How do I tell if my baby has gas?

It is very common for babies to experience gas as their digestive systems mature. You can tell your baby has gas by looking for a combination of behavioral and physical cues.

Key Signs Your Baby Has Gas

• Pulling legs up: A gassy baby will often pull their knees up toward their chest or arch their back in discomfort.
• A hard, bloated tummy: If you gently press your baby's abdomen and it feels tight, swollen, or hard rather than soft, they likely have trapped gas.
• Crying or fussiness during/after feeding: If your baby begins crying, squirms, or acts fussy shortly after starting a feed or immediately after finishing, gas is often the culprit.
• Clenched fists and body tension: General physical tension, squirming, or clenching their hands into fists can indicate physical discomfort from gas pressure.
• Frequent flatulence or burping: While passing gas is normal, doing so frequently alongside fussiness or crying indicates that gas is actively bothering them.
• Difficulty sleeping: Gas pain can make it hard for a baby to settle down, or cause them to wake up suddenly writhing or crying.

Quick Ways to Provide Relief

1. Bicycle Legs: Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a cycling motion toward their tummy to help manually push trapped bubbles out.
2. Tummy Time: Placing your baby on their stomach while awake and supervised puts gentle pressure on their abdomen, which naturally helps release gas.
3. Frequent Burping: Pause to burp your baby midway through a feed and again at the end. If bottle-feeding, ensure they are using a slow-flow nipple to prevent swallowing excess air.
4. Tummy Massage: Gently rub your baby's tummy in a clockwise motion (the direction of digestion) to help move gas along the intestinal tract.