Being a mom comes with so many joys, but let’s be real—when your little one is struggling with gas, it can feel like the toughest part of the day. If you’re here, you’re probably exhausted from those late-night cries or the fussy afternoons where nothing seems to help. As a mom who’s been through it, I know how tough it can be when your baby just can’t get comfortable because of gas. You just want them to rest peacefully and be content. But here’s the thing: you’re not alone, and there are simple, practical steps we can take to help our gassy babies sleep better.
*This post includes affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep providing high-quality content on this site for free. Rest assured, I only recommend products that I would personally use and believe will be helpful for my readers.
As a new mom, one of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with is my baby’s gas troubles, especially at night. It’s so tough to watch them squirm in discomfort, unable to settle and get a good night’s sleep because of trapped gas. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, it’s totally normal for your baby’s little digestive system to cause excess gas. That doesn’t make it any less stressful, though! The good news is, there are effective ways to help your baby find relief and sleep better. In this post, I’ll share why gas seems worse at night, how to help your baby release gas, and some simple tricks to ease their discomfort. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I’m right there with you, and I promise that with a few helpful tips, you can get your baby (and yourself!) some much-needed rest.
Understanding Gas in Babies
Before diving into the tips, it’s important to understand what’s going on inside your baby’s tummy. Babies have a developing digestive system, which means gas is unfortunately a pretty common problem. Babies tend to swallow air when feeding (yes, even when breastfeeding), and that air can get trapped, causing discomfort. Sometimes, their little digestive tracts just aren’t mature enough to handle it smoothly. That’s why gassy babies often experience moments of fussy crying and discomfort.
While gas in babies is totally normal, it can be tough for both of you. So, let’s dive into these 21 tips to reduce gas discomfort and help your baby sleep soundly.
How can I help my baby with trapped gas at night?
If your baby is experiencing trapped gas at night, there are a few steps you can take to help them find relief. One of the best ways to alleviate gas pains is by keeping your baby in an upright position after feeding. This position encourages the release of gas bubbles from their digestive tract, which can help prevent discomfort and promote better sleep. For breastfed babies, make sure your latch is good and that they are swallowing less air while feeding. You can also try gentle techniques like patting their back or holding them in a position that helps release any excess gas. If you notice your baby still struggles, it’s worth trying gas drops to ease the discomfort, but always consult your pediatrician first to ensure it’s appropriate.
In addition to positioning, be mindful of your own diet if you’re breastfeeding. Dairy products and certain food sensitivities can pass through breast milk and cause excess gas in your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests keeping track of any potential food triggers that could be causing discomfort. Avoiding certain foods may help reduce the amount of gas your baby experiences. Furthermore, be sure to offer tummy time regularly throughout the day, as this helps strengthen their digestive system, making it easier for them to pass gas and digest their meals.
How do you get gas out of a sleeping baby?
Getting gas out of a sleeping baby can be tricky, but it’s possible with a few simple techniques. One effective way to release gas bubbles is by gently massaging your baby’s tummy in a soft, clockwise motion. This mimics the natural movements of the digestive tract, helping to move trapped gas along. You can also try the bicycling motion with their legs, gently moving them in and out to help relieve gas. If your baby is already asleep, ensure they are still in an upright position or slightly tilted to help their digestive system work more effectively. Babies who are bottle-fed might ingest more air during feeding, so holding them in the right position can help minimize gas buildup at night.
When trying to relieve gas in a sleeping baby, patience is key. Make sure to soothe them with calming actions, like gentle rocking or softly patting their back. If your baby is a gassy newborn, these motions can encourage the movement of gas and offer some relief without fully waking them up. It’s important to remember that babies’ digestive systems are still developing, and it’s common for them to experience excess gas, especially during the first few months of age. In addition, try to avoid feeding right before bedtime to reduce the chances of nighttime gas troubles.
Why is gas worse at night for babies?
Gas can seem worse at night for babies because their immature digestive systems are still developing and processing food slowly. As your baby sleeps, their digestive tract is working less efficiently, which means the gas that builds up during the day might not be released as easily. For breastfed babies, gas can also be exacerbated by swallowing air during feeding, especially if they are not latched properly or are feeding in a way that causes extra air to be taken in. This can lead to discomfort and fussy babies when it’s time to sleep. You might also notice that your baby experiences more gas if they’ve had foods that can cause gas-causing bubbles in the digestive system, such as dairy products or food sensitivities in your own diet.
Additionally, the best sleeping position for your baby can affect how gas moves through their body. Babies lying flat or in positions where gravity is not helping their digestive system may experience more trapped gas, especially if they’ve swallowed a lot of air during feeding. The buildup of gas can cause discomfort, making it harder for them to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night. The good news is that adjusting feeding positions, offering tummy time, and using gentle techniques to help release the gas can ease the situation. Ensuring your baby is in the upright position for a while after feeding can make a huge difference in reducing nighttime gas troubles.
How do you massage a baby’s stomach to release gas?
Massaging your baby’s tummy is a great way to help release trapped gas and alleviate discomfort. To do so, gently place your hand on their belly and use a soft, clockwise motion, as this mimics the natural direction of digestion. This helps the gas move along the digestive tract and eases gas pains. You can also apply gentle pressure around their belly button area to help relieve gas and soothe their discomfort. When massaging your baby’s tummy, make sure to keep your touch gentle and loving, as this not only helps with the gas but also calms your baby and makes them feel more secure. The combination of tummy time, good feeding positions, and gentle belly massages can help relieve much of the excess gas that causes trouble.
In addition to massaging, using the bicycling motion with your baby’s legs is another great way to help release gas. This action, combined with gentle tummy massages, encourages the baby’s body to naturally expel air bubbles from their stomach. It’s important to be consistent with tummy time and massaging throughout the day, as these habits will help build a stronger digestive system over time. This, in turn, will reduce the frequency and intensity of gas-related discomfort, especially during the night when babies are more likely to struggle with excess gas. Keep in mind that the more relaxed your baby is, the easier it will be to release gas without upsetting them further.
Why is my breastfed baby so gassy at night?
If your breastfed baby is gassy at night, there are a few factors to consider. One common reason is that babies swallow air during feedings, especially if the latch isn’t perfect or if they are feeding too quickly. This excess air can become trapped in the digestive tract and cause discomfort later in the day or at night. Additionally, breastfed babies can sometimes experience food sensitivities or reactions to dairy products in your diet, which can contribute to excess gas. If you suspect your baby is reacting to something in your breast milk, it might help to keep track of your diet and consult with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant to determine if certain foods could be causing the gas.
Breastfeeding positions also play a role in the amount of air your baby swallows. Ensure your baby is in the best feeding position to minimize the chances of swallowing too much air. If you’re using a slow-flow nipple when bottle-feeding, it can also help reduce gas buildup. It’s important to note that babies’ digestive systems are still immature in the early months, making it harder for them to digest and pass gas efficiently. As your baby grows, their digestive system will mature, and these nighttime gas troubles should lessen over time. In the meantime, maintaining good feeding practices, gentle tummy massages, and ensuring the best sleeping position can help ease the discomfort.
21 Easy Tips to Help Gassy Baby Sleep
I’ve gathered 21 tips that have helped me (and countless other moms) find relief for our little ones and get them the sleep they so desperately need. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or dealing with a colicky phase, these tips are here to support you through it.
Tips to Prevent Gas Discomfort Before Sleep
-
Burp Your Baby During and After Feeding
As simple as it sounds, burping your baby during and after each feeding can help release the trapped air that causes gas. Make sure to burp them every few minutes, especially if you’re bottle-feeding. Babies swallow air, and getting rid of that air can make a world of difference. If your baby’s feeding routine is a little longer, try burping them halfway through as well. -
Use Anti-Colic Bottles
If you’re bottle-feeding, consider using anti-colic bottles. These bottles are designed to minimize air intake, which reduces the likelihood of gas build-up. It’s something I wish I had learned sooner! These bottles use a special vent system that ensures your baby gets the milk, not the bubbles. Trust me, it can make a huge difference. -
Proper Feeding Positions
Did you know that the way you hold your baby while feeding can affect how much air they swallow? I learned this the hard way. Try keeping your baby as upright as possible when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to reduce the air that might get sucked in. This helps with both feeding and preventing gas later on. -
Monitor Your Diet If Breastfeeding
If you’re breastfeeding, you might want to pay attention to your diet. Some foods, like dairy or spicy foods, can upset your baby’s stomach and cause more gas. If you suspect this might be the case, it could be worth eliminating certain foods to see if your baby’s gas improves. As a breastfeeding mom, this trial and error can be frustrating, but it’s worth it when you see your baby finally getting some relief. -
Consider a Formula Change
If you’re formula-feeding, and you’ve noticed consistent gas and discomfort, it might be time to talk to your pediatrician about switching formulas. There are hypoallergenic and lactose-free formulas available that are easier on your baby’s tummy and can help with digestion. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the right fit.
Tips for Reducing Gas After Feeding
-
Tummy Time for Your Baby
Tummy time isn’t just great for your baby’s development, but it can also help relieve gas. When your baby is on their tummy, the gentle pressure can help push that trapped air out. And as a bonus, tummy time helps build their muscles for future milestones, so it’s a win-win! -
Use Gentle Belly Massages
Gentle massages can work wonders on a gassy tummy. Try massaging in a clockwise direction (the way your baby’s intestines naturally move) to help alleviate discomfort. Use a small amount of baby oil or lotion and make it a part of your pre-bedtime routine. It’s a soothing and calming experience that may help your baby relax before bedtime. -
Gripe Water or Gas Drops
I’ve used gripe water and gas drops with my little ones, and they can really help provide some relief. These over-the-counter remedies are designed specifically for baby’s gas discomfort. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully, and if you’re unsure about what’s safe for your baby, chat with your pediatrician.- my GO TO gas drops
- my GO TO gas drops
-
Keep Your Baby Upright After Feeding
After your baby eats, hold them upright for about 15 to 30 minutes. This position helps the milk move through their digestive system and allows any trapped air to escape. I’ve found that this is especially helpful in reducing those fussy, gassy moments before bedtime. -
Offer a Pacifier
Sucking on a pacifier can help your baby soothe themselves and relieve gas pain. The sucking motion can help relax their tummy muscles and even encourage the release of trapped air. If your baby seems uncomfortable, offering them a pacifier for a few minutes might just do the trick.
Comforting Your Baby to Sleep
-
Create a Calm Feeding and Sleeping Environment
A calm, quiet, and dark environment can make all the difference when it comes to your baby’s sleep. Try dimming the lights, playing soft music or white noise, and ensuring the room is the right temperature. A peaceful environment can help your baby drift off to sleep more easily, even if they’ve had a bit of gas during the day. -
Try the Colic Carry
The colic carry (where you hold your baby across your forearm, with their belly down) can help relieve gas. This position puts gentle pressure on your baby’s tummy, which can help ease any discomfort. I’ve found that this simple move can calm my baby down when nothing else works. -
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. A predictable sequence of calming activities, like a bath, feeding, gentle massage, and storytime, will help them feel settled and ready for bed. Plus, knowing what to expect each night makes the process smoother for both of you. -
Use White Noise to Sooth Your Baby
White noise is a game-changer! It can mask outside sounds and create a calming atmosphere that helps your baby fall asleep faster. Whether you use a white noise machine or just leave the fan on, this can create a soothing environment that helps your baby sleep through their gas discomfort. -
Massage with Baby Oil or Lotion
A gentle massage with baby oil or lotion can do wonders for your baby’s gassy tummy. A relaxing massage, especially at bedtime, can help relieve gas and also signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down for the night.
When to Consult a Pediatrician
Even though most gas issues are completely normal, there are times when it’s important to consult your pediatrician. If your baby’s gas is persistent, if they seem to be in constant pain or discomfort, or if you notice other symptoms like a rash, bloody stools, or vomiting, it’s a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider. Trust your instincts, mama. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
I know how exhausting it can be when your baby’s gas keeps them (and you!) up at night. But I hope that these tips offer some comfort and help you find the solution that works best for your little one. Remember, every baby is different, and sometimes it takes a little trial and error to figure out what works. But with patience and consistency, you’ll help your baby get the restful sleep they need. And trust me, mama—you’ve got this!
FAQs to Help Gassy Baby Sleep
How can I tell if my baby’s gas is causing discomfort?
Look for signs of fussiness, crying, pulling their legs toward their tummy, or difficulty sleeping. If your baby seems generally uncomfortable after feeding, gas may be the culprit.
Is it safe to use gripe water or gas drops for my baby?
Yes, but always check with your pediatrician first, especially for newborns. Some products are better suited for certain age groups, so it’s important to use what’s best for your baby.
Can breastfeeding moms eat foods that cause gas in babies?
Yes, but some foods like dairy, caffeine, and spicy foods can make your baby gassier. Try eliminating one food at a time to see if it helps.
How do I help my baby sleep if they have a lot of gas?
Try holding them upright after feedings, using tummy time, or giving them a gentle massage. Creating a calm environment and sticking to a bedtime routine will also help.
What are the best feeding positions for reducing gas?
Hold your baby upright during and after feeding. This reduces air intake and helps gas escape more easily.
When should I consult my pediatrician about my baby’s gas issues?
If gas seems to be causing excessive discomfort or if there are other symptoms (like a rash or vomiting), reach out to your pediatrician.
Final Thoughts
Parenting is full of challenges, but with these tips, you’re well on your way to helping your little one sleep soundly. I hope these suggestions bring some relief to your baby’s gas struggles and help you both enjoy peaceful nights. You’re doing great, mama!
