Parents' Guide to Soothing Your Crying Baby
This article is from the WebMD Feature Archive
Infant Gas: Preventing and Treating It
All babies have gas. But many new parents are surprised at just how much gas their tiny infants seem to have and how fussy it can make them. Infant gas symptoms include burping, flatulence, bloating, cramps, and, of course, crying.
Most often, infant gas is not a sign of a bigger problem. And what may seem to parents like too much infant gas may not be. Passing gas 14 to 23 times a day is normal for both adults and children. But there are ways to help prevent your baby from having excessive gas and pass it more easily.
Baby Development: Your 1-month-old
The first year of your new baby’s life is an amazing time. Within just 12 months, your baby will transform from a newborn who is totally dependent on you, to a toddler who is starting to walk, talk, and exhibit the first signs of independence. During the first month, your newborn is just getting used to this big, strange new world. And you are getting used to taking care of your baby’s many needs. Below are just a few of the changes you can expect to see during your child’s first month. It's...
Read the Baby Development: Your 1-month-old article > >
What Causes Infant Gas?
Gas is generally caused by:
- Swallowed air
- Normal breakdown of undigested foods
Since babies cry more than older children or adults, they naturally swallow more air and have more gas. They also have a harder time getting the gas out of their tummies than older babies, children, and adults.
What can you do to make it easier for your baby?
First, realize that your child may not necessarily be as uncomfortable as you think she is. “If the baby is generally happy and only fusses for a few seconds while passing gas, that’s a sign that it’s normal,” says Jennifer Shu, MD, a board-certified pediatrician in Atlanta and the author of Food Fights:Winning the Nutritional Challenges of Parenthood Armed with Insight, Humor, and a Bottle of Ketchup, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“Even if they turn red and make noise, it doesn’t mean that it bothers them. If they’re happy in between episodes and not too distressed during them, there’s probably nothing wrong,” Shu says.
Don’t mistake gas for infant colic. Gas does not cause colic, although colicky babies may swallow a lot of air while crying, which can bring on gas. And while gas can cause discomfort, it doesn’t cause the inconsolable distress and crying that are symptoms of colic.
More Baby Care Essentials
- Infant Development
Your baby will learn and grow quickly. Here's what you need to know.
Feeding Baby Essentials
New Mom Essentials
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.