your baby’s tummy for a few minutes.
A soothing evening bath also helps release trapped gas and prepares your little one for sleep—especially if they struggle with baby gas at night.
9. Develop a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Colic symptoms often peak during the late evening hours. Establishing a calm, predictable bedtime routine can make nights easier for everyone.
Try this simple sequence:
-
Warm bath → gentle tummy massage → feeding → upright burping → dim lights → lullaby or white noise.
Consistency helps signal your baby that it’s time to relax, reducing fussiness and aiding digestion before sleep.
10. Know When to Seek Medical Advice
Most cases of baby colic and gas resolve on their own by the fourth month, but sometimes medical attention is needed. Contact your pediatrician if:
-
Crying persists for hours despite soothing attempts
-
Your baby refuses to eat or loses weight
-
You notice vomiting, blood in stool, or fever
-
Your instincts tell you something feels “off”
A doctor can rule out allergies, reflux, or other conditions and guide you toward the safest solutions.
Bonus: Self-Care for Parents
Caring for a colicky baby is emotionally draining. Remember—your baby isn’t crying because of anything you did wrong. Take short breaks when needed, lean on family or friends, and rest whenever possible.
A calm parent helps create a calm baby. Don’t hesitate to ask for support; parenting is a team effort.
FAQs
1. How long does baby colic last?
Colic often begins around 2–3 weeks of age and improves by 3–4 months as your baby’s digestive system matures.
2. Can I prevent gas completely?
Not entirely, but regular burping, good feeding posture, and tummy time can greatly reduce it.
3. Is gas more common in bottle-fed babies?
Yes, because bottles can trap air bubbles. Anti-colic bottles help minimize this.
4. Should I give my baby gas drops?
Always consult your pediatrician before using any medication. Some babies respond to gas drops, while others don’t.
5. When should I worry about excessive crying?
If your baby cries uncontrollably for more than three hours a day, has trouble feeding, or shows unusual symptoms, it’s time to call your doctor.
Join Us on Social Media
We’d love to connect with you!
👉 Follow us for more baby name ideas and parenting tips:
-
Facebook: [click here]
-
Instagram: [click here]
-
YouTube: [click here]
Conclusion
Dealing with baby colic and gas can test your patience—but it’s temporary, and your baby will outgrow it. With gentle remedies like burping, tummy massages, upright feeding, and a soothing bedtime routine, you can make your little one feel more comfortable and restore peace in your home.
Remember: every baby is different. What matters most is staying calm, trying one remedy at a time, and trusting your instincts. You’ve got this—both you and your baby will soon be sleeping more soundly.